Hot Creek Geological Site is a scenic, geologically active area near Mammoth Lakes, California, known for its boiling turquoise geothermal springs.

You can find numerous warning signs throughout the area, but none larger than the one at the entrance listing the major hazards, including:

• Scalding water
• Arsenic in the water
• Sudden temperature changes
• Unpredictable eruptions
• Unstable ground

Since 1968, at least 14 people have died due to the extremely dangerous conditions. Temperature swings of up to 90°C over mere seconds have been recorded within the stream.

I was there at first light, trying my luck at capturing a timelapse of the smoky, serpentine creek with the peaks of the Sierra Nevada in the background.

A few minutes after I pressed the shutter on my intervalometer, a car pulled up near the entrance. Two guys stepped out dressed in full beach attire — swimming shorts, flip-flops, beach towels, and a six-pack of beer.

They walked right past the sign and continued down the hill. I called out and asked if it was their first time there. They replied yes, looking a bit confused. “I don’t think you can swim here,” I said, pointing to the large warning sign. They turned around to read it. Moments later, they headed back to their car and drove off.

There are quite a few hot springs in the area, so it was an honest mistake. Still, I couldn’t help laughing at the absurdity of the situation. The whole thing lasted less than a minute and felt straight out of a hidden-camera prank.