Obsidian Dome Loop

Take a tour around the Obsidian Dome. In some areas, the path is heavily laden with sandy pumice (typical in this region) so some hikers might find these sections troublesome. There are a couple of steeper sections as well, but they are pretty short.This large dome is located west of Highway 395, north of Mammoth Lakes. Ample parking is available and you can park closer to the dome if preferred. The path is unmistakable and may be taken in either direction around the dome. The western side is more forested than the eastern side and it can be very hot in the summer, so bring water. There is at least one path on the southern side that will take hikers up onto the dome for the adventurous spirits.

Located in the Inyo National Forest, the Obsidian Dome was created by a phreatic blast - the explosion that takes place when magma reaches the water table and turns the water into steam - and the magma pushes up and cools to create rock.