Obsidian Dome

Total Miles
4.4

Elevation

2,543.56 ft

Duration

3 Hours

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Trail Overview

The Obsidian Dome is one of many places where you can experience the immensity and the history of volcanic activity in the Mammoth Lakes area. The road starts out paved but quickly turns to gravel and becomes rough. Low vehicles might want to stop before the gravel section. The trail takes you up to the top of the dome, with great views. You'll feel like you just dropped into Mordor-the change is pretty dramatic. Along the base of the dome, you'll find car-sized boulders of obsidian. There are several small pullouts that provide access to a short hike up a gentle grade that takes you to the top of the dome, where you can see massive formations of obsidian, pumice, quartz, and more.

Photos of Obsidian Dome

Obsidian Dome
Obsidian Dome

Difficulty

This is a mostly dirt road with some exposed rocks and tree roots that are large enough to require a high-clearance 4x4.

Technical Rating

3

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