Trail Overview

This relatively flat trail takes you to the historic Panum Crater, offering an educational and scenic journey through volcanic terrain. The route provides beautiful views of the Eastern Sierras and Crater Mountain area, as well as excellent vantage points of Panum Crater itself. This trail offers visitors the opportunity to explore geological history while enjoying some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the region.

Photos of Panum Crater Road - FS 1S28

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Difficulty

This trail earns the easiest difficulty rating with its relatively flat terrain and hard pack gravel and rock surface, making it accessible to most vehicles and skill levels.

History

Panum Crater, located in the Mono Craters volcanic field, is a relatively young geological feature, formed by a series of eruptions around 670 years ago. It's characterized by an outer ring of pumice and an inner core of obsidian, formed after initial explosive eruptions that created a large crater.

Technical Rating

Disco Overlander Personal

Aug 09, 2026

2014 Toyota 4Runner

Open

Normal

The trail is still as described. Small rocks slightly bouncy. Trails in decent shake. Great fuse at the surrounding Eastern Sierras and other fountains