Experience the Otherworldly Obsidian Dome

There are many displays of unique and interesting volcanic geology in the Mammoth Lakes area and all along US-395. We’ve had an opportunity to camp at a few of these amazing features – such as Fossil Falls and Volcanic Tablelands. And while we were camping at the free forest service Hartley Springs Campground we were only a couple miles from another unique spectacle, Obsidian Dome!

Obsidian is basically volcanic glass that is formed when volcanic lava cools rapidly. It is shiny, smooth and usually black. According to the Forest Service website, Obsidian Dome was created by an explosion in which magma reaches the water table, turning the water to steam, before pushing up and cooling – turning to rock.

The feature itself is a tall dome made up large, sharp and jagged chunks of obsidian. It is not only a sight to see but a blast to climb around on and explore. The views from the top are pretty legit too!

Quick Info: Hiking Obsidian Dome

Distance: A 1 mile trail will lead you up onto the dome. And once you’re up there there’s (sharp) rock scrambling in any direction. There is also the 6.2 mile Obsidian Dome Loop Trail that encircles the dome but we did not do that.

Difficulty: Easy if you stay on the trail.

Directions: From Mammoth Lakes, take US-395 north for 11 miles and turn left onto Obsidian Dome Road. After a mile, stay left to continue on Obsidian Dome Road and after about another half mile there are a couple different areas to park. We passed the first parking area and parked near the gate.

Our Experience at Obsidian Dome

We were camping at Hartley Springs Campground and descided to head over to check out Obsidian Dome. We parked at the second parking area by the gate. Then we followed the flattened (bulldozed) trail up to the top. From the top there are other unofficial paths heading in multiple directions. We chose a path but didn’t stay on it very long!

Scrambling around on obsidian is a bit more jagged and sharp than most of the rocks that we’re used to scrambling on! But it was fun to just scramble around and explore! The views were unreal… the dome itself looked like we were on another planet.

Explore Later – Pin it Now!

And the surrounding views were incredible! The forests and mountaintops all around this giant pile of rocks was definitely a surreal sight to see. We had the area to ourselves as we climbed around and took in the views. This is definitely a unique and worthy stop if you’re in the area!

And there’s a free campground just two miles away – Hartley Springs Campground. Check out our article to find out more about this wonderful forest service campground.

Thanks for Reading!

Obsidian Dome may be a short quick adventure but it’s not a sight you see everyday! If you get excited by adventures with cool geology like we do – check out these articles below:

• Trona Pinnacles
• Exploring Badlands National Park
• Hiking to the Wind Caves in Southern California
• Fossil Falls Hiking and Camping

If you’re in the Mammoth area, you should know that Mammoth’s Volcom Brothers Skatepark is unmissable! Make sure to check it out!

And if you’re interested in a unique, hand painted longboard, head over to our Lost Coast Longboarding Shop to see our latest lineup!

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