Hiding near Mammoth Lakes, California is one of the state’s most spectacular natural wonders. Obsidian Dome, also sometimes referred to as Glass Mountain, is a mountain made completely of volcanic glass. The result of hundreds of years of geologic activity, it’s the type of sight you won’t soon forget. Hike up to the mountain and immerse yourself in a landscape that looks ripped straight from another planet. This is the type of place you simply have to see to believe.
Hiding in the High Sierra is a natural wonder unlike anything you've seen before. True to its name, Obsidian Dome is a small mountain comprised solely of volcanic glass, and it's an otherworldly sight you won't forget.
You'll find this stunning destination located north of Mammoth Lakes, right along Highway 395. A short and dusty dirt road aptly called Obsidian Dome Road takes you right to a parking lot at the base of the mountain. Here you can park your car and start the trek up the massive dome.
The trail at the base of the mountain is a great way to explore the area and check out the mass amounts of volcanic glass that the dome is made of. It seems like everywhere you turn there are mounds and mounds of obsidian rock varying in shades of both light and dark.
How exactly did this natural wonder come to be? Obsidian Dome was created approximately 600 years ago during a phreatic blast, which is when magma combines with water on its way to the earth's surface. During the blast, the water turned into steam and the magma cooled into the volcanic glass you see today.
The so-called "mountain" is actually just a massive pile of obsidian boulders. Visitors can attempt to climb to the top of the 300-foot-high dome. The trek is just a mile long and great for explorers of all ages.
Just be sure to bring some sturdy footwear. Obsidian rock is extremely hard and brittle. It's capable of creating an edge just a single molecule thick—great for arrowheads and primitive cutting tools, not so great for casual sneakers.
Consider Obsidian Dome a must-see when you're in the area. This looming glass mountain may have you believe you've been transported to a different planet, but it just goes to show that our state is home to some extraordinary natural wonders.
