Obsidian Dome
Explore a vast, otherworldly landscape of black volcanic glass, offering stunning Sierra Nevada views. A unique geological marvel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Roads are clearest, best hiking conditions
Obsidian Dome
Best Time
Roads are clearest, best hiking conditions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a vast, otherworldly landscape of black volcanic glass, offering stunning Sierra Nevada views. A unique geological marvel.
"An out of this world experience in California, truly wild and crazy!"
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Road
The road can be sketchy, especially higher up. An SUV or 4x4 is best to avoid getting stuck.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Sharp obsidian rocks cover the ground. Wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes; Crocs are not recommended!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Obsidian Landscape
The entire dome area
Walk among a vast expanse of black volcanic glass boulders and pebbles. It's an otherworldly, Mars-like terrain.
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Panoramic Sierra Views
Summit of Obsidian Dome
Climb to the top for breathtaking, sweeping vistas of the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains and surrounding lakes.
Geological Wonder
Obsidian Dome
Marvel at this geologically young volcanic feature, formed by rapidly cooled lava, creating natural obsidian and pumice.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Road to Obsidian Dome
Embrace the Primitive Landscape
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Road
The road can be sketchy, especially higher up. An SUV or 4x4 is best to avoid getting stuck.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Sharp obsidian rocks cover the ground. Wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes; Crocs are not recommended!
💧 Bring Your Own Water
This is a primitive area with no services. Pack plenty of water for your visit.
📸 Capture the Otherworldly
The unique landscape is incredibly photogenic. Drones can offer stunning aerial perspectives.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Road
The road can be sketchy, especially higher up. An SUV or 4x4 is best to avoid getting stuck.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Sharp obsidian rocks cover the ground. Wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes; Crocs are not recommended!
💧 Bring Your Own Water
This is a primitive area with no services. Pack plenty of water for your visit.
📸 Capture the Otherworldly
The unique landscape is incredibly photogenic. Drones can offer stunning aerial perspectives.
⬆️ Scramble for Views
Don't hesitate to scramble over the boulders for the best panoramic views of the Sierras.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Obsidian Dome a fascinating, otherworldly geological site with stunning Sierra Nevada views. While the unique obsidian landscape is a major draw, the challenging road access and primitive conditions require careful preparation. Many recommend an SUV for the drive and sturdy footwear for navigating the sharp rocks.
"You will have fun if you're interested in seeing a large pile of obsidian. Climbing to the top is pretty cool which is where you can see the magnitude of this geologic structure. This is a primitive area. No outhouses or other services available."
Rick Mattish
"Very cool place where literally every rock there is some form of obsidian or basalt. The black rocks shine really bright in the sun. The road up is sketchy, especially if you don't have an SUV at minimum. During most winters the road is closed to vehicles. However, right now it's still open to cars because there's been very little snow this winter. The drive to parking spot #1 is not challenging, although there is one short, inclined section that retains snow because of the mountain face. The drive to parking spot #2 is where things get sketchy. Even now, with the slow winter, there's a lot of snow in this area and if you want to turn around it's very hard to find a spot wide enough on the road to do so. I DO NOT recommend driving to parking spot #2 unless you want to get stuck. Parking spot #2 is actually below the road and it's a very steep drop. The actual obsidian dome hike is really short but very cool. You can scramble the rocks and get amazing views of the Sierras. The entire dome is just an endless pile of huge rocks."
Eric Yang
"Super cool the road to get there is a little tricky for my Honda civic Type R mostly because of the low pro tires wouldn’t recommend it with a sport car but a regular wheeled car could make it 4 x4 no problem."
Colt Baker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Obsidian Dome is located off Highway 395 in the Eastern Sierra. The turn-off is typically marked. The road leading up can be rough and snowy in winter, with higher parking spots requiring 4x4 vehicles.
The road is often closed in winter due to snow. It's best to check conditions before you go. Even in shoulder seasons, snow can linger.
While some visitors with regular cars have made it to lower parking spots, an SUV or 4x4 is highly recommended for navigating the rougher terrain and potential snow.
No, Obsidian Dome is a primitive area. There are no restrooms, water, or other facilities available. Come prepared.
The road leads to parking areas, but the final ascent to the highest points of the dome is on foot. The road conditions will determine how close you can park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Obsidian Dome is a natural attraction and does not require an entrance fee or ticket. It's part of the Inyo National Forest.
As a natural outdoor area, Obsidian Dome is accessible at any time. However, road conditions and daylight hours will affect your visit, especially in winter.
The narrow and rough road, especially with potential snow and limited turn-around spots, makes it challenging for large RVs. It's best suited for standard vehicles or off-road capable ones.
Generally, no permits are required for day visits to Obsidian Dome. However, if you plan on camping or engaging in specific activities, check with the Inyo National Forest for any regulations.
While the area is covered in obsidian, collecting large quantities may be restricted. It's always best to check local regulations for rockhounding in National Forests.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The 'trail' is more of a scramble over a vast field of volcanic rocks. It's short but requires careful footing due to the sharp, uneven obsidian.
You can explore the main dome area in about 1-2 hours. Climbing to the summit for views adds a bit more time.
Children can visit, but they must be supervised closely due to the sharp rocks and uneven terrain. Sturdy shoes are a must for everyone.
You might see small desert animals or birds. The focus here is the unique geology rather than abundant wildlife.
No, the parking areas are primitive with no facilities. You'll need to bring everything you need with you.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting on the black obsidian. Midday sun can create harsh shadows but also makes the rocks gleam.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness. A drone can provide unique aerial perspectives of the dome and surrounding landscape.
The summit offers panoramic views. The base of the dome, with its dense collection of boulders, is also visually striking.
Absolutely! The smooth, black obsidian rocks are the main attraction and make for fascinating close-up shots.
The sharp rocks can be a hazard to equipment. Bright sun can cause glare on the obsidian.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are non-negotiable for everyone, especially children, due to the sharp obsidian fragments covering the ground. 🚗 Road Trippers & Adventurers
📸 Photographers & Drone Enthusiasts
+1 Drones are particularly effective here, allowing for breathtaking aerial shots of the dome's scale and surrounding vistas. Early morning or late afternoon light will enhance the glassy sheen of the obsidian. Be mindful of the sharp rocks when setting up your gear. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Obsidian Dome's Geology
The composition of the lava here is felsic, meaning it's rich in silica, which contributes to its high viscosity. This thick, sticky lava oozes out and piles up, creating the dome shape. Alongside obsidian, you'll also find pumice, another volcanic glass, often lighter and more porous. The entire area is a testament to the powerful volcanic forces that shaped the Eastern Sierra.
Visitors often describe the landscape as 'otherworldly,' 'like Mordor,' or 'like Mars,' due to the stark, black, and rugged terrain. The sheer volume of obsidian boulders, ranging from pebbles to large rocks, creates a unique and striking environment that feels unlike anywhere else.
+1Navigating the Road and Access
Parking can be a concern, with multiple spots available at varying elevations. Parking spot #1 is generally more accessible, but spot #2 and above can become treacherous with snow and limited space for turning around. Getting stuck is a real possibility if you're not prepared or driving an unsuitable vehicle. Some visitors have opted to park lower and bike up the road to the trailhead, offering a more controlled approach.
During winter, the road is frequently closed, making access difficult or impossible. Always check current road conditions with the Inyo National Forest before your trip. Even in late spring or early fall, patches of snow can linger on the road and trails, requiring caution.
Rockhounding and Collecting
While the abundance of obsidian is a major draw, it's important to be aware of regulations regarding collecting. Generally, collecting small amounts for personal use might be permitted, but large-scale collection is usually prohibited in National Forests. Always verify the current rules with the Inyo National Forest to ensure you're adhering to local guidelines.
Beyond obsidian, the broader Eastern Sierra region offers diverse rockhounding opportunities, from unique minerals to fossils. If you're planning a trip focused on collecting, research other nearby areas known for specific geological finds.
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