Summary 
| Difficulty | 2 Beginner-intermediate |
| Length | 4.2 miles round trip |
| Starting Elevation |
8050 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+500, -500 round trip |
| Navigation | Road |
| Time | Half day |
| Season | Late November through April |
| Snowmobiles Use | Not permitted [Please report illegal use of snowmobiles in this area.] |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, June Lake |
| Start | Highway 395 at Obsidian Dome Road, 3.8 miles south of June Lake Junction (June Lake Loop South Entrance) and 11.7 miles north of Mammoth Junction (junction of Highways 395 and 203). |
Description
While most of this tour is on Obsidian Dome Road that attracts lots of skiers, part is on lessor roads where you are likely to find yourself alone. At one point you are very close to the turnoff that ascends Obsidian Dome and you can easily add that objective in a day tour.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 -2
Miles: 0.0 - 1.0
Elevation change: +150
From the trailhead (1), ski southwest on Obsidian Dome Road for 1.0 mile until you reach a road junction (2). The fork to the west (right) is part of the Hartley Springs Campground Loop tour and the tour described here will return from that direction. You continue on the fork to the east (left).
Waypoint 2 - 3
Miles: 1.0 - 1.5
Elevation change: +150
Continue on the fork to the east (left) and shortly turn south for a total of 0.5 mile until you reach a very obscure road junction (3) where the obvious road turns southeast (left). At this point you are very close to Obsidian Dome and on its west side. Refer to the Obsidian Dome tour if you want to explore the summit.
Waypoint 3 - 4
Miles: 1.5 - 2.1
Elevation change: +200
Do not follow the obvious road. Ski south (straight) on an obscure road for 25 yards, then southeast (left) for 0.1 mile to an open area, and then follow the road as it makes a 180-degree loop to the right, and heads northwest for 0.5 mile until you reach road junction (4). The west-most fork (left) goes to Hartley Springs. This tour continues on the east-most fork (right).
If the road is not visible in the open area where the 180-degree loop is located, make the turn and look for the road where it enters the trees.
Waypoint 4 - 5
Miles: 2.1 - 2.6
Elevation change: -100
Ski northwest on the east-most fork (right) for 0.5 mile until you reach a road junction (5).
Waypoint 5 - 2
Miles: 2.6 - 3.3
Elevation change: -200
Turn east (right) and follow the road gradually downhill for 0.7 mile until you reach Obsidian Dome Road (2) at a point you passed earlier.
Return to trailhead
Miles: 3.3 - 4.2
Elevation change: -150
Retrace the route for 1.0 mile back to the trailhead (1).
