Summary 
| Difficulty | 2 Beginner-intermediate |
| Length | 3.8 miles round trip |
| Starting Elevation |
8050 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+400, -400 round trip |
| Navigation | Road and map |
| Time | Several hours |
| Season | December 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
This tour is predominantly along a well defined road, that climbs gradually. The last 0.3 mile climbs along a more minimal road to the plateau that defines Obsidian Dome. The dome is rocky, but you can explore it when sufficient snow exists.
There are several tours that can be combined with a short detour to the summit of Obsidian Dome. Two of them are the Obsidian Dome Loop and Glass Creek tours. In theory, you can put all three together for a long day of skiing.
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. The tour described here continues 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.
Waypoint 3 - 4
Miles: 1.5 - 1.6
Elevation change: +0
Ski southeast (left) on the obvious road for about 100 yards until you reach a road junction (4). The southern-most (right) fork is part of several tours including the Obsidian Dome Loop tour.
Waypoint 4 - 5
Miles: 1.6 - 1.9
Elevation change: +100
Ascend the east (left) narrow road to the east and then northwest for a total of 0.3 miles until you reach the end of the road (5).You can explore farther if snow conditions permit.
Return to trailhead
Miles: 1.9 - 3.8
Elevation change: -400
Retrace the route for 1.9 miles back to the trailhead (1).
