Inyo Craters
Craters formed about 600 years ago by a steam explosion, with small green lakes at the bottom. Reached by a short trail through the forest.
The Inyo Craters lie north of the town of Mammoth Lakes and are part of the Mono-Inyo volcanic chain. About 600 years ago, magma came into contact with groundwater and triggered a steam explosion that formed them. The two main craters are about 200 meters across, and small lakes sit at their bottoms. From the parking lot, a trail through the pine forest leads about 800 meters to the crater rims. Nearby are obsidian domes, where you can see large chunks of black volcanic glass. The dirt road is passable by regular cars in summer and autumn and closed in winter.
Opening hours
Daytime in summer and autumn
Nearby sights
- Earthquake Fault
- The Village at Mammoth
- Panorama Gondola & Mammoth Summit
- Minaret Vista
- Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
- Twin Lakes & Twin Falls
- Mammoth Museum at Hayden Cabin
- Horseshoe Lake