🌋🐾 Hiking the Panum Crater Rim Trail - Volcanic Wonders Above Mono Lake

Simba the Adventure Pup 🐾 and I set out on one of the Eastern Sierra’s most unique volcanic hikes — the Panum Crater Rim Trail in Lee Vining, California. This incredible crater is a rhyolitic plug-dome volcano, formed by eruptions less than 700 years ago, making it one of the youngest volcanic features in the Mono Basin. From jagged obsidian shards to sweeping Mono Lake views, this trail feels like walking through a living geology lesson. 🔥🌄

Short, dramatic, and packed with natural wonders, the Panum Crater Rim Trail is perfect for hikers, geology fans, and anyone who loves exploring landscapes shaped by fire and time.

🎥 Watch the Video


Join Simba and me as we climb the crater rim, wander through fields of volcanic rock, and take in the surreal, otherworldly scenery surrounding this Mono Basin gem.

👀 In This Video You’ll See

- The Panum Crater Rim Trail from trailhead to summit — dust, rock, and epic views 🌋
- Stunning panoramas overlooking Mono Lake, its blue waters framed by desert and mountains
- Unique volcanic features including obsidian, pumice fields, and twisted rhyolite formations
- A peek inside the crater’s inner plug dome, formed by thick lava pushing upward
- Simba enjoying another wild Eastern Sierra adventure, sniffing volcanic rocks and soaking in the breeze 🐾

🌬️ Why This Hike Is Amazing

Panum Crater feels like stepping onto another planet. The terrain shifts from soft pumice to razor-sharp obsidian, and every viewpoint opens up to dramatic contrasts — desert floor, volcanic ridges, snowcapped Sierra peaks, and the shimmering expanse of Mono Lake.

Despite its rugged appearance, the trail is short and approachable, offering maximum reward for minimal mileage. It’s a perfect stop for road trippers, photographers, geology lovers, and anyone exploring the Mono Basin.

If you’re fascinated by volcanoes, unique landscapes, or high-desert adventures, the Panum Crater Rim Trail is an absolute must-see.

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Location: Lee Vining, CA 93541, USA

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