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A short but VERY steep climb to some of the best views in the Eastern Sierra.


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Map Key

1.5

Miles

2.5

KM

46%

Runnable

11,064' 3,372 m

High

9,191' 2,802 m

Low

1,873' 571 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

23%

Avg Grade (13°)

107%

Max Grade (47°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

There are no restrictions for this run, however, both Hwy 120 and the gravel roads that approach the trailhead close in winter due to snow. Because of this, the approach to the trailhead could be very long in winter and spring.

Description

Although relatively unknown compared to other runs in the Eastern Sierra, this short (but VERY steep) run is one of the finest in the area. Much of the uniqueness of this run is a result of the location of Glass Mountain. With its relatively isolated location between the Sierra and White Mountains, the views of both of these mountain ranges are quite unique.

In addition, Glass Mountain has great views of Mono Lake, Long Valley Caldera, Lake Crowley, Owens Valley, and Adobe Valley. Closer at hand, this mountain features an interesting volcanic landscape, with abundant deposits of obsidian (volcanic glass), which give the mountain its name. The remote location of this mountain and long drive on dirt roads to the trailhead also promises a degree of solitude that is rare along the 395 corridor.

There is no official trail to the summit of Glass Mountain. But, the summit can be reached by a very well-defined use trail. This trail starts out as a closed and relatively flat 4WD trail that dead ends after about 1/4 mile. After the 4WD trail ends, the trail turns into a very steep singletrack. After reaching a ridge, the trail becomes a little less steep. But things quickly become steep again as the trail starts to climb the ridge leading to Glass Mountain.

Near the top of the ridge, the trail becomes relatively level as it passes through scattered whitebark pines. It soon reaches a saddle before climbing steeply once again to the summit of Glass Mountain.

It is worth noting that most maps indicate the north summit of Glass Mountain as being the true summit. However, the south summit (where the trail leads) is actually higher. The north summit can be reached fairly easily by descending to the summit plateau, crossing it, and climbing up to the radio facility at the top. Although the views of Long Valley are certainly better from the south summit, the north summit is worth climbing in addition to the south summit for the better views of Mono Lake.

Flora & Fauna

The trail starts off in an open forest of jeffrey pine. As it ascends, lodgepole pine becomes more dominant. These are replaced by whitebark pines as the trail gets closer to the summit. As the trail approaches the summit, these whitebark pines become more scattered and stunted.

Contacts

Shared By:

Matthew Storm

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#4

in Bishop

#2010

Overall
  5.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#4

in Bishop

#219

in California

#2,010

Overall
8 Views Last Month
2,289 Since Sep 13, 2017
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Photos

Adobe Valley from Glass Mountain Trail.
Sep 13, 2017 near Mammoth…, CA
View of Long Valley and Lake Crowley from the summit of Glass Mountain.
Sep 13, 2017 near Mammoth…, CA
White Mountain Peak from Glass Mountain.
Sep 13, 2017 near Mammoth…, CA
This is a full equirectangular panorama, which means 360 by 180 degrees. From the top of Glass Mountain you can have a view from Mono Lake to Owens Lake .
Jul 15, 2020 near Mammoth…, CA
Looking across the summit playeau toward the north summit of Glass Mountain.
Sep 13, 2017 near Mammoth…, CA
Glass Mountain Trail starting to get steep!
Sep 13, 2017 near Mammoth…, CA

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