Big Obsidian Flow - Newberry National Volcanic Monument

A few weeks ago I visited another part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument that I wrote about in this post. Today I take you to the southern end of the 54,000 acre park to visit the Big Obsidian Flow that covered the land about 1,300 years ago. It was one of the more recent geological events that happened in the monument.

Click images for larger view

On this map from Google you can see the trail head that will lead me into a very small portion of the large obsidian flow. You can also get an idea of the size of the flow.

After a short walk through some trees you begin to see the leading edge of the flow.

You also get a good up close look at some of the large chunks of obsidian that permeate the flow. The glass like rock was valued by ancient peoples for its cutting properties. Knives, arrow heads, spear tips and other cutting tools were among its uses. Not to mention some ornamental design applications.

They even incorporated the black rock into the stairs that take you to the next level.

From this higher perch you begin to understand how massive this flow was and how it changed the landscape.

Looking up toward the top.

An odd looking feature amongst all the rocks. I wanted to get a better shot not shooting into the sun. Unfortunately this is not a place you go off trail to get a better angle.

As you see walking of trail would be quite difficult and probably an ankle breaker for me. 🙂

Not too mention the veins of obsidian, that like glass, can be very sharp.

Heading back down another look at the leading edge of the flow on the other side of the trail.

And finally a look at your author making his way through the flow. Photo by my hiking partner.

Please feel free to make comments or ask me any questions about this post.

Photos taken by me, @oldmans, with a Nikon D3300 and some Lightroom post processing. Except where noted.
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Thanks for looking and enjoy your day!