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Obsidian Cliff
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Wyoming
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Obsidian Cliff
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Obsidian is found in volcanic areas where the magma is rich in silica and lava has cooled without forming crystals, creating a black glass that can be honed to an exceptionally thin edge. Unlike most obsidian, which occurs as small rocks strewn amid other formations, Obsidian Cliff has an exposed vertical thickness of about 98 feet (30 m). Obsidian was first quarried from this cliff for toolmaking more than 11,000 years ago. It is the United States’ most widely dispersed source of obsidian by hunter-gatherers. Obsidian Cliff is the primary source of obsidian in a large concentration of Midwestern sites, including about 90% of obsidian found in Hopewell mortuary sites in the Ohio River Valley (about 1,850–1,750 years ago). Obsidian Cliff was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1996.
Obsidian Creek
~3 min drive
<p>A creek that forms west of Roaring Mountain and flows north until it joins the Gardner River near the Indian Creek Campground. Obsidian Creek flows by Roaring Mountain and Obsidian Cliff.</p>
Bunsen Peak Trail
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Artists Paintpots Trail
~15 min drive
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Bunsen Peak Trailhead (1K4)
~13 min drive
Bunsen Peak prominently sits south of Mammoth Hot Springs. From this trailhead, you can embark on the following trails: Bunsen Peak Trail Bunsen Peak Road Trail Osprey Falls Trail Parking is limited. Winter trailhead access requires a snow coach drop-off, or skiing up from…
Cascade Lake Trailhead (4K5)
~22 min drive
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Roaring Mountain
~5 min drive
<p>Roaring Mountain is a large, acidic thermal area (solfatara) that contains many steam vents (fumaroles). In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the number, size, and power of the fumaroles was much greater than today.</p> <h3>Fumaroles (Steam Vents)</h3> <p>Fumaroles or steam v…
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~15 min drive
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Sheepeater Cliff
~8 min drive
<p>Sheepeater Cliff is made up of columnar basalt deposited by lava flows roughly 500,000 years ago. The Gardner River flows through the valley, exposing the flow and forming the cliff. The basalt of Sheepeater Cliff are known as columnar basalt due to the hexagonal fracture l…
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