OverviewThe Glass Mountains are volcanic peaks in the Benton Range off of Highway 120 near Benton, California. As you hike along the use trail to the highpoint of the range, you will see obsidian rock that shines in the sun like glass. The hike to the highpoint of the range is only 1.5 miles, but it's steep with an elevation gain of 1,900 feet. You start out hiking among lodgepole pines and as you continue up to the summit you leave most of the trees behind except for scattered bristlecone and limber pines. The views from the summit of the Sierra Nevada Range, the Owens Valley, Lake Crowley, the White Mountain Range, Mono Lake and the rest of the ridge are very nice.
As you can see on the following map that shows the route to the highpoint of the Glass Mountain Range, the highpoint and the peak marked Glass Mountain are not the same. The peak marked Glass Mountain is slightly lower than the highpoint of the range.
This peak makes for a good warm-up for Boundary and Montgomery Peaks, which are not too far away in the White Mountain Range.
Getting ThereTo get to the starting point, drive 13.3 miles from west on Route 120 from Benton, California to Sawmill Road (Forest Service Road 1S01). Turn left onto this road, which is a very good dirt road. You will reach the first junction in 0.7 miles where you will turn right and go 6.6 miles to the next intersection. At this intersection turn left and go 3.1 miles to the next junction. At this junction turn right and drive 0.5 miles to a fair dirt road (jeep trail) and turn right. You can drive at least 0.2 miles up this road before parking in an open area.
There are very good road signs all the way to the campground, which is about 1/2 mile past the jeep trail that leads to the starting point.
Red TapePermits or passes are not required. The roads may be gated in the winter due to snow.
When To ClimbFrom late May to October or November is the easiest time to climb Glass Mountain. In the winter, snow will make the hike more difficult and may cut off road access.
CampingSawmill Meadows Campsite is 0.5 miles down the road from where you turn off on the jeep trail to the starting point for the hike to Glass Mountain. There is a pit toilet and picnic table at the campground.
Primitive camping is also available throughout the wilderness area. The wilderness around Glass Mountain is very nice for camping with streams, Lodgepole pines and aspens.
Mountain ConditionsThe Benton Range is managed by the Inyo National Forest.
Inyo National Forest
351 Pacu Lane Suite 200
Bishop, CA 93514
760-873-2483
Here's a link to the Inyo National Forest's Website:
Inyo National Forest
External Links Images
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Calif. Desert Peaks
