2017 Map of Obsidian Cliff

About this map

Obsidian Cliff stands as a prominent volcanic landmark within this section of Yellowstone National Park, marking a landscape defined by its thermal and geological activity. The terrain is dense with hydrothermal features, ranging from the activity at Porcelain Basin and Semi-Centennial Geyser to the steaming slopes of Roaring Mtn. Water is a constant presence, with numerous small bodies such as Beaver Lake, Obsidian Lake, and Lake of the Woods tucked between the ridges. The Grand Loop Road serves as the primary corridor for travelers, passing by Apollinaris Spring and Willow Park, while the Solfatara Creek Trail provides backcountry access through the drainage of Solfatara Creek. This 2017 survey documents the preserved natural state of this protected wilderness, highlighting the distinctive intersection of volcanic geology and alpine hydrology.