An Adventuresome Mountain Run: Red Mountain Cinder Cone aka “The Volcano”

The Eastern Sierra is a varied geographical landscape.  There are granite filled mountains, deserts peppered with hot springs, juniper forests, and volcanic craters all in a sagebrush wonderland.  It is the perfect landscape for running and exploring.  One of my most favorite “adventure runs” is what I call "The Volcano" but is actually called Red Mountain. 

The Volcano is really a cinder cone south of Tinemaha Campground and offers one of the best views in the valley.  From the top of the cone, you can experience the deepness of the Owens valley with fourteen thousand foot peaks on both sides of you.  The north side of the crater has a steep slope perfect for scree running.  Running from the base of The Volcano is about 2 miles round-trip, however, you can increase the distance to 5.5 miles by starting and finishing at Tinemaha campground.  Starting at the campground provides a good warm up before climbing the steep uphill.  Often, I power hike to the crater or get into low running gear.  The top is the best part of the run; the views, the terrain, and the openness of the valley are around you.  After taking in the inspiring view, running down the North side scree slope gives you the equivalent high to skiing powder snow – seriously, it’s really fun.  If you are into adventure running, where you’re on and off trails, boulder hopping, and occasionally getting scratched by sagebrush, The Volcano is a great one to check out.