Obsidian Cliff facts for kids
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Obsidian Cliff
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Obsidian Cliff
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 Location in Wyoming
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Mammoth Hot Springs, WY |
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| Area | 3,580 acres (14.5 km2) |
| NRHP reference No. | 96000973 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 19, 1996 |
| Designated NHL | June 19, 1996 |
Obsidian Cliff is a very important place in Yellowstone National Park, near Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming, United States. Long ago, people used the special rock found here to make tools. This cliff was named in 1878 by Philetus Norris, who was the second leader of Yellowstone Park. In 1996, it was recognized as a National Historic Landmark, which means it's a really important historical site.
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What is Obsidian Cliff?
Obsidian Cliff was made from a thick flow of lava called rhyolite. This happened about 180,000 years ago! As the hot lava cooled down, it formed tall, straight columns. These are called cooling fractures.
The cliff is about 7,400 feet (2,300 m) above sea level. It stretches for about half a mile. It also rises between 150 and 200 feet above Obsidian Creek.
The Special Rock: Obsidian
The main rock at Obsidian Cliff is obsidian. Obsidian is a dark, shiny volcanic glass. It forms when lava cools very quickly. You can find a lot of obsidian at the bottom of the cliff. As you go higher, there is more pumice, which is a lighter, bubbly volcanic rock.
Why Obsidian Was Important
People started using obsidian from this cliff about 12,000 years ago. Early Native Americans really valued the obsidian from this area. It was perfect for making many kinds of tools.
They used it to create sharp knives, spear tips, arrowheads, and other cutting tools. Obsidian from Obsidian Cliff was so special that it was traded far away. It traveled as far as Ohio and Canada, long before Christopher Columbus arrived!
Studying Ancient Trade Routes
Scientists have studied the obsidian from Obsidian Cliff. They looked at what it's made of and where it was found. This research helps us understand how people traded goods long ago. It shows how far their trade networks reached across North America.
Where to Find Obsidian Cliff
Obsidian Cliff is about 13 miles (21 km) south of Mammoth Hot Springs. It's on the east side of the Grand Loop Road. This part of the road is called the Mammoth-Norris section.
The Obsidian Cliff Kiosk is also nearby, just to the north. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Obsidian Cliff is located at the northern end of Beaver Lake in Yellowstone National Park.
Images for kids
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Illustration of Obsidian cliff (volcanic glass) 200 feet high. Aug 18, 1888
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