Geology

Salton Buttes

Imperial County, CA

Coordinate verified

Chain of five Holocene rhyolite lava domes on the southeast shore of the Salton Sea—Mullet Island, North and South Red Hill, Rock Hill, and Obsidian Butte—among California’s youngest volcanoes (roughly 1,800–3,000 years). The field hosts fumaroles, mud pots, and the Salton Sea Geothermal Field; Obsidian Butte was a major regional toolstone source. The pin favors the Red Island / Red Hill visitor-accessible cluster; hot ground and H₂S hazards are real.

Field facts

RegionImperial County, CA
Coordinates33.1984, -115.6108
CountyImperial
Volcano typeRhyolite lava domes (five)
Last eruption~1,800–3,000 years ago (Holocene)
Also known asNiland Field
MonitoringUSGS California Volcano Observatory high-threat volcano

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Plan ahead. Leave no trace. Verify current access before traveling.