Trip Up Mauna Loa to the Observatory

The road up Mauna Loa is about 1/4 mile east of the road to Mauna Kea. Except, of course, heading in the opposite direction (South). It's about 17 miles, and about one hour, to the Observatory at 11,000 feet. After the first four miles, there is little vegetation. After about 8 miles, there is no vegetation, just lava. If you enjoy lava landscapes, like I do, some of the flows are very cool, like the one above. But 9 miles of bare lava is a lot, and if the day is cloudy, there is no panoramic payoff at the end. If the weather is clear, though, you'd have an amazing view of Mauna Kea. The road connects to a six mile trail to the ridge of Moku'aweoweo Caldera at the top.