Crater Mountain Flats is a through trail that passes along the base of the Mono Craters with spectacular views. It is in the Inyo National Forest, so dispersed camping is allowed and can be found along the trail.
The trail's south end is a short shelf road along the base of a crater with a lot of obsidian. The rocks are pointy, with sharp obsidian scattered about. The rest of the trail is mostly loose pumice gravel with a few deep ruts from vehicle travel. There are also a couple of small climbs with very loose material.
High-clearance 4WD with tough, good-quality tires is recommended.