Amboy Crater Trail

The Amboy Crater Trail is a 3-mile out-and-back trail across a vast lava field to the top of Amboy Crater, a dormant cinder cone volcano. It is located in the eastern Mojave Desert, off of the historic US Route 66 / National Trails Highway near the small town of Amboy, California. It is a short, easy to access trail with unique geology and scenic landscapes.

Starting from the paved parking area, the route takes you to a scenic overlook, then follows the Amboy Crater Trail to the crater. The trail is sandy and the landscape consists mostly of volcanic rocks and creosote bush. The crater has a unique symmetrical cone which rises to 944' in elevation, has a prominence of 250', and is visible from the parking area. Views from the 

An ADA accessible pathway leads from the parking lot to a covered ramada with benches and scenic views of the crater as well as the Bristol Mountains to the northeast and Bullion Mountains to the west. 

WHEN TO VISIT: October - April

CRATER FACTS

• Elevation reaches 944’.

• 250 feet high prominence.

• 1,500 feet in diameter.

• Sits within one of the youngest volcanic fields in the United States. 

• The crater is estimated to be around 79,000 years old. 

VISITING THE CRATER

This site is equipped with a day-use paved parking area, covered picnic tables, restrooms, trash cans, interpretive signs, hiking trails, and an ADA-compliant path leading to a covered overlook / ramada with benches and clear views of the crater. 

CONSIDERATIONS

• Amboy Crater is located in an area that can experience extreme heat. It is recommended that visitors wear sun protective clothing and carry plenty of water. 

• Check current weather conditions before heading out. 

• When hiking on the trails in the area, keep an eye out for rattlesnakes. 

• Visitors should be aware of old military explosives when exploring the area, according to the BLM. 

• The BLM requests that educational and organized groups contact them before visiting Amboy Crater.

NATIONAL LANDMARK REGULATIONS

Below are just a few of the regulations visitors must abide by when visiting this area. For a full list of regulations please check in with the BLM (information provided at the end of this post). 

• No firearms.

• No hunting.

• No hiking off trail.

• Do not use audio devices that make noises which are audible to others.

CAMPING

Camping is allowed within areas that have already been previously disturbed. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Bureau of Land Management - Needles Field Office

Needles, CA 92363
1-760-326-7000