Amboy Crater is nestled half way between Barstow and Needles, just off historic Route 66. A visit there will definitely take you back in time. Ten thousand years ago, this cinder cone volcano erupted, transforming the surrounding landscape.

There is a 3-mile round trip trail leading up and into the crater. From the parking lot, the trail starts out wide, before narrowing down to a single track. The trail crosses the desert floor, which in the spring time is covered with wild flowers, and swings around the right side of the crater. On the far side, the trail enters through an opening in the rim and climbs across the center to the top. The views from the rim of this 250-foot tall crater show a landscape transformed by volcanic ash.

Looking out from the rim

Amboy Crater is an easy stop for travelers along Interstate 40 and a great detour for those headed from Southern California to Mojave National Preserve. Amboy Crater is on BLM land so there is no entrance fee.

To get to the trailhead: From Barstow, take the 40 freeway west to exit 50. Turn right on Crucero Road and make an immediate left onto Route 66. Take route 66 for 26 miles to the crater.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

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Photos

 

                         

These photos were taken in February of 2008. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

 

	Teutonia Peak The 4-mile round trip hike crosses a Joshua tree forest to summit a short peak with a great view of Cima Dome.
	New York Peak This 7 to 9-mile round trip hike summits the highest point of the New York Range in the northeast corner of the preserve.
	Hole-in-the-Wall Rings Trail This 1.5-mile loop takes visitors through a landscape of pocketed rocks. Ringbolts allow fun passage through narrow canyons.
	Fountain Peak This 5-mile off trail trek summits a peak with commanding views over the Providence Mountains.
	Kelso Dunes This 3-mile round trip hike climbs 470 feet to the highest point in this 45 square mile dune field.
	Hikes in the California Desert Explore more trails in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and Mojave National Preserve.

Similar Trails

 

Ubehebe Crater in Death Valley This 0 – 2 mile hike visits a large crater in the north end of Death Valley. A parking lot along the rim provides a great view of the crater, and there are also three trails to choose from.

Camping

 

Mojave National Preserve There are a few campgrounds and endless roadside camping within the preserve.

More Info

 

A panoramic video from the rim

The official website for Amboy Crater