What is the Amboy Crater hike?

The Amboy Crater hike is a 3-mile trail in the Mojave Desert that takes you across an ancient lava field and up the 250-foot Amboy cinder cone. It offers spectacular views, a rim walk around the crater, and a unique desert hiking experience.

Where is Amboy Crater located?

Amboy Crater is located on historic Route 66, just south of Mojave National Preserve. The trailhead address is Amboy Crater Parking Lot and Trailhead, Amboy, CA 92304.

When is the best time to hike Amboy Crater?

The best time to hike Amboy Crater is between October and April when temperatures are cooler. Avoid hiking during the warmer months as temperatures can exceed 110°F, which can be dangerous.

What gear should I bring for the Amboy Crater hike?

Bring at least 1L of water, sun protection, sturdy shoes for hiking on sharp lava rocks, and light hiking or fitness clothing. Trekking poles can be helpful for those uncomfortable with heights on the rim.

How long is the Amboy Crater hike?

The hike is 3 miles round trip, including a climb to the rim of the crater and an optional loop around the rim.

Is there water available at the Amboy Crater trailhead?

No, there is no water available at the trailhead. Be sure to bring enough water with you for the hike.

What is the history of Amboy Crater?

Amboy Crater is an extinct volcano that last erupted about 10,000 years ago. Its lava field spans 24 miles, and the area was once a popular tourist stop along Route 66 during its heyday.

What wildlife should I watch for during the hike?

Watch your step for desert creatures like rattlesnakes and lizards, especially around shaded areas and rocks.

Is the Amboy Crater hike dangerous?

While the hike is short, the desert heat can be dangerous, especially in warmer months. Always check temperatures, bring plenty of water, and be prepared for desert conditions.

What are the highlights of the Amboy Crater hike?

Highlights include hiking across the lava field, climbing to the crater rim, enjoying panoramic views of the Mojave Desert, and walking the circuit around the rim of the cinder cone.

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Amboy Crater Hike

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated May 5, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance: 3.7 miles
Time: 1:30-2 Hours
Total Climbing: 400 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: Moderate
Dogs: Leashed
Gear: What I Use
Weather: Latest Report
Park: Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark

The Amboy Crater hike takes you across the Mojave Desert, onto an ancient lave field, and then up the 250 foot extinct Amboy cinder cone. It's a hike like no other, with wide-open views, tons of lava rocks, a circuit around the rim of the volcano, and all in a short 3-mile package right off of historic Route 66. I highly recommend making a stop to experience this fantastic hike.

Where is Amboy Crater?

Amboy Crater is just south of Mojave National Preserve on Route 66, and is just a reasonable detour off of Interstate 40. Use this trailhead address:
Amboy Crater Parking Lot and Trailhead, Amboy, CA 92304

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 3 — Look for this sign right off of Route 66 and turn in. You have to drive a few minutes to the end of the road to reach the parking area.

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 4 — The parking area is massive, with space for RVs and trailers.

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 5 — There is an overlook and several shaded picnic tables around the parking area.

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 6 — And there's a bathroom here as well.

There is no water at the trailhead. Bring water with you to the hike.

When To Hike Amboy Crater

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 2 — You need to take the heat seriously here; people who didn't have died.

Even though this isn't a long hike, it can be deadly. People who were not prepared have died here, for real. In the warmer months it can routinely hit 110F. This hike is best done between October and April. Always check the nearby temperatures and expect the heat at Amboy Crater to be several degrees warmer than the forecast. Sunrise and sunset are great times to experience the hike.

Gear For the Hike

This is a short hike and you don't really need anything special to do it. Light hiking gear or fitness clothes work best. Bring at least 1L of water, sun protection, and good shoes to hike on top of the sharp lava rocks with. Watch your step for the normal desert creatures like rattlesnakes and lizards. If you're scared of heights, having trekking poles to steady yourself at the rim can be helpful. Most folks can walk around the rim without any additional gear though.

Essentials I’m Using Now

Garmin inReach Mini 2: Reliable SOS Everywhere on Earth
Sawyer + CNOC Water Filter: Easy & Reliable Safe Water
Nitecore NU25 Headlamp: Running late? Get home safe
Altra Olympus 275: Favorite trail shoes right now, no blisters and very comfy.
AllTrails Plus (30% off): Offline maps on your phone with the Plus level
Full November 2025 Gear List →

Amboy Crater Map

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 1 — The trails are well-maintained and well-marked. Where the trail isn't obviously visible, you'll see these trail markers.

Click to activate map

Print Map, Work With It Yourself

View Hike on CalTopo

Bring the Guide to Any GPS

Download the GPX File

3D Map

Amboy Crater Eruption History

There's some dispute about the timing of the eruptions at Amboy Crater, but the consensus has the first happening around 79,000 years ago, and the last happening 10,000 years ago. Today the volcano is extinct, although there is still tectonic activity here. In 1999 the powerful 7.1 magnitude Hector Mine earthquake's epicenter was just miles away.

Full disclosure: I was inspired to visit Amboy Crater after watching the 2021 Iceland volcano live cams. Here's the type of stuff that you can see when watching, and I hope that seeing this gets you as excited to visit the (much cooler) real thing too.

Hike Brief

Amboy Crater Historic Postcard — Amboy Crater used to be a big tourist destination when Route 66 was in its hay-day. This postcard from 1934 incorrectly lists the last activity happening 500 years ago. Photo Pomona Public Library

Before Interstate 40 opened nearby in 1973, most travelers crossing the country on Route 66 would pass by Amboy Crater. The town of Amboy a the major refueling stop between LA and Vegas.
The nearby Roy's Motel & Cafe in Amboy is worth a quick stop. Today it's mainly used as a movie location.
If you hear loud explosions and feel the ground shake when hiking, don't worry, it's not an eruption. Amboy Crater borders the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, and there is often training going on. It can be a bit unnerving to hear the explosions if you've been enjoying the silence in the Mojave.

Amboy Crater Hike Directions

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 9 — And then you'll see the big trail board. The trail continues past the board.

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 10 — There's a little uphill in the beginning.

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 11 — The trail is easy to follow as it's mainly lined with rocks.

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 12 — You'll be surrounded by basalt as you hike through the lava field.

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 13 — When you get to the top of the small rise, you'll see Amboy Crater in front of you.

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 14 — There's a small rest bench with limited shade. Watch your footing around shaded areas around the shelter, which provide a cool refuge for snakes and lizards.

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 15 — Keep hiking toward Amboy Crater.

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 16 — The trail turns to the right and starts to head uphill. There's one last shelter before you climb up the cinder cone.

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 17 — Hike up the small switchbacks into the gap in the cinder cone.

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 18 — When you get to the gap, take the trail up to the left to hike up to the rim. The center of the crater is right in front of you.

Once you're at the gap, you can go into the middle of the crater. It's not super-exciting, and I think the rim is better, but if you want to do it, do it here and then come back and continue at the last step. The trail into the middle from here is much safer than scrambling down the side of the cone on the other trails.

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 19 — You've got a small climb up to the rim.

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 20 — And soon you're at the rim!

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 21 — Enjoy the spectacular views from the rim in all directions. In the distance is Granite Peak at 6,761 feet. It's one of the four mountain ranges in the Mojave and is very remote.

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 22 — From the rim you'll also get great views into the middle of the crater. The crater is about 0.25 miles across.

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 23 — Take the trail around the rim of the crater and complete the circle, staying up on the rim and avoiding the side trails into the crater.

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 24 — When you get around the whole rim, you'll come back to the gap in the cinder cone where you arrived. We're going to hike down there and head back the way we came.

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 25 — At the end of the rim you'll see a series of switchbacks heading back down.

Amboy Crater Hike Directions 26 — After you descend the switchbacks, you'll arrive at the junction where you entered the cinder cone. Make the left and head back on the trail you hiked in on. That's the hike!