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.
In this Guide:
Video and Turn-by-Turn Directions for the Amboy Crater Hike
Getting to Amboy Crater by Mojave National Preserve
There is no water at the trailhead. Bring water with you to the hike.
When To Hike Amboy Crater
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.
Gear That I Love Right Now
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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
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.
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
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.
Need More Info?
Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.