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 - AprilCRATER FACTSElevation 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 CRATERThis 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. CONSIDERATIONSAmboy 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 REGULATIONSBelow 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.CAMPINGCamping is allowed within areas that have already been previously disturbed. ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONBureau of Land Management - Needles Field OfficeNeedles, CA 923631-760-326-7000