Amboy Crater, Mojave Desert CA

• 5-star hikes
• 3 to 4 mile options
• Easy & Moderate | Gain 220 to 330 feet
• Amboy, CA | Southwest Region
.

A person wearing a red shirt and carrying a black backpack walks along a rocky path in a desert environment. The path, surrounded by dark rocks, leads directly to a prominent volcanic crater visible in the foreground. Sparse desert plants are scattered across the rugged terrain, and the sky above is clear with faint wispy clouds. The focus of the scene is the striking crater, which dominates the landscape ahead.

Crossing lava beds to reach the rocky Amboy Crater.

Amboy Crater offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore a well-preserved volcanic cinder cone in the eastern Mojave Desert. While the accessible viewing platform at the trailhead provides a good distant crater viewpoint, most people will find the trail leading into the crater itself delivers distinctive desert and geological experience within a relatively short hike. An additional trail tracing a full circle around the rim of the crater elevates the experience even further.

The trailhead begins at a moderately sized lot with free parking, located just off historic Route 66. From the parking area, the trail winds through areas of craggy lava bed interspersed with sections of mostly hard-packed, flat desert. Several interpretive signs along this stretch describe the history and nature of the crater area, explaining its formation approximately 79,000 years ago and its geological significance within the Mojave region.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Amboy Crater & Caldera 3.6 mi out & back, moderate, gain 330 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Amboy Crater View Trail 3.1 mi out & back, easy, gain 220 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

P Free parking

Some hikers will appreciate the two shelter structures positioned along the route that offer seating and partial shade. These rest areas become particularly valuable during warmer months when desert temperatures can exceed 100°F by late morning. Most hikers find early morning starts essential during summer.

After traversing the desert floor, the trail winds around the western perimeter of the crater before gently climbing up the side of the rocky formation through several switchbacks. The western edge of the caldera was once blasted out by volcanic activity, but now makes it relatively easy to reach the inner part of the crater and take in the views.

A hiker navigates a winding switchback trail carved into the rugged volcanic terrain. Dressed in a red cap, white shirt, shorts, and carrying a backpack, the hiker is framed by jagged rocks and sparse desert vegetation. The switchbacks zigzag dramatically, guiding the way toward a striking volcanic crater that dominates the foreground with its steep and jagged edges. The crater, formed by ancient eruptions, is surrounded by layers of dark, weathered rock that contrast against the bright and clear blue sky above. Beyond the crater, distant mountains and barren ridges stretch across the horizon, completing the stark and desolate beauty of the volcanic landscape.

Short switchbacks up the crater's westerm flanks.

Upon entering the crater's interior, visitors find themselves in a natural amphitheater of volcanic rock. The inner bowl spans approximately 1,500 feet in diameter, offering unusual acoustics and a protected microclimate where desert vegetation differs slightly from the surrounding terrain.

More adventurous types will want to hike the rocky narrow trail to the crater's rim with even better views and dramatic drop-offs. This additional segment follows a narrow path with loose volcanic rock and requires sure footing. From the rim, elevated about 250 feet above the desert floor, hikers can enjoy panoramic views extending across the Mojave Desert to distant mountain ranges in all directions.

⚠ Heat Safety Tips: Shade is extremely limited on this trail. Please stay safe in hot weather by knowing the forecast and planning to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Recognize danger signs and turn back when necessary. Wear lightweight non-cotton clothing and head coverings. Use sunblock and UV lip balm. Bring more water than you think you need, coupled with salt and electrolyte tablets for longer hikes.

A hiker ascends a steep switchback trail carved into the rugged volcanic terrain. Dressed in a red cap, white shirt, shorts, and carrying a backpack, the hiker traverses the rocky path surrounded by jagged stones and sparse desert plants. The switchbacks lead toward the rim of a dramatic volcanic caldera, its steep edges revealing layers of dark, weathered rock formed by ancient eruptions. The caldera dominates the foreground with its vast and imposing presence. Beyond the rim, distant mountain ranges rise under a bright, clear blue sky, emphasizing the stark and awe-inspiring beauty of this barren volcanic wilderness.

Hiking the caldera's rim is our favorite part.

Inside a vast volcanic crater, the scene unfolds on a dried, cracked muddy bed. Among the barren terrain, a unique human-made spiral of rocks stands out, meticulously arranged in the center of the crater floor. Surrounding the spiral, the rugged ground is scattered with dark volcanic stones and sparse vegetation. A narrow switchback trail winds across the crater, leading toward the towering walls of the caldera that encircle the area. These steep walls, composed of weathered layers of volcanic rock, rise dramatically, emphasizing the immense size and isolation of the crater. Above, a bright blue sky stretches across the horizon, completing the striking and desolate beauty of this volcanic environment.

A spiral creation on a muddy bed within the crater.

A panoramic view inside the caldera of a volcanic crater showcases a vast, bowl-shaped depression surrounded by rugged, dark volcanic rock formations. The terrain within the caldera is barren, with patches of sparse vegetation and weathered volcanic debris scattered across the crater floor. The steep walls of the caldera rise dramatically, encircling the scene with their layered, jagged textures, which tell a story of ancient eruptions. In the background, distant mountain ranges stretch across the horizon under a partly cloudy sky, emphasizing the isolated and striking beauty of this volcanic landscape.

Panorama from the crater's caldera.

A straight stretch of road unfolds across a vast desert landscape under a vibrant blue sky. The iconic Route 66 shield symbol is painted boldly on the asphalt in the foreground, marking the historic and legendary highway. Sparse desert vegetation flanks the road, leading the eye toward distant rugged mountains on the horizon. The scene evokes a sense of adventure and timelessness, capturing the essence of this famous route known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance.

A great trailhead-adjacent Route 66 photo opportunity.

Tangents:
• Bureau of Land Management: Amboy Crater
• AllTrails Public: Amboy Crater

Trailspotting Nearby
5★ Kelso Dunes (3 mi) · 5★ Joshua Tree National Park · 4★ Tahquitz Canyon Falls (2 mi) · Show Map

California Summits
Explore mountain-top hikes around California with Trailspotting.

Trailspotting the Southwest (Horseshoe Bend)

Trailspotting the Southwest
See our growing collection of hikes from the Southwestern US states.