Amboy Crater National Natural Monument

Amboy Crater is a dormant cinder cone volcano. The volcano's uniquely symmetrical cone rises above a lava field in the eastern Mojave Desert, off of US Route 66 / National Trails Highway near Amboy, California. The crater's visual and geological significance led to its designation as a National Natural Landmark in 1973 and is managed by the Federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 

CRATER FACTS

• Elevation 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 CRATER

This 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. Due to extreme heat in the summer, the best time to visit this area is from October-April. 

• Amboy Crater Trail is around 3.5-4 miles round trip and leads from the parking area to the top of the cinder cone. 

CONSIDERATIONS

• Amboy 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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Bureau of Land Management - Needles Field Office

Needles, CA 92363
1-760-326-7000

[email protected]

BLM - Amboy Crater

REFERENCE: Bureau of Land Management.