Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark
Overview
Amboy Crater, formed of ash and cinders, is 250 feet high and 1,500 feet in diameter. It is situated in one of the youngest volcanic fields in the United States. The site offers picnic tables, restroom facilities, a hiking trail to the rim with rest stations along the way, and an accessible ramada overlook for viewing.
Located within the Mojave Trails National Monument, Amboy Crater was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1973 and is recognized for its visual and geological significance. The Crater is an example of a very symmetrical volcanic cinder cone. There is a breach on the west side of the crater where basaltic lava poured out over a vast area of 24 square miles, which contains lava lakes, collapsed lava tubes and sinks, spatter cones, and massive flows of basalt. Amboy Crater lies about halfway between Barstow and Needles (about 66 miles from each) off Historic Route 66 National Trails Highway.
Before You Go
Amboy Crater and the surrounding area are unique volcanic environments where temperatures can get very hot. Make sure to pack plenty of water and check the local weather before your trip.
National Weather Service forecast for Amboy Crater and surrounding areas.
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
View images of accessibility features in a new window.
Parking is in 2 paved parking lots with room for 17 vehicles. Visitors are more likely to get a cell phone signal in the parking areas than elsewhere on the site.
The 1st parking lot, closest to the entrance, has no amenities. The 2nd parking lot is next to an accessible unisex double vault toilet reached by a concrete pathway. There is no running water at the site.
From the toilet, visitors on mobility devices can use the edge of the parking lot to reach pathways leading to a shaded picnic area and to a shaded scenic overlook with views of the crater. The picnic area is less than 100 yards from the parking lot and has 4 picnic tables that can accommodate wheelchair users. A path with a moderate slope leads up to the overlook, which has 4 concrete benches and an angled interpretive panel with information about the site.
A trailhead for the hiking trail to the crater can be reached from the opposite end of the parking lot. Near the trailhead another interpretive panel provides information about the trail, which was not designed to be accessible.
Descriptions and photos uploaded January 2025. Please note that actual on-the-ground conditions may vary due to natural events (e.g., weather, wildfires, erosion), normal wear and tear, or site improvements.
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Geographic Coordinates
Directions
From Needles, CA, take I-40 west approx. 65 miles to Kelbaker Road. Exit southbound on Kelbaker Road and drive approx. 10 miles to National Trails Highway. Turn left on National Trails Highway and drive approx. 8 miles to Crater Road. Turn left onto Crater Road. An entrance kiosk will be on your left hand side.