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Amboy Crater, California

Nature & parks
In Amboy, California
1.4 mi from Route 66

Amboy Crater is a dormant volcano, a cone of cinders, near Amboy, CA, about 2 miles off the old road. It rises above a lava field that covers roughly 27 square miles of the eastern Mojave Desert, inside Mojave Trails National Monument. It was named a National Natural Landmark in 1973. For Route 66 drivers, it is a standout natural sight on the long stretch between Barstow and Needles.

What is Amboy Crater?

The crater is a cone of volcanic cinders, now dormant, standing above a broad field of old lava flows. It lies roughly halfway across the desert between Barstow and Needles, each about 75 miles away, and about 1.5 miles south of historic Route 66.

History of Amboy Crater

The federal government recognized the crater's scientific value in 1973, when it received National Natural Landmark status. Since 2016 it has also been part of Mojave Trails National Monument.

Visiting Amboy Crater: tips

Parking is available, and the site is listed as wheelchair accessible. The nearest restroom is about 1.1 miles away. Amboy is about 2.8 miles off and Roy's Motel and Cafe about 2.9 miles, so the crater pairs easily with a town stop. Allow at least half an hour for views and photos, and bring water in the desert heat.

Practical info

Address: Amboy, CA
Phone: +1 760-326-7000
Website: blm.gov/visit/amboy-crater
Hours: We have no opening hours for this stop yet — check the official site.
On site & nearby