Amboy Crater

Amboy Crater is a cinder cone about 76 m (250 feet) high, rising above a lava field of roughly 60 to 70 km² (about 25 square miles) in the eastern Mojave. Its age is estimated at about 79,000 years, and the last eruption was roughly 10,000 years ago. It has been a National Natural Landmark since 1973. It lies a little over 2 km (1.5 miles) south of historic Route 66, now called National Trails Highway, and was a popular stop before I-40 opened in 1973.

A trail leads to the crater rim; it is steep, rocky and without shade, and you should allow about two to three hours round trip. The BLM advises starting early in the day because temperatures climb sharply by early afternoon, and carrying at least one liter (about a quart) of water per person. There is little to no cell service and no running water. Two paved parking lots hold 17 vehicles, and there is a restroom, picnic tables and a shaded overlook.