If you’re planning a road trip through the Mojave Desert, there’s one spot you definitely shouldn’t miss: Amboy Crater. This ancient cinder cone volcano is not only a geological wonder but also a fantastic spot to stretch your legs and experience the raw beauty of the desert.
On a recent road trip to Sedona with my friend Jenna, we decided to make a few interesting stops along the way, and Amboy Crater was high on our list. I’d already been to Amboy Ghost Town—home to the famous Roy’s Motel and Cafe—but this time, the crater was our goal. It’s just a few miles down the road from Roy’s, so if you’re visiting one, it’s worth visiting both.
To Get There
Amboy Crater is located in the Mojave Desert in Southern California, along historic Route 66. It lies about 75 miles northeast of Palm Springs and just a few miles west of Amboy Ghost Town, near the town of Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree National Park.
Location: G6V5+HH Amboy, California
When To Go
The best time to visit Amboy Crater is during the cooler months, from fall to spring (October through April), when temperatures are more comfortable for hiking. Avoid visiting during the summer, as the desert heat can be extreme, often exceeding 100°F (38°C).
What to Expect at Amboy Crater
Amboy Crater is an impressive sight. This cinder cone, formed about 79,000 years ago, rises above a rugged black lava field, with dark rock spreading in every direction. The landscape feels like something from another world. When we arrived, we found a parking lot with easy access to a walking trail. The path takes you right to the crater and offers stunning views of the surrounding lava formations.
What really stood out to me were the bright pops of color in this otherwise stark, volcanic environment. Yellow and green plants were growing out of the cracks in the black lava rock. It was such a striking contrast—new life springing up from such a harsh, ancient landscape. There’s something almost magical about seeing nature find a way to thrive here.
Hiking Amboy Crater
Hiking to the rim of Amboy Crater via the Western Cone Trail is a 3-mile round trip that takes you across a rugged lava field and up the rocky side of the cinder cone. The trail starts off flat, but becomes steeper as you ascend, offering panoramic views of the Mojave Desert as you climb. Once you reach the rim, you’re rewarded with stunning vistas of the black lava formations below and the vast desert beyond.
We didn’t have the time to do it, but I’d like to go back sometime to peer inside the massive, bowl-shaped cavity in the ground.
Note: Be safe and bring lots of water, this is the in the arid desert and there isn’t much around.
Why You Should Stop Here
If you’re visiting Amboy Ghost Town, the crater is just a few minutes away and offers a completely different kind of desert experience. The landscape is rugged but beautiful, and it’s a great place to stop, take in the views, and appreciate the Mojave Desert’s unique scenery. Whether you’re a hiker, a nature lover, or just someone who enjoys discovering hidden gems on the road, Amboy Crater will leave you with lasting memories.
Amboy is out of the way on most trips thanks to new highways built that bypass it. We went about an hour out of our way to see this natural phenomenon which was worth the detour. Whether you’re drawn by the geology or the stark beauty of the landscape, it’s worth the stop.