“Real lava boiling underneath!”
Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1973, Amboy Crater was recognized for its visual and geological significance. Although Amboy Crater is not unique, it is an excellent example of a very symmetrical volcanic cinder cone.The inside of the 250' high crater contains two lava dams behind which has formed small lava lakes. These are now flat in general appearance, covered with light colored clay, creating the impression of miniature "dry lakes." There is a breach on the west side of the crater where basaltic lava poured out over a vast area. Beyond the crater lies 24 square miles of lava flow containing such features as lava lakes, collapsed lava tubes and sinks, spatter cones and massive flows of basalt.
The pindrop on the map is wrong. The address should be:
Crater Road & Route 66, Amboy, CA 92304
It’s cool to stop by and see. But it’s pretty far out of the way (26 miles off the freeway). Lots of lava rock and it’s beautiful out here. I was going to hike to the raised cone area, but from the parking lot it’s probably a mile or two, and I don’t know if you can actually climb it.
Be the first to add a review to the Amboy Crater.
/-115.780846,34.556393,14/300x172@2x?access_token=pk.eyJ1Ijoicm9hZHRyaXBwZXJzIiwiYSI6ImNsdjQ5N2VtZDA2bW8ycW13ZHAxeGhjbjkifQ.UIccpoAxc7g3BAuK4s9vjg)
Amboy Crater
Hours
Problem with this listing? Let us know.
Has RV parking changed? Let us know.
-
Parking
-
Pets Allowed
-
Restrooms
-
Wifi
-
Wheelchair Accessible
-
Credit Cards Accepted
Nearby Hotels
Related Trip Guides
- Trip Guide
Route 66 Leg 6: Flagstaff to Santa Monica
- 120 Places
- 53:35
- 2,302 mi
- Trip Guide
Pay Tribute and Reflect at These US Monuments and Memorials
- 14 Places
- Trip Guide
The Ultimate Guide To Joshua Tree National Park
- 53 Places
- 11:44
- 408 mi
- Trip Guide
The top things to do on an I-40 road trip
- 35 Places
- 49:44
- 2,851 mi