Amboy Crater

Amboy Crater is a volcanic cinder cone located in the Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County, California, near the historic U.S. Route 66 and the small town of Amboy. The dark basaltic cone and its surrounding lava field form a distinct geological feature on the desert plain.

A short marked trail leads from a small parking area to the crater rim and across the lava flows, providing views into the scoria bowl and across the surrounding desert. The site is popular with day hikers, geology enthusiasts and Route 66 travellers.

The feature formed from basaltic volcanic eruptions during the Quaternary and is one of several young volcanic features in the Mojave. The cone and its lava flows preserve classic cinder-cone morphology and young-looking lava textures relative to older regional surfaces.

Amboy Crater lies in the central Mojave Desert, adjacent to historic Route 66 and near the settlement of Amboy in San Bernardino County. The location is remote and the approach is by paved and unpaved desert roads.

• Cone height: The cinder cone rises roughly 250 feet above the surrounding desert, making it a prominent volcanic landmark in the Mojave.
• Access and timing: Access is from a short trail from a parking area adjacent to historic U.S. Route 66; conditions are exposed and the site is best visited in cooler months.

What to See #

• Crater rim: The crater rim and internal scoria bowl, which can be reached on a short marked trail offering views into the crater and across the surrounding lava field.
• Lava field: The surrounding pahoehoe and aa lava flow field, showing extensive basaltic lava that radiates from the cone across the desert surface.