Pisgah Crater
Crater Volcanic cinder cone in Mojave Desert, lava flows
A cinder cone in California’s Mojave Desert, Pisgah Crater draws hikers and photographers to black lava flows, pumice slopes and stark desert vistas along historic Route 66; visiting usually requires rugged roads and basic desert precautions.
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Pisgah Crater is a volcanic cinder cone in the Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County, California, notable for its prominent cone and adjacent basaltic lava flows. It is part of the region’s Quaternary volcanic landscape.
The site presents a single, steep-sided cinder cone surrounded by dark lava fields that contrast with the surrounding desert; these features are visible from nearby roads and offer photographic views of volcanic landforms. Hiking close to the cone lets visitors inspect scoria and lava textures up close, but trails are informal and the terrain is loose.
The cone and flows were produced by basaltic eruptions during the Quaternary period; the landform is a natural volcanic feature rather than a human-made structure. Over time the cone has remained as a well-preserved example of a cinder cone with solidified lava flows radiating from its base.
The crater sits in the Mojave Desert, in San Bernardino County, California, and is visible from parts of historic Route 66 and Interstate 40 that cross this portion of the desert.
What to See #
- Volcanic cone and lava flows: The main volcanic cone is a classic cinder cone composed of loose scoria and ash, with the surrounding basaltic lava field extending outward from the cone in visible flow lobes.
- Access and viewpoints: Several rough tracks and desert washes lead to viewpoints of the cone and flows; the surfaces are uneven and require stout footwear for close approaches.
How to Get to Pisgah Crater #
Pisgah Crater is located in the Mojave Desert region of Southern California, north of Interstate 40 near the town of Ludlow. Access is via unpaved desert roads; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. From Ludlow, follow local dirt tracks (ask locally for the best current access route) and avoid attempting access after heavy rain.
Tips for Visiting Pisgah Crater #
- Trails around the cinder cone can be loose and rocky-use sturdy footwear and watch for sharp obsidian fragments.
- Avoid entering any fenced-off areas; land management agencies close access to protect both visitors and fragile geology.
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better light for photography.
Best Time to Visit Pisgah Crater #
Best in spring or fall for comfortable hiking; summer is very hot and winter can be cold with snow at higher elevations.
Weather & Climate near Pisgah Crater #
Pisgah Crater's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 41°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cool with highs of 27°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain.
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May
May is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 41°C and lows of 22°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is hot with highs of 40°C and lows of 22°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is warm with highs of 37°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain.
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November
November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 5°C. Almost no rain.
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December
December is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall.
