The Unexpected Natural Wonder in Southern California Most People Still Miss

The words “Southern California” and “volcano” or “crater” are not often heard together. In fact, we bet most people living here now don’t know that we have such a thing here. But, in fact, hiding in plain sight, there is a volcano in the Mojave Desert—the Amboy Crater. In fact, this may be one of the most unexpected natural wonders in Southern California, and a destination worthy of your bucket list.

Why is the Amboy Crater Such an Unexpected Natural Wonder in SoCal?

Amboy Crater is what is referred to as a cinder cone volcano in the Mojave Desert. It is almost perfectly symmetrical, measuring 1,500 feet across and 250 feet high. The cone itself, formed from ash and cinders, was created by a series of volcanic eruptions, which resulted in four nested craters within the cone. Most recent dating has placed the age of the crater, and the lava flows around it, to the Pleistocene Era—nearly 80,000 years old—with the latest eruption thought to be approximately 10,000 years ago. It is considered quite young as far as volcanoes go.

Where is the Amboy Crater Located?

Due to its location along the once heavily traversed U.S. Route 66 (you can see it from the road!), Amboy Crater was a popular stop for years, from approximately the 1920s to the 1960s. Once Interstate 40 opened to the north, and travelers no longer just happened upon the site, it became far less known and rarely visited. In 1973, however, Amboy Crater was designated as a National Natural Landmark.

What to Expect When Visiting the Amboy Crater

From the parking and day use area, it is a walk of just over one mile to reach the crater, which is about one mile in circumference. If you are up for a good hike, plan on two to three hours to complete the Amboy Crater Trail, which is approximately 4 miles and considered moderate in difficulty. This scenic trail will take you to the base, into the crater, and up to and around the rim of the cone. Make sure to bring plenty of water, as it can be fairly challenging and there is no shade.

From the rim of the cone, you can see the lava lakes and individual craters nested inside the cone. On the west side, the crater wall was breached during at least one explosive eruption, resulting in a wide lava flow that spreads from it. The area of the lava flow appears light in color, due partly to desert sand that has blown through the area and settled in the nooks and depressions in the rock. As you look closer, there are various colors, including red, which indicates iron in the stone.

However, you don’t have to hike at all to get a good look at the crater. Not far from the day-use area, there is an ADA-accessible shaded viewing platform with a perfect view.

The Best Time To Visit This Unique Nature Spot in Southern California

Amboy Crater is open year-round, but it is recommended to avoid this scenic SoCal destination in the summer due to extreme heat. Summer temperatures in this area can reach between 110 degrees Fahrenheit and 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and the rock can radiate heat as well, making this area extremely dangerous. The best time to visit Amboy Crater is between October and April, but spring is our favorite season at this outdoor spot. During these cooler months, not only will you experience more enjoyable temperatures, but wildflowers will also come up between the lava rock and cover vast areas of this desert landscape with contrasting colors. It's another unexpected natural wonder in the Southern California desert.

What do you think of this natural wonder tucked away along Route 66 in Southern California's desert? For even more travel inspiration, check out another of the Mojave Desert’s amazing natural wonders, Kelso Dunes. Make sure to also learn more about Route 66 in Southern California, including this SoCal Route 66 road trip itinerary.