Amboy Crater
AMBOY CRATER – NATIONAL NATURAL LANDMARK
Amboy Crater
Leave only foot prints on trails Plaque place on May 3, 1998 by The Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus Billy Holcomb Chapter 1069 In cooperation with “Bureau of Land Management, Needles Field Office”
Back in March of this year, I was driving through the Mojave to the Grand Canyon. Years earlier, my friend, George M. and I were shooting a highway student film out this way on Route 66 near the town on Amboy, California. We had hiked up the volcano with my old pal and dog Marcus, and camped out at the Crater to shoot a really, not sure if it was ever released, cheesy sci-fi “thriller” for an indie producer.
One time we had driven out there in a 1985 Honda Prelude and tried to “off-road” it over the sand and volcanic rocks. Don’t try it. It doesn’t work. We got hung up on some rocks and took a couple of hours to get free before it was pitch dark. It was still fun and with all the time we spent out therein the extreme heat and wind, Amboy holds a special place in my heart. So whenever I get the chance to take Route 66 through Amboy I’ll take it.
My wife was taking her choir to the Grand Canyon so my son and I, with the help of my parents, played the part of the roadies and tagged along. We headed out a couple hours earlier so we could have more time to stop to stretch our legs a few times.
Amboy Crater is located midway between Barstow and Needles and is about 75 from either of these towns. The crater is accessible via Interstate 40 to National Trails Highway – Route 66.
If you are planning for a cool hike this is the ticket. Here are the basics you need to know:
Amboy crater is considered a moderate hike. The Crater area has been used to test the Mars rovers The trail starts though the lava fields. Just passed the lava field is a moderately flat area to the base. From the base, hike to the west side up a moderate slope. On the west side, follow the hike trail near the base. At the breach, hike up the steep incline into the crater. Once inside, you can hike straight to the caldera, or follow one of the steep trails up to the rim. You can hike on the rim from one side of the breach to the other. The northeast side of the rim is very narrow and steep on both side so be careful. Hiking boot recommended, lava rocks are sharp. This hike is best attempted in Autumn or Winter. Summer temperatures can get well over 100 degrees. Mucho HOT!
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Regular desert precautions apply: watch for snakes and other desert wildlife, bring abundant drinking water, hat, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes. It is best to avoid visiting Amboy Crater in summer conditions or in windy weather.
BLM’s Needles Field Office telephone number is +1 760 326 7000. Shaded and unshaded picnic tables are available, as are public restrooms.
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