Well howdy, y’all! Are you ready to hear the story of Amboy Crater, one of the most jaw-droppin’ natural wonders in the Mojave Desert? Well saddle up and listen closely!
Amboy Crater is an extinct volcano that erupted over 10,000 years ago, shootin’ out hot magma and ash that hardened into rock over time. The crater stands over 250 feet tall and is over half a mile wide at its base, making it one of the most impressive cinder cones in the world.
But that ain’t all, pardner! The area around the crater has been inhabited by Indigenous people for thousands of years, who considered the crater to be a sacred site. In fact, the nearby Mojave people called the crater “Ailanak” and believed it was the birthplace of the Creator. Later, the crater was used as a landmark and watering hole by travelers and ranchers who crossed the desert.
In the early 1900s, a fella named Roy W. Eitel bought up the land around the crater and established a town called Amboy, which he named after himself. The town was a popular stop for motorists and truckers who were crossing Route 66, which passed right through the town. Eitel even built a motel, a gas station, and a diner to cater to travelers.
But in the 1970s, Route 66 was replaced by newer highways, and Amboy fell into disrepair. The town was all but abandoned, and the crater became a forgotten relic of the past.
Thankfully, in the 21st century, the crater and the surrounding area were declared a National Natural Landmark and were given some much-needed TLC. Today, the crater is a popular hiking destination, with a trail that leads up to the rim of the crater, where visitors can get a stunning view of the surrounding desert. And let me tell ya, partner, the flora and fauna in the area are somethin’ else! You might spot desert tortoises, bighorn sheep, and even the occasional rattlesnake or coyote if you’re lucky.
To get to Amboy Crater from Star Dune Ranch, you’ll want to follow these directions:
- Head east on Twentynine Palms Highway (CA-62) for about 24 miles.
- Turn right onto Amboy Road and continue for about 34 miles.
- Turn left onto National Trails Highway (Route 66) and continue for about 3 miles.
- Turn right onto Amboy Crater Road and continue for about 5 miles.
- You will reach the entrance to the Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark on your right-hand side.
It’s worth noting that the drive from Star Dune Ranch to Amboy Crater can take about an hour and a half, depending on traffic and road conditions. Also, the last several miles of the drive are on a dirt road, so you may want to take a vehicle with high clearance or even a 4-wheel drive if you have one.
Once you arrive, you’ll need to pay a small fee to enter the Amboy Crater Natural Landmark and park your vehicle. From there, you can follow the well-marked hiking trail that leads up to the crater. The trail is about 3 miles round trip and is rated as moderate, with some steep and rocky sections, so make sure to wear appropriate hiking shoes and bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
I hope this helps, partner! Enjoy your visit to Amboy Crater and be sure to take in all the stunning views of the Mojave Desert along the way!
With that in mind we’ve curated some great videos to get you in the mood and show you where to go!