Amboy Crater

Amboy Crater is a dormant cinder cone volcano in California's Mojave Desert that rises roughly 250 feet (75 meters) above the surrounding basalt plains. Inside the crater sits a hardened lava lake enclosed by the cone's walls.

This volcanic cone formed roughly 79,000 years ago during the Pleistocene epoch and experienced its last eruption about 10,000 years before present. Since then it has remained geologically inactive and become a notable landmark in the desert landscape.

The Mohave people maintained strong connections to this volcanic landmark, which later became a notable stop for travelers along Route 66.

The Western Cone Trail provides hiking access to the crater for visitors, with parking and restroom facilities at the day-use area. Shaded picnic tables are also available if you want to rest during your time in this hot desert setting.

This site served as a filming location for the 1959 movie Journey to the Center of the Earth and later for the HBO series From the Earth to the Moon. These appearances on screen brought the crater to the attention of moviegoers and television viewers worldwide.

Location: San Bernardino County

Elevation above the sea: 288 m

GPS coordinates: 34.54388,-115.79111

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01