A classic cinder-cone volcano and lava field along historic Route 66 in Mojave Trails National Monument. A roughly 3-mile round-trip trail crosses the black basalt flow to the crater rim for views across the Bristol Lake basin. BLM day-use site with paved parking, vault toilets, and picnic shade—strong family-accessible desert geology stop.
Field facts
| Region | San Bernardino County, CA |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 34.5567, -115.7801 |
| Access | Crater Road S from National Trails Highway (Route 66) near Amboy; paved parking; free; ~1.5 mi one-way trail to rim |
| Managing agency | BLM / Mojave Trails National Monument |
| Designation | National Natural Landmark |
| GNIS crater | feature_id 238580 at 34.54388, -115.79111 (rim destination) |
Nearby locations
Nearby amenities
- Picnic areaAmboy Crater0.1 km away
- TrailheadAmboy Crater Trail0.1 km away
- Rec areaAmboy Crater National Natural Landmark0.6 km away
- Rec areaMojave Trails National Monument1.6 km away
- Point of interestAmboy Crater National Natural Landmark1.6 km away
- Rec areaTrilobite Wilderness19.7 km away
Public recreation data — BLM & Recreation.gov (RIDB). Verify current access, fees, and seasonal closures before traveling.
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