THE AMBOY CRATERLocation: Amboy, CA
Accessibility: Moderate Hike Created: 79,000 years ago |
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In the seemingly sleepy town of Amboy, California lies a once vigorous volcano. Formed of ash and cinders piled 250 feet high, it stands erect as a reminder of the past. Welcome to the Amboy Crater. During the Pleistocene geological period, 79,000 years ago, a lake of lava roiled around the inside of a crater to create a cinder cone. The volcano spewed basaltic lava which poured out over a vast area of 24 square miles. Since its last eruption almost 10,000 ago, the volcano now stands as a lonely landmark. The Amboy Crater is now a popular hiking spot surrounded by stretches of the endless Mojave desert.
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Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1973, The Amboy Crater has put the town of Amboy on the map - along with the now abandoned Roy’s Motel and Cafe. Known as one of the few extinct volcanoes along Route 66, the once deadly erupting force has become a spot for people to experience climbing a real volcano. Though a now tamed force of nature, the area is discouraged from being explored during the warmer months of the year. Unfortunately, the porous lava and rocks in the area reach staggering temperatures in the unshaded area, and those without proper protection and water can become sick or even risk fatalities.
The striking and visually appealing landmark has been used as filming locations in Journey to the Center of the Earth and the TV series, Abandoned. The Amboy crater is the perfect example of geology creating geometry. The ominous crater is a reminder of a violent past as visitors traverse its steep grades and enter the very heart of a volcano. Check out our newest episode in which we go into the heart of the Amboy Crater.
The striking and visually appealing landmark has been used as filming locations in Journey to the Center of the Earth and the TV series, Abandoned. The Amboy crater is the perfect example of geology creating geometry. The ominous crater is a reminder of a violent past as visitors traverse its steep grades and enter the very heart of a volcano. Check out our newest episode in which we go into the heart of the Amboy Crater.