Ubehebe Crater
A massive volcanic crater in Death Valley, offering dramatic landscapes, challenging hikes, and incredible stargazing opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful, cool, and fewer people
Ubehebe Crater
Best Time
Peaceful, cool, and fewer people
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A massive volcanic crater in Death Valley, offering dramatic landscapes, challenging hikes, and incredible stargazing opportunities.
"This crater is ultimately hilarious. The views are excellent, but oh ho, you get to drop to the bottom of the crater. Do it, it’s terrible."
Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Loose gravel makes the rim hike challenging. Sturdy shoes are a must for grip and comfort. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Plenty of Water
This is a remote desert location with no facilities. Stay hydrated! :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hike the Crater Rim
Ubehebe Crater
Trek around the vast volcanic rim for breathtaking panoramic views of the crater and surrounding desert landscape.
Descend into the Crater
Ubehebe Crater
For the adventurous, hike down into the massive crater. The descent is fun, but the climb back up is challenging!
Little Hebe Crater
Adjacent to Ubehebe Crater
Explore the smaller, yet equally stunning, Little Hebe Crater, offering unique geological formations and mountain vistas.
Stargazing at Night
Ubehebe Crater
Experience an incredible night sky away from light pollution, perfect for astrophotography and celestial viewing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Prepare for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Loose gravel makes the rim hike challenging. Sturdy shoes are a must for grip and comfort. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Plenty of Water
This is a remote desert location with no facilities. Stay hydrated! :droplet:
Be Prepared for Wind
Strong winds are common, carrying dust and pebbles. Protect your eyes and camera. :windblowingface:
Plan for the Drive
It's about an hour's drive from Furnace Creek. Combine with other northern park sites. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Loose gravel makes the rim hike challenging. Sturdy shoes are a must for grip and comfort. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Plenty of Water
This is a remote desert location with no facilities. Stay hydrated! :droplet:
Be Prepared for Wind
Strong winds are common, carrying dust and pebbles. Protect your eyes and camera. :windblowingface:
Plan for the Drive
It's about an hour's drive from Furnace Creek. Combine with other northern park sites. :car:
No Restrooms Available
Plan accordingly before you arrive. :toilet:
Consider a Sunrise Visit
Experience the crater in solitude and cooler temperatures. :sunrise:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ubehebe Crater is lauded as an underrated gem, offering a peaceful and awe-inspiring experience, especially at sunrise. Visitors appreciate the challenging yet rewarding hikes around the rim and into the crater, with the unique geology being a major draw. The remoteness contributes to its tranquility, though the lack of facilities and the strenuous climb out of the crater are noted drawbacks.
"An underrated gem of the Death Valley. No people at sunrise - just you, silence, and a huge crater. Super peaceful especially if you stop mid hike - wonderful beautiful silence. And an occasional rabbit sprinting away from you. No bathrooms (but also no people?) I visited at sunrise end of August and it was high 80s."
Kateryna L
"We really enjoyed hiking the rim of the crater. It was pretty challenging in a lot of spots and rough hiking through the loose gravel but the views were absolutely worth it.
It’s a little out of the ways from the main park but definitely worth the drive. When you pull into the parking area you get your first glimpse inside the crater which was breathtaking. We were asked to do a national park survey while we were here too."
Chelsea W.
"Fascinating volcanic crater. It’s a bit of a drive, about an hour, from the main sister hotels in Death Valley - The Inn (beautiful place, especially the pool), and the Oasis, but worth it."
Jeffrey Sheldon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The drive from Furnace Creek to Ubehebe Crater is approximately 1.5 hours, covering about 60 miles. You'll head north on the main park road. It's a scenic drive, but be prepared for a remote experience. 
Yes, the road leading to the Ubehebe Crater parking area is paved. However, the last section of the road can be rough and may require a vehicle with higher clearance, especially after heavy rains.
Generally, yes, a regular car can reach Ubehebe Crater as the main road is paved. However, the unpaved spur road to the crater can be rough, and it's advisable to check road conditions with the park service before your visit, especially if you plan to explore beyond the main parking area.
Ubehebe Crater is quite a distance from Las Vegas, typically a 3-4 hour drive one way. Many visitors choose to stay overnight in Death Valley or make it a long day trip, often combining it with other park attractions.
Ubehebe Crater is in the northern section of Death Valley. Nearby attractions include Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Stovepipe Wells, and Rhyolite Ghost Town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no specific ticket required for Ubehebe Crater. However, you will need to pay the standard Death Valley National Park entrance fee, which is valid for seven days.
Ubehebe Crater is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, it's highly recommended to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the landscape.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Death Valley National Park. As of recent information, it's typically around $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Check the official NPS website for the most current pricing.
Yes, you can hike down into the crater. The descent is often described as fun and easy, but the climb back up is considered strenuous due to the loose gravel.
No, there are no restrooms or other facilities at Ubehebe Crater. Visitors should come prepared with all necessary supplies, including water and snacks.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Most visitors hike around the rim of the crater, which offers stunning views. For a more adventurous experience, you can hike down into the crater, but be prepared for a challenging ascent back up.
Plan for at least half a day to visit Ubehebe Crater, especially if you intend to hike the rim or descend into the crater. Factor in the driving time from other park locations.
Hiking the rim can be challenging for very young children due to the terrain and potential for strong winds. The descent into the crater is fun but the climb out can be difficult. Parental supervision is essential.
While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, you might spot desert animals like rabbits or lizards. Keep an eye out for birds of prey, such as ravens, which are common in the area.
Absolutely! Ubehebe Crater offers dramatic landscapes, especially during sunrise and sunset. The night sky here is also incredible for astrophotography. +1
🎫 🌡️ Weather & Safety
Ubehebe Crater is located in Death Valley, known for extreme temperatures. Summers are scorching hot, while winters are mild. Strong winds are also common, so be prepared for dust and blowing sand.
Hiking at Ubehebe Crater is generally safe if you are prepared. Stay on marked trails, be aware of the loose gravel, and avoid the crater rim during high winds. Always carry water and let someone know your plans.
The primary risks are heat exposure, dehydration, and potential injury from falls on the loose gravel. Strong winds can also be a hazard, especially near the crater rim.
The best times to visit are during the cooler months of fall, winter, and spring (October to April). Summer visits are possible but require extreme caution due to the intense heat.
Wear light, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Sturdy hiking boots are essential. Layers are recommended for cooler mornings or evenings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The descent into the crater is often a highlight for kids, as they can slide down the slopes. Ensure you bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection, as facilities are non-existent. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting, casting long shadows and highlighting the textures of the volcanic rock. The night sky above Ubehebe Crater is also a major draw for astrophotographers, offering dark skies perfect for capturing the Milky Way and stars. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Ubehebe Crater
+1 The crater is estimated to be around 2,000 years old, though some estimates place its formation between 6,000 and 7,000 years ago. The dark, volcanic soil and jagged rocks surrounding Ubehebe Crater are distinct features that signal your entry into a volcanic region within Death Valley.
The interaction between magma and groundwater is key to understanding how such a massive depression could form so explosively. This geological process is what makes Ubehebe Crater a fascinating site for geology enthusiasts and anyone interested in the raw power of nature. Hiking and Exploration
+1 While the rim trail is generally manageable, some sections can be challenging due to loose gravel, making it feel like 'one step forward but two steps backward.' For the more adventurous, hiking down into the crater is an option. The descent is often described as fun and easy, with visitors enjoying sliding down the steep, gravelly slopes.
The Remote Northern Section
Because of its distance, it's often less crowded than other attractions in the park, offering a more peaceful and solitary experience, especially during sunrise.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit