Ubehebe Crater Death Valley
A massive, young volcanic crater in Death Valley, offering dramatic landscapes and incredible stargazing opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, less intense sun
Ubehebe Crater Death Valley
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, less intense sun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A massive, young volcanic crater in Death Valley, offering dramatic landscapes and incredible stargazing opportunities.
"Standing at the edge of a crater is breathtaking."
Wear sturdy shoes
The terrain can be uneven and sandy. Hiking boots are recommended for the rim trail. :athletic_shoe:
Bring water and snacks
There are no services here. Stay hydrated and fueled for your exploration. :water_wave:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ubehebe Crater Rim Trail
Crater Rim
Hike around the vast volcanic crater for breathtaking panoramic views. It's a unique geological marvel.
+1Little Ubehebe Crater
Adjacent to Ubehebe Crater
Explore the smaller, but equally fascinating, companion crater for a different perspective.
Stargazing
Ubehebe Crater Parking Lot
With minimal light pollution, the crater area offers a spectacular night sky.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Elements
The Drive is Part of the Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear sturdy shoes
The terrain can be uneven and sandy. Hiking boots are recommended for the rim trail. :athletic_shoe:
Bring water and snacks
There are no services here. Stay hydrated and fueled for your exploration. :water_wave:
Check road conditions
The drive to Ubehebe can be affected by weather. Always check park alerts. :car:
Beware of wind
It gets very windy at the crater rim. Hold onto your hat and be cautious. :wind_face:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy shoes
The terrain can be uneven and sandy. Hiking boots are recommended for the rim trail. :athletic_shoe:
Bring water and snacks
There are no services here. Stay hydrated and fueled for your exploration. :water_wave:
Check road conditions
The drive to Ubehebe can be affected by weather. Always check park alerts. :car:
Beware of wind
It gets very windy at the crater rim. Hold onto your hat and be cautious. :wind_face:
Consider the hike down
Hiking into the crater is possible but challenging to hike back up.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ubehebe Crater is widely praised for its impressive scale and unique geological formation, offering breathtaking views and a sense of awe. Visitors appreciate the paved road access and the opportunity for stargazing. However, some find the hiking experience around the rim less engaging than other trails, and the intense wind and lack of shade can be challenging.
"Ubehebe Crater is an impressive one, but hiking it is kind of boring. It's like NASCAR. You're just going in a circle and waiting for someone to fall down the cliff and get hurt.
The road is paved the whole way and has a tangent that takes you to the very 4x4 necessary Racetrack Playa.
I'm glad I opted to hike up instead of down into the crater because hiking up is like walking uphill in deep sand at the beach, if you're familiar with that. It's difficult and you don't get anywhere very fast. I went in November, and I imagine all that black rock is dreadful in hotter months.
I recommend hiking this if you JUST want something strenuous, but there are more interesting hikes and things to see in Death Valley if you want to save your energy."
Kelly Kemp
"Definitely worth the drive out!!! I was a little hesitant to check out Ubehebe because it’s kind of a drive but it’s totally worth it!! The crater is amazing and beautiful!! I hiked around the rim it was about 1.8 miles around and took me about 45 minutes and that including time for stopping to take pictures. There is no shade but it is cooler up there than down in the valley. You can also walk down into the crater but I didn’t want to walk back out haha so I skipped that!! Definitely go to Ubehebe!"
J Stevens
"Amazing spot! Worth the visit for sure. Standing at the edge of a Crater is breath taking. Just don't slip and fall down from the edge. Speaking from experience."
Son Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ubehebe Crater is located in the northern part of Death Valley National Park. The drive involves taking Scotty's Castle Road off SR 190. It's a significant drive, so ensure your vehicle is prepared and you have enough fuel.
Yes, the road leading to Ubehebe Crater is paved, making it accessible for most vehicles.
The road to Ubehebe Crater is paved and accessible for regular cars. However, if you plan to visit Racetrack Playa, a 4x4 vehicle is necessary.
Ubehebe Crater is often visited in conjunction with Rhyolite Ghost Town, Devil's Cornfield, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Stovepipe Wells.
The drive time varies greatly depending on your starting point within Death Valley. From Furnace Creek, it can take over an hour and a half one way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no separate ticket required for Ubehebe Crater. Entry to Death Valley National Park requires a standard entrance fee.
Ubehebe Crater is accessible year-round during park hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight for safety and visibility.
Yes, Death Valley National Park has an entrance fee per vehicle, which is valid for seven days. Check the official NPS website for current fees.
Yes, you can hike down into Ubehebe Crater, but be aware that hiking back up is very strenuous due to the loose scree. Many visitors opt to hike around the rim instead.
While accessible by car, the hiking around and into the crater can be strenuous. Visitors with mobility issues may find it challenging. The wind can also be a factor.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
You can hike around the rim of the crater, explore the smaller Little Ubehebe Crater, and enjoy the dramatic volcanic landscape. Stargazing here is also exceptional.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to hike the rim trail and take in the views. If you plan to hike into the crater or explore further, allocate more time.
No, there is virtually no shade at Ubehebe Crater. It's crucial to wear sun protection and stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Many visitors enjoy hiking the 1.8-mile rim trail, which offers stunning views without the extreme difficulty of hiking into the crater.
The primary dangers are the strong winds near the rim and the strenuous nature of hiking into or out of the crater. Always be aware of your surroundings and do not get too close to the edge.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting and long shadows across the crater. The midday sun can be harsh, but the sheer scale of the crater is always impressive.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the crater. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the crater walls. Don't forget a tripod for low-light or long-exposure shots. :camerawithflash:
The main viewpoints from the parking lot are excellent. The entire rim trail offers numerous vantage points for unique shots.
Drone usage is restricted in Death Valley National Park. Check the official NPS guidelines for current regulations before flying.
The stark contrast of the black volcanic soil against the desert landscape, the immense scale of the crater, and the dramatic geological formations make it highly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities. Ensure children wear hats and sunscreen due to the lack of shade. Keep a close eye on them near the crater rim, as it can be windy and the drop is significant.
🚶 Hikers and Adventurers
Adventurers should be prepared for the elements: strong winds are common, and temperatures can fluctuate.
🔭 Stargazers
Consider visiting during a new moon for the darkest skies. The crater's rim provides a unique foreground for astrophotography. Remember to bring a headlamp with a red light setting to preserve night vision and be aware of the wind, which can be significant even after sunset.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Geological Formation of Ubehebe Crater
+1The crater itself is massive, measuring about half a mile across and 600 feet deep. Its dark, volcanic ash and cinders create a stark and dramatic landscape, especially when contrasted with the surrounding desert. The geological history here is palpable, offering a glimpse into the powerful forces that shaped Death Valley.
+1While Ubehebe is the largest and youngest crater in the area, it's not the only one. Exploring the Little Ubehebe Crater nearby provides further insight into this volcanic activity and offers different perspectives on the landscape.
+1Hiking and Exploration at Ubehebe Crater
For the more adventurous, hiking down into the crater is an option. However, visitors strongly advise against it due to the extreme difficulty of climbing back up the steep, loose scree. Many describe it as akin to walking uphill in deep sand.
Remember that there is no shade at Ubehebe Crater. Visiting during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, is highly recommended, especially during warmer months. Always carry plenty of water and wear appropriate footwear.
The Journey to Ubehebe Crater
Many visitors combine a trip to Ubehebe Crater with other remote Death Valley attractions like Rhyolite Ghost Town, Devil's Cornfield, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. This makes for a full day of exploration, so planning your route is essential.
Given the distance and the lack of services, it's crucial to prepare your vehicle with a full tank of gas and to carry ample water and snacks. Cell service is unreliable in this area, so downloading offline maps is a wise precaution.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit