Into the Mouth of the Mojave: Exploring Ubehebe Crater
A raw volcanic bowl in the heart of Death Valley—what to know before you step to the rim
The wind here has a voice—low and granular, carrying sand and a thin, metallic tang that tells you immediately this place was made in extremes. You arrive at the rim of Ubehebe Crater and the earth drops away into a bowl of layered black and red cinders, a raw, volcanic maw that reads like a sudden rupture in the desert. From the western lip the sun rolls across the floor and the shadows carve out the crater’s depth; on the north side, small windscoops and ridges look almost sculpted. Stand still for a moment and the scale becomes obvious: the crescent of rim, the steep descent, the ash fields peppered with younger cinder cones. It’s a silence that dares movement.
Trail Wisdom
Bring more water than you think
Park services are sparse; carry at least 2 liters per person for a short rim walk and more if you plan to descend.
Wear sturdy shoes and consider poles
The rim trail is loose and the descent to the floor is steep—good traction and trekking poles reduce the chance of a fall.
Choose light for depth
Visit at sunrise or late afternoon—shadows emphasize the crater walls and textures for better photos and safer footing.
Respect fragile desert surfaces
Stay on established trails to avoid damaging cryptobiotic soil and lichen that take decades to recover.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Little Hebe Crater—smaller maar just north of the main rim
- •Scattered younger cinder cones and ash fields on the north side, best observed slowly for stratigraphic detail
Wildlife
desert bighorn sheep, kit fox
Conservation Note
Stay on trails to protect fragile cryptobiotic soils and pack out all waste; national park rules prohibit collecting rock or artifacts.
The name 'Ubehebe' derives from Indigenous Paiute usage and the crater’s eruptions took place within the last couple thousand years, making it geologically young.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: wildflower spotting in wetter years, moderate daytime hiking, photography of textured light
Challenges: variable winds, cool nights, possible flash flood advisories in distant storms
Spring offers mild days and dramatic skies—excellent for walking the rim and scouting nearby cinder fields.
summer
Best for: minimal crowds at sunrise, night-sky and astrophotography, short early-morning outings
Challenges: extreme heat, limited shade, risk of heat illness
Summer is hot and hazardous; if you visit, limit activity to early morning and carry plenty of water.
fall
Best for: comfortable hiking temperatures, long golden hours for photography, full-service access in nearby outposts
Challenges: cool nights and potential sudden wind events
Fall is the ideal balance of temperature and light—the most visitor-friendly season for rim walks.
winter
Best for: clear, crisp light for photography, cool daytime hikes, minimal heat risk
Challenges: cold nights and occasional icy patches on shaded slopes, shorter daylight hours
Winter days are cool and often perfect for exploring, but dress warmly for mornings and evenings.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
2+ liters of waterEssential
Hydration is critical—there are no potable sources at the crater.
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Good traction is necessary on loose cinders and steep slopes.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)Essential
Sun exposure is intense; protect skin and eyes during daytime walks.
Light daypack with layers
Mornings and evenings can be cool; a wind shell and warm layer help on the rim.
Common Questions
How deep and wide is Ubehebe Crater?
The main crater is roughly half a mile (about 0.8 km) across and approximately 600 feet (around 180 meters) deep.
Can you walk down to the crater floor?
Yes, but the descent is steep and on loose cinders—use caution, wear sturdy shoes, and allow extra time for the climb back up.
Is there cell service and food nearby?
Cell service is intermittent. The nearest services and lodging are in Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek—stock up before you head north.
Are drones allowed at Ubehebe Crater?
No—drone operation is prohibited inside U.S. national parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience.
Is there an entrance fee to visit?
Yes—Death Valley National Park charges an entrance fee per vehicle or per person for certain passes; confirm current rates on the park’s official site before travel.
Are guided tours available to Ubehebe?
Yes—multi-day private tours (for example a 2-day Death Valley itinerary from Los Angeles) typically include Ubehebe along with other park highlights.
What to Pack
Water (2+ liters), sturdy hiking shoes (traction on loose cinders), sun protection (hat/sunscreen), layers (wind shell for rim winds)
Did You Know
Ubehebe is a maar crater formed by steam-driven explosions when magma encountered groundwater—its eruptions occurred within the last ~2,000 years, making it geologically young.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Fill up on water and gas before heading north; 2) Visit at sunrise or late afternoon for best light; 3) Carry a physical park map—GPS is unreliable; 4) Leave no trace and don’t remove rocks.
Local Flavor
Death Valley’s human landscape blends park rangers, small historic mining towns, and the Timbisha Shoshone people; nearby Furnace Creek offers date shakes and a glimpse into the valley’s oasis culture.
Logistics Snapshot
Park access via CA-190; small parking lot at the crater rim; short 1.5-mile rim walk; limited services—nearest full services in Stovepipe Wells or Furnace Creek; entrance fees apply.
Sustainability Note
Respect the fragile desert—stay on marked trails, pack out everything, and avoid disturbing biological soil crusts; these measures protect habitats and preserve geological features for future visitors.