How to visit Ubehebe Crater (Death Valley National Park)
Ubehebe Crater (pronounced Ooh-bee-hee-bee) was a pleasant surprise on my recent road trip through Death Valley National Park. This vast volcanic crater is frequently omitted from Death Valley itineraries due to its relative distance from anything else! And for this reason, I didn’t know much about it!
Thankfully my friend (who loves Geography) had read about Ubehebe Crater’s unique geological significance and then persuaded me to visit before we left Death Valley! And boy am I glad that we did! It was way larger than I expected, way more impressive, and a really enjoyable hike! Plus, it’s a great place to take the camera out for a spin if you’re into photography (check out my photos of Ubehebe Crater below)!
This guide will cover everything you need for your visit to Ubehebe Crater Death Valley including hiking routes, when to visit, tips and FAQs.
About Ubehebe Crater
Ubehebe Crater measures approximately 0.8km (0.5 miles) across and around 183m (600 feet) deep, making it one of the largest craters in Death Valley. It belongs to the larger Ubehebe Craters volcanic field, which includes several other smaller craters and vents. The rim of Ubehebe Crater is jagged and steep, offering stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.
It was formed by a phreatic eruption, which occurs when groundwater comes into contact with hot magma or lava, causing a sudden steam explosion. This explosive event created the massive crater we see today. Unlike most geological features that people visit, Ubehebe Crater is thousands (rather than millions) of years old. It’s estimated that it may have formed as recently as 2000 years ago!
While the name “Ubehebe” is often thought to be derived from a Native American term meaning “big basket in the rock,” its exact origin and meaning remain uncertain. Regardless, Ubehebe Crater stands as a testament to the powerful geological forces that have shaped Death Valley’s landscape over thousands of years.
How to get to Ubehebe Crater Death Valley?
Ubehebe Crater is located in Death Valley National Park, California. Though saying this, it’s still 56 miles away from the visitor center in Furnace Creek! Because of the distance from many of Death Valley’s other popular attractions, it felt noticeably quieter than the likes of Zabriskie Point or Badwater Basin.
Since there is no public transport, the best way to get to Ubehebe Crater is by road. It’s easily accessible by car with no off-roading required. From the Visitor Center (and most of the camping locations) in Furnace Creek, it’s around an hour’s drive.
Take the CA190 West for 17.4 miles. Then take the right turn at the crossroads onto Scotty’s Castle Road. After 33 miles on Scotty’s Castle Road, you will turn left onto the aptly named Ubehebe Crater Road. You will stay on this road for 5.3 miles with the last section of the approach following a one-way loop. Follow the signs anti-clockwise until you reach the Ubehebe Crater Car Park.
Ubehebe Crater Hiking Routes
There are three route options for hiking at Ubehebe Crater. They vary in distance and elevation, but all give you amazing views of the crater either by walking around the rim or venturing into the crater itself! Each has a similar terrain with grey-black volcanic cinder underfoot from the eruption.
| Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Hebe Crater | 1.5km | 55m | Easy | Out-and-back |
| Ubehebe Crater Rim Trail | 3km | 110m | Moderate | Loop |
| Crater Floor | 0.8km | 160m | Moderate | Out-and-back |
Despite the relatively short distances of each hike, I loved that you still feel remote and away from civilisation, yet are still close to where you parked your car! So if you wanted to, you can turn around at any point and head back the way you came. As it happened, I decided to do the longest hike I could, around the rim of Ubehebe.
Little Hebe Crater Hike
This is the easiest hiking route at Ubehebe Crater. It’s a short out-and-back route that allows you to see Ubehebe, as well as Little Hebe (a slightly smaller conical crater).
This route traverses the western rim of Ubehebe Crater, leading to one of the youngest and best-preserved craters in the area – Little Hebe. Starting from the Ubehebe Crater Car Park, take the southbound rim trail up to the right (you will see signs). After 0.4km there is a fork in the path; with both options leading to the same point just ahead of the rim of Little Hebe Crater. I recommend the short loop around the crater’s rim so you can have a closer look before turning back the way you came.
Ubehebe Crater Rim Trail
Alternatively, you can opt for a longer, more adventurous route. This is an extension of the trail to Little Hebe, and continues all the way around the Ubehebe Crater.
If you do the loop of the crater, I recommend walking anticlockwise. By doing this, you will get a better view of the other craters first. Most people do this, so you can always walk clockwise if you want to go against the grain.
Crater Floor
There are also hiking trails that lead down into the crater, which offer a unique perspective of Ubehebe. Once again, the trail starts from the viewpoint beside the car park.
Given the almost 600-foot elevation change, I opted against this option as it didn’t feel worth the payoff of climbing all the way out again! That being said, climbing back up the steep slope would probably give you a better appreciation for the size of this formation! Plus, not many people will be able to say they’ve explored the sparse vegetation and dry mud which make up the floor of a volcanic crater.
What to expect at Ubehebe Crater Death Valley
Whether you decide to hike at Ubehebe Crater or simply visit the viewpoint, everyone will arrive and leave via the same road, which follows a one-way loop via the Ubehebe Car Park.
The car park is small, with approximately 20 spaces. This is usually enough as Ubehebe Crater is quieter than other sites in Death Valley. That being said, during high season it can fill up!
As you step out of the car park, you will almost immediately be able to look into the crater. But don’t forget, there’s not just one crater to explore in the area! (That’s something I didn’t realise until I arrived).
Setting off from the car park, it’s a mild incline along the edge of the crater. You can easily see the bottom of the crater to your left.
As the path follows the arc of the rim to the left, it gets thinner. There’s a drop on either side, but it’s not precarious so it doesn’t feel scary. Be aware that the terrain is compressed rocky cinder, however, on the slopes it can be more slippery.
Whilst there are designated paths, as you continue following the Ubehebe Rim Loop, it’s easy to lose sight of the trail. Particularly as you have the freedom to roam (which I highly recommend)! The whole area feels like one massive geological playground, which as you continue exploring, you will continue finding new things and perspectives!
With a backdrop of mountains and Telescope Peak in one direction and the desert in the other, coupled with hidden canyons and craters appearing as you walk over the undulations of the landscape. There’s always a new surprise! Even Ubehebe Crater looks different depending on which side you’re looking at it!
The only things you won’t find on this hike are shade or toilets!
Tips for visiting Ubehebe Crater Death Valley
- Get there early: Due to limited car parking spaces, you should try to do the hike early in the day. Also, it gets way too hot in the heat of the day with no shade.
- Go to the toilet before you leave: There are no toilets at Ubehebe Crater, though the nearest are at the Grapevine Ranger Station (5 miles away).
- Download offline maps: There is no signal across most of Death Valley, so download the hiking route in advance so you don’t get lost. Or stay within sight of the car park!
- Don’t go too close to the edge: It’s a long way down so you don’t want to be falling or dropping any belongings down! Particularly when Death Valley gets windy!
- Prepare for no shade: None of the hiking routes have any shade so pack protection.
- Leave no trace: Let’s make sure our nature is kept pristine for everyone to enjoy!
- Pack light: You don’t need much for this hike. Make the most of it by packing only the essentials.
What to bring to Ubehebe Crater
Packing for Ubehebe Crater completely depends on what time of day and what time of year you are visiting (see below).
Early in the morning, particularly in the winter, it can be chilly. In which case, trousers and a fleece might be needed. Whereas on a summer’s day, it gets boiling so shorts, a T-shirt, a cap and sunglasses would be the best option.
The takeaway here is to pack weather-appropriate clothing, that you are comfortable walking in. You can check the weather for Ubehebe Crater here.
In terms of footwear, sports trainers or hiking trainers are fine if you are doing the rim walk. However, if you intend to walk into the crater, you will want hiking boots with more grip and ankle support.
In your backpack, you should bring suncream, water, snacks and a camera.
Like most of your time in Death Valley, you likely won’t need much to visit Ubehebe Crater, especially as you will have your vehicle not far away, so you can leave any extra belongings there if needed!
When to visit Ubehebe Crater?
Even though you can visit Ubehebe Crater all day, all year round, the best time to hike Ubehebe Crater is when it’s a bit cooler.
Since Death Valley is dry pretty much throughout the year, your visit will mainly be dictated by the temperature (and your personal availability).
In the summer months (May-September), temperatures in Death Valley will easily average more than 30°C, peaking at nearer 50°C.
The best time of year to visit Ubehebe Crater is early Spring (February-April) when temperatures are warm but still bearable. This will give you the largest opportunity to explore the crater and the surrounding areas.
The winter months are also bearable, though nights are colder and there is a slight chance of rainstorms.
Whenever you decide to visit, try to avoid the heat of the day, either by going in the morning or near the end of the day. Sunrise or sunset can be particularly beautiful.
FAQs
Is Ubehebe Crater Open?
Yes, Ubehebe Crater is open again (as of December 2023). Having been closed for several months in the backend of 2023 due to flood-damaged roads during Hurricane Hilary, Ubehebe Crater is once again accessible. As before, Ubehebe Crater is open all day, at all hours.
Check the National Park Service Website which has the most up-to-date information on closures in Death Valley.
Is Ubehebe Crater Free? Do you need a permit for Ubehebe Crater?
Ubehebe Crater is free to visit. However, you will need access to Death Valley National Park which costs $30 per vehicle, or free with the America the Beautiful Pass ($80 for an annual pass).
No permit is required, nor are they needed for any day hikes in Death Valley National Park.
Is Ubehebe Crater Volcanic? How was Ubehebe Crater Formed?
Yes, Ubehebe Crater is volcanic.
Ubehebe Crater along with other nearby craters was formed by a phreatic eruption caused by magma rising and reaching groundwater. This, in turn, caused the groundwater to turn into steam and expand until pressure was released in the form of an explosion. The volcanic craters left behind are known as maars. Older craters tend to be larger as they have now eroded more.
How long to spend at Ubehebe Crater?
I recommend giving yourself 1-2 hours to fully explore Ubehebe Crater. It depends on the length of the walk you’re doing. If you want to see the crater and admire it, you can drive to the car park, take a look for 10 minutes and drive away again. I did the longest walk I could and spent a couple of hours in the area.
Since it’s a longer drive from other activities in Death Valley National Park, it makes sense to make the journey worthwhile and explore more!
Is Ubehebe Crater worth it?
In short, yes it is worth visiting Ubehebe Crater Death Valley! Even though it takes a bit longer to drive there, it feels different from all the other landscapes in the National Park. It feels distinctly more volcanic and adds another dimension to any visit to Death Valley. Plus, it’s great that your visit can be paired with a short hike AND it has fewer visitors!
What to do near Ubehebe Crater
Whilst the surrounding area of Ubehebe Crater is pretty remote, the nearest things near Ubehebe are:
- Scotty’s Castle (temporarily closed)
- Titus Canyon
- Thimble Peak
- Mosaic Canyon + Grotto Canyon
- Mesquite Sand Dunes
- Ubehebe Peak
Besides these options, you can check out my complete Death Valley National Park itinerary for more ideas!
Before you go
Thank you for reading my guide on visiting Ubehebe Crater Death Valley National Park. If guides, itineraries, and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.
If you are new to Matt’s Next Steps, check out the About Me page to find out a bit more about who I am, my travel adventures, and why I wanted to become a travel writer.
Please comment below and let me know your thoughts and experiences, or if there is anything else you want information on.
Happy hiking!
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