Ubehebe Crater

It's a 50-minute drive from Stovepipe Wells Campground to Ubehebe Crater. It's a flat, paved road, easily accessible.

On the way to Ubehebe Crater, you'll pass the turnoff for the Racetrack. You need a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle to access the Racetrack. The Racetrack is where you can see moving rocks. The rocks move across the surface of the dry lakebed, leaving trails. Some of the moving rocks are large and have traveled as far as 1,500 feet. It is thought that rain of about 1/2 inch will wet the surface, providing a firm but extremely slippery surface. Strong winds greater than 50 mph may skid the large boulders along the slick mud.

Ubehebe Crater Hike details:

Loop

Distance: 1.5 mi

Elevation: 500 feet

Time: 1:30

Ease: moderate.

Parking: large parking lot

You can view the crater from the parking lot, walk along the rim or hike into the crater.

If you choose to walk along the rim, walk counter-clockwise to include Little Ubehebe. At the top of the steep climb, take the left fork then follow signs to Little Hebe. If you take the right fork, follow the ridge up to see a triangular crater. The right fork is very narrow with steep drop-offs and not recommended if you have a fear of heights.