Ubehebe Crater Loop
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The rim trail has no guardrails and drops steeply on both sides in several sections — the loose volcanic cinder underfoot makes footing unpredictable, so watch every step and keep kids within arm's reach.
Wind at the crater rim can be fierce and sudden, strong enough to knock you off balance on the exposed ridgeline — if gusts are kicking up dust devils in the parking lot, save this hike for another day.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Hike counter-clockwise to get the steep, loose-gravel climb out of the way while your legs are fresh — the descent on the far side is much more manageable on tired knees.
Park at the main Ubehebe Crater lot and walk to the rim overlook first to get your bearings before committing to the full loop — the trail junction is obvious from there, and you'll know exactly what you're signing up for.
Detour down to Little Hebe Crater on the north side of the loop for the best photography angle — shooting back toward the main crater with Little Hebe in the foreground gives you a two-for-one volcanic landscape that most visitors miss entirely.
