Cataclysmic Galactic

Hike Around Ubehebe Crater in Death Valley National Park

Woman hiking the trail around Ubehebe Crater in Death Valley National Park

Death Valley already has a whole Star Wars vibe going with its desolate and beautifully sublime mixed landscape. So when you first arrive at Ubehebe Crater you might expect to see the Millennium Falcon hunkered nearby.

The crater is a sight to see even from the parking lot. Behold a large volcanic formation that’s 500 feet deep and half a mile wide. We recommend hiking its 1.5-mile rim trail to take it in from all perspectives, and to escape the parking lot crowds. Circumnavigating not only lets you look into the depths of the canyon more clearly, it gives you a round-the-compass perspective of the vast desert landscape racing to distant mountains.

Woman hiking around Ubehebe Crater in Death Valley National Park

After checking out the scenery from around the rim, of course you’ve gotta go down into the crater! The best and most gradual entrance is found by walking a few minutes north of the parking lot (if you’ve been hiking the rim you’ll see the entry point before finishing the loop). Going down is the easy part.

Woman hiking down a trail to Ubehebe Crater in Death Valley National Park

Be sure to save energy, and water, for the slog of an ascent out … take your time, take breaks if needed, and watch the temperature (we don’t recommend a visit to the bottom on really hot days). You’ll feel over the moon (or on the moon!) witnessing this crater 2,000+ years in the making.

Woman at the bottom of Ubehebe Crater in Death Valley National Park

Ubehebe Crater is off of Scotty's Castle Road, 39 miles north of the Scotty Castle Road and Highway 90 intersection.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: In the episode "Life and Death Experience" Weekend Sherpa co-founders Brad and Holly talk about their favorite adventures in Death Valley, including this hike at Ubehebe Crater.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View