Ubehebe Crater Path is a 0.6 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Death Valley, California that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips.
Death Valley National Park charges a fee to enter. Fees are $30 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $15 per person. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $55.
The descent to and ascent from the crater bottom is very intense.
Steep ascents through loose scree. Beautiful view of the craters and the valley at the top of the hills
Wow! What a unique geological feature. An easy hike (if you stay at the top) that shouldn't be missed. Best time to come is just before sunset as the light will be even across the crater. I didn't stick around much beyond sunset, but my guess is that there are lots of pink and purple hues after the sun has set. Add that to the existing color explosion in the crater, and wow! Apparently, there is a second, smaller crater that is also neat, but I did not see that one. Wish I had.
This part of the park appears to get visited significantly less than the main part of the valley floor, especially now that the road to Scotty's Castle is closed due to flood damage. This is really unfortunate because the landscape here is really one of a kind and the view from the top of Ubehebe crater is absolutely amazing, you almost feel like you're on a different planet. There is a path that goes around the whole crater if you have time, and if you don't, this short trail will take you to a great vantage point over the crater itself. It is also possible to hike down into the crater, which I very much enjoyed, just be aware that getting back up on the gravel that keeps slipping under your feet makes this much more strenuous than it appears. Overall, to me, this may have just been the prettiest part of Death Valley. If you have time, you should definitely come here!
Quick stop at the Ubehebe Crater after hours of driving from the Racetrack