California is full of natural wonders that never stop amazing you. From towering redwoods to stunning coastlines and scorching deserts, there’s always something incredible to explore. And in Southern California, you can even find a volcano, but not just any volcano… This one is unique, huge, and surprisingly young compared to other craters in the U.S.
Meet Ubehebe: California’s unique volcano
Ubehebe Crater is a massive volcanic hole located in the northern part of Death Valley National Park. Unlike the typical cone-shaped volcanoes, Ubehebe is a maar: a type of volcanic crater formed by explosive interactions between magma and groundwater. When hot magma rises and contacts underground water, it turns into steam, causing a powerful explosion that creates a large, round crater.
This particular crater is one of the largest and youngest in the country. It’s estimated that its ahe ranges from 800 to 2,100 years, with a size of approximately 0.5 mile in diameter and up to 777 feet deep, as NPS explains.
The name Ubehebe (pronounced you-bee-hee-bee), has a rather unclear origin. Some say it comes from Owens Valley Paiute words that could mean “woman’s breast,” though people often mistakenly translate it as “big basket.”
Planning a visit to Ubehebe crater
The best time to visit Ubehebe Crater is during the cooler months, from fall to early spring, specifically between November and March. During this period, daytime temperatures are ideal for hiking the 1.5 miles loop and exploring without the extreme heat of summer. Additionally, the park is less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
To reach the crater, take the Ubehebe Crater Road off California Highway 190. The road is paved and accessible to most vehicles. Once there, you’ll find a parking area near the rim of the crater. From this vantage point, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.