Ubehebe Crater — Attraction in Beatty

WHY VISIT? When hiking from this trailhead, there are lots of options to completely customize the hike. The hike can be short or long. The difficulty can be easy or difficult, any many levels in between. The main trail around the rim makes a complete loop. The views are stunning and, if hiking the main loop, the constant 360-degree view will slowly evolve, making the trail much more interesting. If not hiking, the overlook at the trailhead offers an amazing view of the crater. In addition, the view of Death Valley from the back of the parking lot is pretty amazing itself. The main trail around the crafter has several out and back spurs to enhance the hike. One of the main spurs from the rim trail climbs all the way down to the crater floor. It is wonderfully surreal. For those with moderate mobility issues, there are no surprises on this trail. Nearly all trails are within view from most vistas. It is easy to start the rim trail and simply go as far as possible. One can easily assess the difficulty ahead or behind. TIP: From the parking lot, hiking toward the left is an easier portion of the trail. Hiking toward the right is more difficult. But again, it’s all within view making it easy to decide.

WHY SKIP? The trailhead is off the beaten path and it further away from what I would say is the main cluster of trails within the park. Getting here is a longer drive. I wouldn’t recommend including this point of interest if only visiting the national park for one day. Getting here might eat up some valuable time and there are plenty of other sites to see that are closer together. (I do highly recommend if visiting the park for at...

One of the interesting geological areas to visit and hike in Death Valley is the Ubehebe Crater 8 miles northwest of Scotty's Castle at the end of Scotty's Castle Road.

Note that the castle is currently closed for renovations but as of April 2019 you can still drive up to the crater to hike there.

There is a carpark with enough space for probably 15-20 vehicles. No public toilets at the trailhead. However, you will find them back 8 miles or so at the Ranger Station.

Views into the crater are ok from right in front of the carpark. As such, theoretically, if it is too hot outside, you can still see much of the crater without having to take the hike around the rim.

There is a 1.5 mile loop trail around the rim of the crater. It is generally easy. There are only a few small ascends to make and mostly smooth flat surface near the rim to hike. You'll find many views into the 600 foot deep crater. You will also pass by two smaller sister craters on the south and west side of Ubehebe Crater.

We visited on an early morning in April. At this time of year, it is hot by late morning but only 57 degrees first thing in the morning at the crater. It was very windy as well, making the cool air feel very chilly. We were wearing layers which was very helpful early on.

Unfortunately, visiting early in the morning means you won't be able to see the richer colours of the crater as most of its walls will still be in the shadows during your hike. However, by starting your day at Ubehebe, you can finish here early and spend the rest of your day further south where there is a higher concentration of hikes...

Although one can see the crater from the parking lot, the rim trail is absolutely worth your time. Hiking in an anti-clockwise direction as suggested, the initial climb was short but strenuous because of the loose gravel surface. This experience can be best described as 'one step forward but two steps backward'. After the first drop off warning sign, stay left for a brief descend followed by another climb to the Little Hebe Crater. Don't forget about the mountain views while walking the rim of the Little Hebe. While it is not as colourful as Ubehebe, it is equally stunning. Completing the loop of the Little Hebe, the connecting trail rejoins the rim trail where mind-blowing views of the Ubehebe from different angles reveal themselves. For those more physically-competent, consider hiking to the bottom of the Crater. Due to the gravel ground, the return trip could be an 'exercise of the century'. Parking is very limited which can only accommodate about a dozen of cars. We arrived at ~11am but were fortunate enough to occupy one of the two remaining parking spots. Note that Ubehebe Crater is located in the more remote Northern section of the park and is nowhere near the more popular Furnace Creek area. Plan at least half a day...