Ubehebe and Little Hebe Craters Trail, CA

Overview
Ubehebe Crater is a volcanic crater located in the northern part of Death Valley National Park, at the northern end of the Cottonwood Mountains. At a half-mile wide, 600 feet deep, and covered in black cinder, it is an impressive and otherworldly location. There is a signed trail to the south to Little Hebe crater, which is smaller, and likely younger than Ubehebe. Hikers can also follow a trail all the way around the rim of Ubehebe, as well as down to the bottom.


Note: Distances are for the signed trail to Little Hebe crater.Hike
The trail to Little Hebe leaves from the southern end of the paved parking area. After a gradual ascent for a hundred yards or so, it climbs steeply to a high point along the rim. Following this, it drops back down to a small saddle, where there is a sign directing you away from the rim. Little Hebe is just a short distance from here. Enjoy the view and return the way you came, or continue around the Ubehebe Rim.

Ubehebe Rim Loop
If you wish to continue around the main crater, the loop distance is 1.5 miles. Near the high point a short distance to the east, there is a nice view of Little Hebe. Once past the southeastern part of the crater rim, the grade is relatively level the rest of the way back to the parking lot.

Hiking to the bottom
If desired, you can walk to the bottom of the crater. Keep in mind it is a relatively steep 600-foot climb to get back out. The most gradual route to the bottom begins a few hundred feet from the parking lot in the clockwise direction (north).

Camping
Mesquite Spring Campground is located about seven miles to the southeast. Dispersed Camping is allowed beginning one mile to the southwest along Racetrack Valley Road.

2022-01-02 ShatteredArm