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Crack-in-the-Ground is an ancient volcanic fissure over 2 miles long and up to 70 feet deep. Normally, fissures like this one are filled with soil and rock by the processes of erosion and sedimentation. However, because it is located in such an arid region, very little filling has occurred and Crack-in-the-Ground exists today nearly as it did shortly after its formation thousands of years ago. An established 2 mile trail along the fissure’s bottom offers a unique hike, where the temperature can be as much as twenty degrees cooler than at the surface. Know Before You Go: Open Season Crack-in-the-Ground is open YEAR ROUND. Trail Difficulty is moderate, with a 70’ elevation gain and sand and rock surface. Universal Access Restroom available. No Drinking Water available. Trail Open to foot travel only. Motor Vehicles, Mountain Bikes, and Equestrians are PROHIBITED. Access is via rugged dirt roads that may be impassable at times. Four-wheel drive vehicles are highly recommended. Facilities at the Green Mountain facilities include 6 designated campsites, a vault toilet, picnic tables, and fire grates. This is a primitive campground so please pack out all of your trash. The fire lookout atop Green Mountain is manned from June through October. The nearest services are in Christmas Valley, Oregon. Point of Interest: A trail along the fissure's bottom allows for visitors to hike the crack’s length - and cool off, due to a temperature up to twenty degrees lower than the surface. ADA Access: Restroom
From Christmas Valley, Oregon, head east on the Christmas Valley Highway for approximately 1 mile. Turn north (left) onto Crack-in-the-Ground Road and continue for about 7 miles, being sure to turn left onto Lava Craters Road, following signs to Crack in the Ground.
No Fees.
First off this is not an easy place to get to. You have to be pretty committed to get out here as the roads are terrible. That said it is a really cool place once you do arrive. There was no one else here when we arrived and it felt kind of like a sci fi movie set. Bring food and water because there’s nothing out here and if you get stuck you would be screwed.
Be sure to take the Crack in the Ground road off of route 31. Google might send you to Northstar Road which is like riding a kid's roller coaster.
You'll still experience 7-8 miles of washboard road and a few muddy potholes but there isn't any deep sand or gravel so 4WD isnt required but you do want good clearance. Be sure to go the bathroom before because the road may shake the pee out of you. And as of 6/23, the restroom at the trail head is under repair.
As others have said, it was definitely worth the trip. There wasn't anyone else there today so it was really fun. I got through the first section and yes there were rocks to scramble up and down on but this old geezer made it. Look forward to going back to do more. Also, it's not so remote and I had cell service until the deeper sections. I hope you enjoy as much as I did.
They should call it the Grand Crack in the Ground. Much more than just a crack. It's and experience.
The road to get to it is awful. Horrible bumpy washboard for a couple miles. Driving faster is more comfortable than slow but it's terrible either way.
10 minute hike from the parking lot to the Crack. Then it's as much exploring and hiking as you'd like. Once you get to it go to the right. And make sure you sign the guest book.
Really cool place. Actually 95 degrees out when my daughter and I visited but rhe cool part besides the crack it self was down inside it was 30 degrees cooler. Road is wash boarded pretty bad going in but doable with any vehicle if you rool slow.
