Canyoneering | Crack in the Ground
Hype:
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.
Canyon Rating: 2AI 
Time: 0-3 hours
Length: Up to 1.8 miles
Longest Rappel: No mandatory rappels
Gear: Technical gear not required
Fees: None
Recommended Ages:
 | 0-3 |
 | 4-11 |
 | 12-19 |
 | 20-49 |
 | 50-69 |
 | 70+ |
Recommended Months to Visit:
| Jan |
| Feb |
| Mar |
| Apr |
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Links: www.blm.gov
Navigate to 43.332895, -120.676013.
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.
From the parking area, follow the trail east until you reach Crack in the Ground. Explored up or down canyon or both.
Closest City or Region: Christmas Valley, Oregon
Coordinates: 43.332744, -120.671263
By Jeremy Dye
Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye, Greg Dye, Laura Dye, Anthony Dye, Arianne Dye, Miller Dye, Ondylyn Wagner, Jaren Wagner, Killian Wagner,
We really enjoyed exploring Crack in the Ground. At the start, Anthony and I explored one of the deeper cracks. We stemmed down to the bottom and explored a ways down canyon. We soon got to a large drop which I downclimbed using Anthony's outstretched leg for support. The pit was too smooth to climb out the other side, so I climbed back out and we both stemmed back to the surface. We soon joined the rest of the group who had taken the main crack down canyon. We explored for about an hour. There were a couple fun climbs and squeezes, and everyone loved it.
Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center
Devastated Area Interpretive Trail
Downclimbs
Wetsuit Generally Not Required
No Drinking Water
Wayfinding
Road Access is Dirt - Low Clearance
Access Road is 2WD Accessible
