Getting there is no small feat and adds to the experience. The most popular route is a 4.6-mile round-trip hike (or longer depending on your start point) that requires moderate route-finding skills and a GPS or offline map. The terrain is open slickrock with no marked trails and zero shade, so if you're visiting in late spring through early fall, bring ample water, sun protection, and avoid midday starts.

Dogs are allowed, but we strongly advise against bringing pets in summer due to extreme heat and lack of water and shade.

The Cosmic Ashtray—also known as The Volcano or Inselberg Pit—is a surreal and otherworldly geological formation tucked deep within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah. This massive natural crater spans nearly 200 feet across and plunges 60 feet deep, filled with brilliant orange sand and centered around a bizarre rock pedestal that resembles a dinosaur skull or ancient altar. Carved by millennia of wind erosion, the Ashtray is a true desert oddity—remote, captivating, and unlike anything else in the Southwest.

Photography here is exceptional. For the best light and soft shadows, aim to arrive around sunrise, blue hour, or on overcast days, when the textures and colors of the sandstone are at their most vibrant and not blown out by harsh sunlight. Shoot from both rims—each offers totally different compositions and depth. Wide angles and drones capture the full scale of the crater, but a zoom lens brings out details in the rock formations.

There are two primary routes to reach the Cosmic Ashtray:

1. Main Route (North Access): Begins from a trailhead northeast of Escalante, with a 10–12 km (6–7.5 mile) out-and-back hike across open slickrock. This is the most straightforward path and popular with those hiking in.

2. Red Breaks Slot Canyon Loop: A more challenging and scenic loop hike that includes sections of beautiful narrows in Red Breaks Canyon. This route offers more variety and adventure but is longer, more strenuous, and requires solid navigation skills.

This is a backcountry experience—no signs, no facilities, no crowds. It demands preparation and respect for the land, but the reward is one of the most bizarre and photogenic natural wonders in Utah. Make sure to have plenty of water, navigation tools, and the ability to adapt to conditions. And if you can, time it with a stormy sky or sunrise for the ultimate shot—you won’t forget it.