El Elegante Crater

El Elegante Crater is a large volcanic depression in the Sonora Desert formed by a prehistoric explosion. The crater opening spans roughly 1400 meters across and drops about 140 meters deep, with visible layers of rock visible along its steep walls.

The crater formed roughly 32000 years ago when groundwater encountered rising magma, triggering a violent explosion. This eruption scattered rocky material across the surrounding desert landscape.

This geological formation stands within El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012.

You should prepare for harsh desert conditions by bringing plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy footwear for exploring the site. The remote location requires planning ahead and checking local conditions before visiting.

NASA used this location to train astronauts for lunar missions because its rocky terrain and extreme environment resembled the moon's surface. This connection to space exploration history draws interest from science-minded visitors.

Location: Sonora

GPS coordinates: 31.84670,-113.39128

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:00