Crater Flat, Desert basin in Nye County, Nevada.
Crater Flat is a desert basin in Nevada located between Yucca Mountain and the Bare Mountains. Five separate volcanic cones dot the basin, rising from the high elevation landscape at approximately 3,150 feet (963 meters).
The volcanic formations here span a vast time period, with the oldest rocks in the north dating back roughly 1.5 million years. The Lathrop Wells volcanic center represents much younger activity that occurred around 80,000 years ago.
The flat basin represents a significant research location for geologists and scientists studying volcanic activity patterns in the Southwest Nevada volcanic field.
The area is most easily reached by US Route 95, which runs near the southern portion of this desert basin. You will need your own vehicle to explore the different volcanic features scattered across the open landscape.
The Black Cone is a striking basaltic formation that stands out visibly against the surrounding desert landscape. This dark cone is one of the five volcanoes defining the basin and catches your attention immediately when traveling through the area.
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