Black Rock Desert volcanic field, Volcanic field in west-central Utah, US

Black Rock Desert volcanic field is a volcanic zone in central Utah featuring cinder cones and lava flows spread across a broad landscape. The area displays multiple types of volcanic formations that developed over millions of years as molten rock reached the surface.

The oldest volcanic eruptions occurred more than 6 million years ago, creating rhyolite lava domes and basalt flows in the northern section. A younger eruptive phase later added more features to the volcanic landscape.

The field takes its name from the dark basalt of Black Rock Volcano, its youngest cone at 1,480 metres. The five volcanic fields are named after local landmarks: Pahvant Butte, Kanosh, Tabernacle, Ice Springs and Cove Fort, the last after the nearby town to its northwest.

The area can be reached via dirt roads from nearby towns, and visitors should gather information at local ranger stations before heading out. Preparation for desert conditions and navigation tools are helpful when exploring this remote landscape.

One of Utah's most recent volcanic episodes happened in this area during the medieval period, leaving fresh-looking cinder cones and dark basalt flows across the ground. These comparatively young features stand out from much older volcanic formations nearby.