Lunar Crater Volcanic Loop

The Lunar Crater Volcanic Loop explores Nevada’s youngest volcanic field, where NASA once trained Apollo astronauts for moon landings in landscapes so alien they fooled scientists into thinking they were extraterrestrial. This 35-mile circuit winds through the Reveille Range’s black lava flows, passing the massive Lunar Crater maar and dozens of red cinder cones that erupted just 38,000 years ago. The route connects multiple lava tube systems, including the quarter-mile-long Lunar Crater Lava Tube, accessible via a short hike from the main track.

Moderate difficulty with sandy volcanic ash sections requiring momentum and careful tire placement. High-clearance 4WD essential for the rougher lava rock sections near the crater rim. Carry plenty of water and watch for sudden weather changes — this high desert sits at 6,000 feet elevation. The best time is spring or fall when temperatures are manageable. You’ll drive through genuine lunar training grounds where Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong prepared for their historic mission, making this as much space history as geological exploration.