Black Rock Volcanic Field
Black Rock Volcanic Field in Nevada showcases ancient cinder cones and basalt lava flows across the Black Rock Desert. It’s known for stark desert landscapes, remote exposure, and proximity to Black Rock City (Burning Man).
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Geography
| Address | Black Rock Desert-Mapes Ranch Rd, NV, USABlack Rock Desert-Mapes Ranch Road |
|---|---|
| Continent | North America |
| Region | Western United States |
| Subregion | Great Basin |
| Country | United States |
| State | Nevada |
| County | Washoe County |
| City | Black Rock Desert |
| Timezone | AmericaLos Angeles |
| Latitude | 40.785 |
| Longitude | -119.209 |
| Maps |
6:14 PM LOCAL TIMEBlack Rock Volcanic Field is a large volcanic area in northwest Nevada, spanning roughly 250 square kilometers. It is characterized by dozens of cinder cones, pahoehoe and a'a basalt lava flows, and extensive high-desert plains. The most prominent feature is Boundary Cone, but the field also includes lesser cones and fissure vents across a relatively flat summit area. The volcanic activity was primarily recent by geological standards, dating back several thousand years, and the landscape remains dramatically scarred by flows and cone fragments. The field lies at about 40.8°N, 119.2°W, reaching elevations of around 1,300-1,700 meters, and is accessible via Black Rock Desert-Mapes Ranch Road. Visitors come primarily for visual drama, remote camping, and as a counterpoint to more developed national parks — note the area's extreme openness, minimal services, and unpredictable weather. While not contained within a formal park boundary, the region adjoins the Bureau of Land Management management area that honours the same name.
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