DAY 3: The Volcan El Pinacate

We left camp early on day three, with our sights set on the massive craters South of Sierra Hornaday. We drove from our camp by the dunes through the massive lava flows, canyons and washes of the western watershed of the Pinacate's. Route finding in this remote area proved challenging, and we were thankful for the 2M HF radios installed in our vehicles.

After our break at the tanks, we drove the western loop trail towards the Trebol (Molina) Crater (31 57.900 N, 113 37.020 W, elev. 826 ft), with its three perfectly shaped volcanic craters. A short drive from Trebol is the MacDougal Crater (31 58.470 N, 113 37.090 W, elev. 853 ft). These craters are identified as a maar crater, when rising magma meets underground water sources, creating extreme pressure from the subsequent steam. This pressure builds until the ground explodes, leaving these beautiful craters.

After viewing the craters, we made the short drive to MEX2 at the northern end of the park. (N32 02 53.6 W113 33 21.2).

This was a fantastic trip, made even better by the blooming flowers and great companions!