can you visit sedan crater

Sedan Crater Is An Otherworldly Destination In The Nevada Desert

More by this Author

Nevada played a huge role when it came to understanding nuclear power and how it can be used. Home to what was once known as the Nevada Test Site, it was here that scientists conducted below-ground nuclear tests from 1951 until 1992.  Today, the test sites can only be accessed through the National Security Site Tour and one of the places that are highlighted is the massive Sedan Crater. Considered the largest man-made crater in the U.S., it’s an otherworldly destination that represents Nevada’s fascinating nuclear history.

Related Stories

Your Ultimate Guide To Summer Fun In Nevada

It's An Epic Western Adventure To A Gold Mine, A Ghost Town, And More In Nevada

You'll Never Look At Donuts The Same Way After Trying Dulce Donuts In Nevada

Did you know about the Sedan Crater hiding out in the Nevada desert? Read more about how you can visit this nuclear testing site for a unique adventure!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Want more Nevada in your inbox?

Get the latest on things to see, do, and eat around Nevada!

Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!

An error occured.

Related Articles

• 5 Waterfront Retreats In Nevada That Are Perfect For Warm Weather Adventures
• This Speakeasy Hidden In A Museum In Nevada Is Perfect For A Date Night
• This Moderate 2.2-Mile Trail In Nevada Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime
• Did You Know Nevada Is Home To More Mountain Ranges Than Any Other State?
• I Took 13 Overnight Trips Last Year, And Here Are 13 Travel Products My Family Can't Live Without
• We Can't Resist The 51 Most Playful Airbnbs In America, One For Each State
• Here Are The Top 15 States In America For A Summer Road Trip, According To OnlyInYourState Readers
• Hand-Picked: 12 Mother's Day Gifts For Moms Who Love To Travel

How to Visit the Nevada Test Site

National Nuclear Security Administration/Nevada Site Office

• Physical Chemistry
• Chemical Laws
• Periodic Table
• Projects & Experiments
• Scientific Method
• Biochemistry
• Medical Chemistry
• Chemistry In Everyday Life
• Famous Chemists
• Activities for Kids
• Abbreviations & Acronyms
• Weather & Climate
• Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
• B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College

The Nevada Test Site is the location where the United States conducted atomic testing . Did you know you can visit the Nevada Test Site, formerly called the Nevada Proving Grounds and now known as the Nevada National Security Site? Here is how to take the tour.

Get on the List

The Nevada Test Site is located about 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas , Nevada on US-95, but you can't just drive up to the facility and look around! Public tours are conducted only four times a year, with specific dates determined a few months in advance. The size of the tour group is limited, so there is a waiting list. If you want to take the tour, the first step is to call the Office of Public Affairs to get your name on the waiting list for the tour. In order to get accepted for the tour, you must be at least 14 years old (accompanied by an adult if you are under 18). When you make a reservation, you need to supply the following information:

• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Social Security number

Keep in mind the tour date may change if the weather isn't cooperative, so it's good to build a little flexibility into your schedule.

What to Expect

Once you register for a tour, you'll get an email confirmation of your reservation. A couple of weeks before the visit, you'll get a packet in the mail that includes an itinerary for the trip.

• The tour is free.
• Radiation badges are no longer used. In order to get badged for security, you will need to present a driver's license or valid passport (foreign nationals) upon arrival.
• Expect a full day of activities. Visitors meet in Las Vegas to board a tour bus at 7 am, returning to Las Vegas at 4:30 pm.
• You'll need to pack a lunch.
• Dress appropriately. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. You will not be allowed to take the tour if you are wearing shorts, a skirt, or sandals! Las Vegas is (very) hot in the summer and (very) cold in the winter, with temperatures ranging anywhere in between the extremes. Consider the season when packing for the trip.
• You cannot bring in any recording devices or electronics of any kind. Do not bring a cell phone, camera, binocular, recorder, etc. Mandatory checks are conducted. If you are caught with a recording device, you'll get thrown out and the whole tour group will be returned to Las Vegas.
• No firearms are permitted.
• Las Vegas Geology Highlights
• The Nevada Silver Rush
• Field Trip Ideas for Elementary School Students
• Nevada National Parks: Fossils, Historic Trails, and Lake Mead
• Facts About Las Vegas, Nevada
• How to Travel Like a Geologist
• History of Hoover Dam
• Explore the World From Your Home or Classroom With These 7 Virtual Field Trips
• Southern Utah University Admissions
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics
• VEGA Surname Meaning and Origin
• Nevada State College Admissions
• Using a Focus Word to Help With Pronunciation
• 7 Tips for a Successful Whale Watching Trip
• Italian For Travelers
• Visiting the Johnson Houston Space Center

Nevada National Security Site

Similar experiences.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Nevada National Security Site - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Public tours to resume at Nevada National Security Site

by Matthew Seeman

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Tours will soon resume for the history of nuclear and atomic testing in Nevada.

The Nevada National Security Site, or NNSS, says it will announce new tour dates on Monday, Aug. 29.

Free monthly tours of the historical site are provided to the public, using a chartered bus. Visitors would leave from the National Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas at 7:30 a.m. and return around 5 p.m.

The tour would visit sites like Mercury, Nevada, the site of a camp facility that housed the personnel who conducted nuclear tests, and the Sedan Crater, one of the largest man-made craters on Earth.

MORE ON NEWS 3 | National Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas debuts new exhibit on nuclear clean-up

Anyone interested in a tour must fill out a badging form available on the NNSS.gov website and submit it via email or postal delivery. All visitors must have a valid ID.

The tour covers nearly 250 miles. Visitors must be 14 or older, and people are asked to wear casual attire with sturdy closed-toed shoes due to the rugged terrain. Shorts, capris and sandals are prohibited.

Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed, and lunch can be purchased at the Site Bistro, which is a cashless facility.

Certain items are prohibited, including cell phones, cameras, binoculars, firearms and Geiger counters.

The NNSS is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Energy Department. It maintains the country's nuclear weapons stockpile and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies.

Sedan Crater

Categories Geology

Nevada Nye County » Sedan Crater

The Sedan Crater stands as a stark reminder of the era when nuclear energy exploration went beyond weapons and power generation, delving into the potential for peacetime industrial applications. This site in Nevada is the footprint of an intense underground nuclear detonation, part of Operation Plowshare—a program that aimed to adapt nuclear technology for constructive uses, like excavation.

Back in 1962, the detonation of a 104-kiloton nuclear device, buried over 600 feet beneath the Earth, resulted in an astonishing upheaval. The explosion formed a dome of earth 300 feet high before erupting, ejecting over 12 million tons of soil into the air and forming the massive crater visible today. The test demonstrated that while nuclear explosions could indeed move mountains, the fallout was far-reaching and unwelcome, casting a radioactive shadow over the land and its inhabitants, more than any other test in the nation.

The Sedan Crater’s legacy is a testament to the power and peril of nuclear energy. Currently, the crater is a historical site within the Nevada desert, with vegetation tentatively taking root again, softening its harsh contours.

For those interested in witnessing this chapter of history, take note:

Visitor Guidelines Sedan Crater is within the boundaries of the Nevada National Security Site. Public access is carefully controlled due to the sensitive nature of the area. Approaching the guarded gates or attempting unauthorized entry is considered trespassing, and security personnel will take immediate action. Photography of military installations is strictly prohibited and could result in legal consequences. Adherence to these guidelines is crucial, particularly for visitors from outside the United States.

To visit, you must arrange a spot on the monthly public tours managed by the DOE/NNSA Field Office in Las Vegas. These educational tours provide a safe and legal way to explore the site, starting from the Atomic Testing Museum near the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

• Entertainment
• Investigations
• Latest Headlines
• EDC Las Vegas
• What Are They Hiding?
• 2024 Election
• Clark County
• Nation and World
• Science and Technology
• Road Warrior
• Las Vegas Weather
• East Valley
• North Las Vegas
• Summerlin/Centennial Hills
• Remembering Oct. 1, 2017
• Deborah Wall
• Natalie Burt
• Remembering Jeff German
• Police Accountability
• Alpine Fire
• 100 Years of Growth
• Dangerous Driving
• Raiders News
• Golden Knights
• UNLV Football
• UNLV Basketball
• Nevada Preps
• Sports Betting 101
• Las Vegas Sportsbooks
• National Finals Rodeo
• Where Are They Now?
• On TV/Radio
• MMA and UFC
• Casinos & Gaming
• Conventions
• Inside Gaming
• Entrepreneurs
• Real Estate News
• Business Press
• Sheldon Adelson (1933-2021)
• Debra J. Saunders
• Michael Ramirez cartoons
• Victor Joecks
• Richard A. Epstein
• Victor Davis Hanson
• Drawing Board
• Homicide Tracker
• Faces of Death Row
• Kats’ Cool Hangs
• Arts & Culture
• Home and Garden
• Las Vegas Hiking Guide
• RJ Magazine
• Today’s Obituaries
• Submit an obit
• Dealer News
• Classifieds
• Place a Classified Ad
• Provided Content
• Real Estate Millions
• Internships
• Service Directory
• Transportation
• Merchandise
• Legal Information
• Real Estate Classifieds
• Garage Sales
• Contests and Promotions
• Best of Las Vegas
• Nevada State Bank
• Verizon Business
• P3 Health Partners
• Adult Health
• Star Nursery
• Partner Articles
• Ignite Funding
• Supplements
• Travel Nevada
• Subscriptions
• Newsletters
• Advertise with Us

• >> Local
• >> Local Nevada

Nevada Test Site to resume tours

The site is resuming tours after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

Ready to be blown away with an up-close look at the remnants of Nevada’s atomic testing history? (Don’t worry, not literally.)

The Nevada National Security Site will be resuming free public tours after being suspended for nearly three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. New tour dates will be announced on Monday, Aug. 29 at 10 a.m. Spots on the tours fill up quickly due to limited availability.

Tours will depart on a chartered bus from the National Atomic Testing Museum at 755 E. Flamingo Road at 7:30 a.m. and return around 5 p.m. Visitors will travel 65 miles northwest and see nearly 250 miles of the site.

The Sedan Crater, a 1,280 feet wide, 320 feet deep crater made by a thermonuclear device; Frenchman Flat, the site of five atmospheric nuclear weapons; and the low-level radioactive waste management site are some of the points of interest featured on the tour.

But influencers, beware: no cameras, camcorders or tape recorders are allowed on the tour.

Other prohibited items include:

— Cameras, camcorders or tape recorders

— Binoculars or telescopes

— Cell phones

— Privately-owned laptop computers

— Geiger counters or dosimeters not issued by the NNSS

— Firearms, weapons, or explosives

— Controlled substances (including marijuana)

— Alcoholic beverages

— Shorts and capris pants

— Sandals

Taking home objects, including rocks, soil, plants or metal from the site is prohibited.

NNSS recommends visitors wear study, flat, close-toed shoes for the rugged terrain, as well as sunscreen, long sleeve shirts, hats and sunglasses.

Tour participants must complete and submit a badging form to register for tours at nnss.gov.

Contact Taylor Lane at [email protected] . Follow @tmflane on Twitter.

The Bureau of Reclamation is asking people to exercise caution on the morning of May 21 when recreating near the dam as new hazards could emerge.

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield made a $50,000 donation to the nonprofit Baby’s Bounty to help families at risk in Nevada.

The Summer Food Service Program is offering free meals to kids and teens 18 years and younger in southern Nevada.

As the California Energy Commission considers adopting a rule to put profit caps on the state’s remaining 9 refineries — the only ones producing the state’s special gas formulation — Arizona and Nevada, which use California gas, could face higher gas prices.

Amargosa Valley residents are concerned about the wells they rely on for drinking water after Rover Critical Minerals staked claim to public land around the town.

The average for gasoline in Nevada is now 89-cents higher than the national average, according to data from AAA.

No officers were injured, but few details were available.

The shuttered Colorado Belle is a hotel-casino on the Colorado River in Laughlin.

Sens. Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto introduced a bill to revoke the law making Yucca Mountain, located 90 miles from Las Vegas, a nuclear waste repository.

Two independent genetic labs tested the DNA of samples collected from Elko County after wildlife officials thought they had seen a gray wolf pack.

Free public tours to return to Nevada atomic test site

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - The Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) will again host public tours of the atomic test site.

According to NNSS, new tour dates will be announced on its website at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 29. Space is limited, as there is only one tour offered per month.

NNSS says guests depart from the Nevada Atomic Testing Museum at about 7:30 a.m. and travel 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas to the test site. The tours will return around 5 p.m.

The Nevada Test Site, located just north of Las Vegas, was home to atomic bomb testing in the 1950s.

The tour, which will cover nearly 250 miles of the test site, includes the following points of interest:

Mercury, NV

Frenchman Flat

Nonproliferation Test and Evaluation Complex

Low-level radioactive waste management site

Sedan Crater

T-1 Training Area

Apple-2 Houses (Civil Effects Tests)

Those interested in attending must be at least 14 years old.

For more information on the tours, visit the NNSS website .

Copyright 2022 KVVU. All rights reserved.

CCSD Police: 1 stabbed 3 times during Las Vegas elementary school ceremony

Teacher at Summerlin daycare arrested on child abuse charge

CCSD substitute teacher arrested for incident with minor

21-year-old murder suspect arrested after deadly drug deal in east Las Vegas

Teen injured, several arrested in shooting at east Las Vegas apartment complex

Latest news.

Overdose prevention efforts ramp up across Las Vegas Valley

UNLV athletics hosts Hall of Fame ceremony

Animal Foundation facing "difficult decisions" due to space crisis

Community Ambulance serving EDC attendees

This Western Tourist Attraction Is One Of The Most Dangerous In The US

It can be easy to switch to YOLO mode when you go on vacation. After all, if you're already taking a break from your everyday life, you might as well adopt the "go big or go home" mantra. If you have the means, it's more than okay to dress to the nines, eat all the gourmet food, try all the delicious cocktails, and step out of your comfort zone occasionally.

The perfect place to do all of that is Nevada. The bright lights, flashy casinos, and extravagant experiences found in Reno, Laughlin, and Las Vegas create the perfect environment for a great time. There may even be time to squeeze in something educational, thanks to the state's  amazing museums and historical landmarks .

However, not every part of the Silver State shares Sin City's famous motto of "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." About 65 miles northwest of the world famous vacation destination, you can visit the Sedan Crater in The Nevada National Security Site (NNSS), formerly known as The Nevada Test Site. This government-run outdoor facility allows travelers to marvel at this manufactured wonder, but there is a slight chance they could be exposed to radioactive remnants left over from decades of atomic testing in the area. Due to the potential of taking home an unwanted souvenir that could affect your health, this tourist attraction is considered  one of the most dangerous places to add to your vacation itinerary.

The Nevada National Security Site

If you don't learn from history, you're doomed to repeat it. Nevada understands this old saying and established The National Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas to educate the masses about the history of nuclear testing and its impact on the world. The state also opened The Nevada National Security Site to show visitors where the testing took place. These tours span about 250 miles of the 1,355-square-mile area (larger than the state of Rhode Island) and are free and open to the general public. The catch is that they are only offered sparingly throughout the year and require an approval process that comes with a good amount of red tape. Yet, these tours are still incredibly popular and fill up fast.

As a part of the tour, groups are transported via a chartered bus to the Sedan Crater. Listed on The National Registry of Historic Places since 1994, the crater is the result of an experiment of The Plowshare Program, which explored the uses of nuclear explosives for peaceful measures. The 1962 experiment detonated a 104-kiloton explosion that affected 12 million tons of earth in the surrounding area. The result was a 1,280-foot wide and 320-foot deep hole — the largest non-natural crater in the United States.

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act

What makes a massive hole in the middle of the desert a dangerous place to visit? It's less about the possibility of falling in and more about radioactivity. The site conducted over 900 nuclear tests between 1951 and 1992, with 828 of those tests occurring underground. Over the years, that nuclear material was absorbed by the environment and spread to the surrounding areas thanks to natural occurrences like wind and precipitation.

While the state and federal governments consider Sedan Crater safe to visit, there are still plenty of questions concerning lingering radiation and the radioactive waste buried at the NNSS. The U.S. government has even offered compensation to people impacted by the experiments. President George H.W. Bush signed The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act in 1990 to help "Downwinders" (or anyone who lived approximately 20 miles downwind from ground zero of the experiments and their fallouts) who developed health issues after living in the nearby Nevada counties between 1951 and 1963. There have been amendments applied and proposed to this bill over the years as new scientific reports emerged with new information about the long-term effects of atomic radiation, its connection to various types of cancer and other diseases, and what it all could mean for people who visit or live nearby the testing site. This is not really the comfort zone anyone should want to step out of on a vacation.

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Sedan Crater

Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center - Earthshots

Historical images from the USGS EROS archive show the changing cratered landscape. A 1952 aerial photo shows that nuclear testing had already begun. A declassified satellite image from 1965 shows a more heavily cratered landscape and reveals the largest of them.

A 104-kiloton nuclear device was detonated 635 feet underground on July 6, 1962. The explosion created a cavity that the surface soil collapsed into. The resulting crater, named Sedan crater, is 1,280 feet wide and 320 feet deep.

Sedan crater was not the result of a weapons test, but a part of Operation Plowshare, which explored the use of nuclear detonations for peaceful purposes. The idea was to use them in the construction of canals, harbors, quarries, or other projects requiring excavation. Sedan was the second and largest Plowshare experiment.

These tests went about as you would expect. A nuclear explosion could excavate a large amount of material pretty quickly, but the radiation left behind made it glaringly impractical.

Related Content

Yucca Flat, Nevada, USA

One of the most cratered landscapes on Earth is part of the Nevada des...

Historical images from the USGS EROS archive show the changing cratere...

Cold War Craters

Landsat 8’s near-infrared and shortwave infrared imaging shows the poc...

Only Four Tour Groups Get To See The Nevada Test Site In A Year & This Is How

Access to the Nevada National Security Site is highly limited, and getting the chance to tour it involves a long and arduous process.

One fateful day in World War 2 and the Manhatten Project bore fruition. While it would soon end the war in the Pacific, the world would never be the same again. In 1951, the testing site was moved and many of these nuclear tests were conducted at the Nevada National Security Site (or NNSS) (previously known as the Nevada Test Site).

At this site, the US conducted many nuclear tests. Today, it is possible to tour this site. Nevada is a very interesting state, it is home to half of the Hoover Dam and half of Lake Tahoe. It is famously the home of the greatest Sin City in America of Las Vegas. But of all the things we'd like to know, is what is in its secret Area 51 (we have a fair idea and unfortunately, little green men are unlikely)?

About The Nevada National Security Site (NNSS)

• Number Of Nuclear Explosions: Over 1,000
• First Test: January 27, 1951
• Underground: 921 Nuclear Tests Were Carried Out Underground

For decades, over a thousand bombs were detonated here. The resulting mushroom clouds were visible for almost 100 miles around. The city of Las Vegas is only 65 miles away and they were visible from the city's hotels. During this time the hotels became something of a nuclear tourist attraction. But despite Las Vegas' proximity, it was St. George in Utah that experienced the greater fall out with the Westerly Winds carrying the fallout there. The place has suffered higher rates of various cancers and brain tumors as a result.

Nevada is certainly a very interesting state full of the weird and the wonderful. It is a state full of opportunities and much more than just Vegas .

Visiting The NNSS

To visit this site one must complete a badging form on the Nevada National Securite Site website . The tours are open to both US citizens and foreign nationals. Foreign nationals must complete the form 45 days before the scheduled tour.

• Canceled: As At The Time Of Writing, All Tours Are Canceled Until Further Notice - Possibly Due To The COVID-19 Pandemic

The NNSS Public Tours are for general interest and are provided on a monthly basis. Everyone must have valid forms of ID for security badging - that can be a driver's license for Americans but a passport for foreign nationals.

• Cost Of Tour: Free
• Reservations: Reservations Are Required For All Tours
• Note: Space Is Limited And Fills Up Quickly
• Booking Basis: First-Come, First-Served Basis
• Times: Depart At 7:30 am and Return At 4:00 pm

Related: 10 Things That Have Only Recently Come To Light About Area 51

Once one has reserved a tour of the site, one must have the relevant documentation with them. Most of the tours depart from the National Atomic Testing Museum and the most of transport is usually a chartered bus (equipped with a restroom).

Tour Regulations And Recommendations

Pregnant women are discouraged from the trip, not so much from the radiation, but from the long bus ride and the uneven terrain. Also, nothing may be removed from the site (no soil, plants, or debris). All recording devices are prohibited - so one can leave one's camera and cell phone behind - this is going to be an excursion without internet and Instagram pics. It is also not going to be a young family's excursion as children under the age of 14 are prohibited.

While on the tour, visitors should bring their own food and drinks (although lunch is available at the Bistro).

• Recommended Clothing: Casual Clothing Is Recommended, Good Sturdy Shoes Are Required For The Rugged Terrain
• Prohibited Clothing: Shorts, Capris, And Sandals Are Prohibited
• Age: All Visitors Must Be At Least 14 Years Old

Related: 20 Ways You Can Travel To Vegas Without Spending Any Money

Some of the points of interest along the tour are Mercury, Nevada, Frenchman Flat (site of the first detonation), Nonproliferation Test and Evaluation Complex, Icecap, Sedan Crater, T-1 Training Area, and others. See the craters left behind by these gigantic explosions and the devastation wrought on various structures built to test the effects of the blasts.

There is a whole list of prohibited items. The NNSS Lists them as :

• Cameras, camcorders, or tape recorders
• Binoculars or telescopes
• Cell phones
• Privately-owned laptop computers
• Geiger counters or dosimeters not issued by the NNSS
• Firearms, weapons, or explosives
• Controlled substances or alcoholic beverages

This is an unusual but very interesting tour that would be interesting to do. Unfortunately, not everyone can enjoy it as the places are limited and there is a waiting list (tours have been suspended for now anyway). But if one can find a place when tours resume, then it will be a tour like none other.

Touring the NNSS is a solemn reminder of the destructive power humanity wields today and the madness that characterized the Cold War.

Next: 10 Mistakes All Rookies Make Their First Time In Las Vegas

• Submit an idea
• Browse all demos
• Engineering
• auto_awesome_motion Flashcards

Nuclear Bomb Craters on Google Maps

Satellite imagery of craters formed by nuclear bombs.

Geography Maps Satellite

Sedan Crater

Bravo crater, lake chagan.

For millions of years, craters on Earth were formed by volcanoes or through impacts from meteorites. However, since the 20th century, humans have been capable of creating huge explosions forming craters that can be seen in satellite images.

The Sedan Crater, located in Nevada's Area 51 Test Site, USA, was formed on July 6, 1962, by a 104 kiloton nuclear explosion. Instead of testing for warfare purposes, the bomb was intended to test the feasibility of using nuclear explosions for civilian purposes, such as facilitating mining. The crater now has an observation deck and has become a tourist attraction in its own right, attracting over 10,000 visitors every year.

The Castle Bravo crater was formed on March 1, 1954 after a 15 megaton explosion occured at Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands. The blast, was 2.5 times the expected yield of 4-6 megatons, and made it the most powerful device the United States ever detonated, and led to a number of people in the vicinity suffering the effects of radiation sickness, including the captain of a nearby fishing vessel, who died 7 months later.

Later that month, a second device, Castle Romeo, was detonated from the Bravo crater, resulting in a second crater which overlaps the original one.

Bikini Atoll has since been made a UNESCO world heritage site as an outstanding example of a nuclear test site, giving the world a tangible testimony of the birth of the Cold War.

Located in the Nevada Test Site, close to the location of the Sedan crater, the Yucca Flat was the location of hundreds of underground tests, the evidence of which can be seen today in the presence of numerous subsidence craters. These are formed when the roof of an cavity created by such an explosion collapses.

On November 1, 1952, Ivy Mike, a 10.4-12 megaton hydrogen bomb - the world's first - was detonated on Elugelab, on Enewetak Atoll, in the Pacific Ocean. The explosion completely vapourised the island, leaving a crater 1.9km wide and 50m deep.

The overlapping adjacent crater is from the Hardtack 1 Koa test, which occured in May 1958.

Cactus Dome

The Cactus test created a 110m wide crater, on Runit Island, Enewetak Atoll. By 1956, the Atomic Energy Commission regarded the Marshall Islands as the most contaminated place in the world and, once testing had finished, the United States military began decontaminating the atoll, which involved placing thousands of tons of radioactive debris inside the crater. To minimise leakage, they capped the crater with an 18 inch thick concrete dome.

The crater immediately adjacent to the dome was caused by the Redwing Lacrosse test, on 4 May, 1956.

Pokhran Crater

This 210m subsidence crater at Pokhran Test Range, India, was created by the Smiling Buddha test on 18 May 1974.

On January 15, 1965, the Chagan Test in Kazakhstan was carried out, for peaceful purposes, in an attempt to form an artifical lake. A channel was built to the nearby river and water successfully pooled in the crater forming the lake we see today.

Sponsored Link

You might also be interested in

Privacy Policy Cookie Policy © Academo.org 2024. Source code available at GitHub.com .

• Skip to global NPS navigation
• Skip to this park navigation
• Skip to the main content
• Skip to this park information section
• Skip to the footer section

Exiting nps.gov

Alerts in effect, crater rim drive tour.

Last updated: September 28, 2023

Park footer

Contact info, mailing address:.

P.O. Box 52 Hawaii National Park, HI 96718

808 985-6011

Stay Connected

A first-timer's guide to Gran Canaria, Spain

May 13, 2024 • 9 min read

Get to know Gran Canaria, the third-largest Canary Island, with this first-timer's guide © Maremagnum / Getty Images

Ross Clarke has recently returned from Gran Canaria where he was researching for the upcoming Canary Islands guidebook (publishing November 2024). Here he creates the ultimate guide to help you start planning your vacation to the Canaries' third-largest island.

When you fly into Gran Canaria or traverse its coastline by boat to dock at one of its ports, you instantly understand why this island has captivated and intrigued people for centuries.

It’s been given the nickname of "the continent in miniature" due to its diverse terrain, and "the land of eternal spring" for its climate. The original inhabitants before the Spanish named it "Tamaran," and their legacy can be seen across the island in remains of their cave dwellings and artefacts.

Gran Canaria is the middle child of the archipelago, having sprung up from the ocean floor about 14 million years ago. It is often compared to its neighbor, Tenerife , but each of the islands has its own merits.

Most people will know Gran Canaria for its beaches and resorts, particularly Maspalomas in the south that encompasses the popular spot of Playa del Inglés . And while the beaches and sunny weather are spectacular, there’s much more to this beautiful island than sand, sun and sea, from incredible history and culture, magnificent sights and natural wonders, to outstanding food and wine.

When should I go to Gran Canaria?

For many years, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria held the title for the city with the best climate in the world. This is because the capital enjoys a temperate year-round climate with little rain and rarely scorching temperatures. Interestingly, Gran Canaria has its own microclimate, meaning that it can have hot, dry, sunny weather in the arid south, chilly, crisp and fresh temperatures in its mountainous center, and humid, hazy vibes in the north.

Gran Canaria is incredibly popular for winter sun, and beaches can be busy with tourists even in January – although you’re unlikely to spot a Canarian sunbathing until after April. Winter also plays host to several celebrations, including one of the world’s largest carnivals in February. These more-than-week-long celebrations take over the whole island and there are parties, parades and plenty of costumes and fun. 

Summer also gets busy when the mercury can hit 30°C (86°F), however, with more than 60km (37 miles) of beaches around the island’s coast, you can usually find a spot on the sand to soak up some rays. Autumn and spring can be good times to visit, and prices tend to be a little lower, places less busy and temperatures ideal for exploring and sightseeing.

How much time should I spend in Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria is both ideal for an exciting city break over a long weekend, a week-long beach holiday or an extended stay. In fact, it’s one of the most popular places for remote workers looking to balance work with the laid-back island lifestyle.

If you’re here for a week, you’re probably going to want to hit the beach (and I can’t blame you). While the dunes of Maspalomas are a sight to behold, try one of the quieter beaches such as Melenara near Telde or the remote Playa Güigüí – it’s a bit of a hike but well worth it for unspoilt sand and an all-over tan if that’s your thing! Once you’re suitably bronzed, consider hiring a car and visiting the center of the island. You’ll find fragrant and fire-resistant Canarian pine trees, family-run vineyards, and soaring volcanic monoliths such as Roque Bentayga , which were worshipped by the island’s original pre-Hispanic inhabitants.

If you’re hopping off a cruise ship or here for a city break, the capital city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – to give it its full name – is Spain’s eighth largest city and exudes a cool cosmopolitan vibe. It’s incredibly foodie and it’s worth indulging in the restaurant scene, from cool Canarian dishes by the beach in Mar Gastrotasca , to fine dining at Muxgo – the island’s first Green Michelin Star restaurant thanks to its 0km (0 mile) food philosophy. Don’t miss the beautiful Las Canteras beach with its natural barrier reef that protects the shore and makes the seawater almost swimming-pool like. The old town of Vegueta and Triana is also worth a visit to wander the historic streets and museums.

Is it easy to get in and around Gran Canaria?

The island has one major airport, Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), located about halfway down the east coast, which covers both international and domestic flights. It’s easy to get from the airport to all major resorts by bus, taxi or hire car. 

The bus network is extensive and reaches all parts of the island. Buses are inexpensive and reliable and run by Guaguas Global . In the capital, you’ll see yellow buses. These run the length and breadth of the city and are operated by Guaguas Municipales . Single journeys start at €1.40.

Car hire is a great way to explore the island. Prices are generally good value although can peak during busy periods so it’s advisable to book ahead. Try using a local company if you can such as Cicar or Tirma . You could easily drive the circumference of the island in a single day, it is so compact, but it’s worth taking your time and planning journeys in advance so you don’t miss anything. Make sure to fill up with fuel before heading inland, as the steep, winding mountain roads can deplete reserves quicker than you think.

From the ports in Las Palmas and Agaete, you can catch ferries and high-speed catamarans to neighboring islands including Tenerife.

3 of the best things to do in Gran Canaria

1. see the waves of sand.

The rolling, shapeshifting, undulating dunes of Maspalomas should be on anyone’s must-visit list. These mountains of golden sand were here long before any development started in the resorts that now surround the protected space. Over the last few years, the Canarian government has brought in strict regulations for the dunes in order to preserve and protect them. There are several dedicated routes that you can walk that’ll take you to various parts including oases and La Charca nature reserve, a home to migratory birds. For your own bird's-eye views, head to the panoramic Atelier Cocktail Bar on the top of the Bohemia Suites hotel.

2. Climb the the Roques

There are two very famous monoliths in the center of the island, both of which are worth a visit. The Roque Nublo is the more famous, standing at a height of 80m (262ft) and soaring nearly 2000m (6561ft) above sea level. The trek to the rock is relatively easy and takes about 30–40 minutes.

Alternatively, try climbing to the Roque Bentayga . This was the last point of defence for the island’s original inhabitants, and it’s easy to see why as it stands on a plinth with views of the surrounding sunken volcanic crater. Check out the ground at the top, there are carvings and holes in the stone that are still a mystery to historians.

3. Wander the old town of Las Palmas

No visit to the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is complete without a stroll around the beautiful historic streets of Vegueta. Take a trip up the bell towers of the imposing Catedral Metropolitana de Santa Ana de Canarias to get views over the city, sea and surrounding rooftops. Nearby, stop at the Museo Canario to learn all about the island’s original inhabitants and visit the rather creepy skeleton room containing many real examples of their mummified and skeletal remains. Finish with a visit to Terraza Belvédère to enjoy a local wine on the rooftop overlooking the Santa Ana Square.

My favourite thing to do in Gran Canaria

I’m a sucker for a good market, and in Gran Canaria you’re spoilt for choice, from craft and artisan pop-ups to food and agriculture. One of my favorites, that I used to go to regularly when I lived in Las Palmas, is the weekend market in Vega de San Mateo. There are two giant warehouses that are full to the brim with stall holders. One is for crafts and but the other (which is my favorite) is the agricultural one. I love nosing at the stalls and chatting to the stallholders who often give you little taster of their baked goods or let you sniff spices. There is usually a stall selling truchas de batata – sweet potato pasties – that I devour in an instant. It’s also a good place to pick up non-touristy souvenirs such as seeds, herbs and sauces.

My other favorite is the weekend market at Teror. This town is famous for two things: the church dedicated to the island’s patron saint, Virgen del Pino; and chorizo de Teror , a sort of spreadable chorizo paste. You’ll find countless stalls selling bocadillos (rolls as big as your head) slathered in chorizo de Teror and fresh cheese.

How much money do I need for Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria can be relatively cheap if you avoid the obvious tourist traps. The currency is the Euro (€) and most places take credit and debit cards. Over recent years cash has been on a decline, but it’s worth carrying some Euros in case you need them, especially in less touristic and developed areas.

• Hotel room: €50–250 per night
• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): €75–100 per night
• Bus ticket: €2.50
• Coffee: €1.50
• Tapas for two: €25–40
• Beer/glass of wine: €3
• Bottle of local wine: €15–30

Is this a family-friendly destination?

Canarian people adore children, and you’ll find families socialize together from grandparents to babies until all hours. And don’t be surprised if Canarios talk to your children before they speak to you – the island is extremely family friendly.

Is Gran Canaria good for gay travelers?

Gran Canaria is one of the most popular destinations for the LGBTIQ+ community. The island and islanders are incredibly open, and it is a safe environment to be yourself. Each year there is a famous Winter Pride in Playa del Inglés, centered around the Yumbo Centrum – the world’s only LGBTIQ+ shopping center – where you’ll find bars, shops, restaurants and clubs.

What is the calima ?

Some days in Gran Canaria, you might find that the air is very hot and yet it’s foggy or misty. This is known as the calima – the hot winds that blow over from the nearby Sahara Desert carrying sand dust in the air. While it won’t hurt you, it can make temperatures and being outside unpleasant.

Explore related stories

Destination Practicalities

A chilled and stunning Canary Island, Fuerteventura is packed with fun things to do and see. Start planning your trip now with our first-timer's guide.

Jan 31, 2024 • 6 min read

Oct 25, 2023 • 7 min read

Dec 20, 2022 • 3 min read

Jul 27, 2022 • 10 min read

Jul 13, 2022 • 11 min read

Jun 24, 2022 • 6 min read

Jun 21, 2022 • 8 min read

Jun 15, 2022 • 8 min read

Mar 24, 2022 • 2 min read