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Located in
the state of Sonora
the region contrasts sandy coasts with rugged volcanic cones - the
region is a 30-mile wide volcanic field. The region is named after
a local species - a beetle that when threatened, sits vertically
on end and emits a foul odor. More loveable wildlife includes puma,
deer, antelope, wild boar, the Gila monster, bighorn sheep, pronghorn,
quail, and red-tailed eagle. Visitors to the park will find a rustic
vistors center.
There are few paths in this region and you can climb on the volcanic
cones to observe the craters. You are urged to travel with someone
who knows the region or hire an experienced guide and explore the
area in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, as the roads are of dubious
quality.
Guide information can be obtained through the visitor's center.
Be aware that this area is uninhabited and presents many dangers.
Make sure to bring along extra water.
VOLCANO FIELD
The park's chief attraction is its bizarre and mind-boggling scenery.
About 3 or 4 million years ago, an erratic series of volcanoes erupted
in what is now the Pinacate lava field. Hundreds of blank cinder
cones and craters mark the surface. You can visit some of the largest,
including El Elegante, from the park entrance off Highway 2.
The largest crater, El Elegante, is also the most visited. It takes a two
to three-hour hike to reach the crater, and the path is well-marked.
There, the view is simply awesome. The crater is 1,400 meters (4,600
feet) from rim to rim and 140 meters (460 feet) deep.
There are also places in the reserve where it hasn't rained for
years. The park's dune fields can be accessed via Highway 8 and
a 4 kilometer (2.5 mile) dirt road the heads west near the Kilometer
73 marker.
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