Point of Interest

Lunar Crater Backcountry Byway overview

Nevada, USA Central Nevada Desert Basins watershed 38.389°, -116.068°
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Lunar Crater Backcountry Byway -- Nevada point of interest
Lunar Crater Backcountry Byway Nevada · Central Nevada Desert Basins watershed
About this spot

Lunar Crater Backcountry Byway

The Lunar Crater Backcountry Byway is a scenic drive in the Hot Creek-Railroad Valleys watershed of Nevada that spans 24 miles from US Highway 6 to Lunar Crater National Natural Landmark. Visitors to the area can enjoy the stark beauty of the high desert landscape, as well as opportunities for hiking, camping, and stargazing. One of the unique features of the byway is the Lunar Crater itself, which is a volcanic crater that was formed about 15 million years ago. The crater is nearly a mile in diameter and 430 feet deep, and visitors can hike to the rim for stunning views of the surrounding area. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, coyotes, and jackrabbits.

There are many good reasons to visit the Lunar Crater Backcountry Byway. For one, the byway offers a chance to experience the remote and rugged beauty of the Nevada desert. Additionally, the area's unique geology and history provide opportunities for education and exploration. Visitors can learn about the geologic processes that formed the Lunar Crater and explore the remnants of the old railroad that once ran through the area. The byway also provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation, with options for hiking, camping, and stargazing under some of the clearest skies in the country. Overall, the Lunar Crater Backcountry Byway is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves natural beauty, history, and adventure.
StateNevada
WatershedCentral Nevada Desert Basins
Latitude38.3890°
Longitude-116.0683°
Detailed forecast

Plan your visit down to the hour

Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.

Hourly detail

Next 5 days, hour by hour

Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.

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Deep dive

5-day forecast table

Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.

TimeConditionTemp (°F)Snow (in)Rain (in)Humidity (%)Wind (mps)Wind dir
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Long-term outlook

15-day temperature & precipitation

Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.

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Around the spot

Plan a longer trip

The closest parks, campgrounds, fishing spots, and other landmarks so a quick visit can grow into a full day.

Responsible visitation & Leave No Trace

Know before you go
Check the operator's site (BLM, NPS, state agency, or private owner) for access rules, permits, and seasonal closures before driving out.
Stay on trail
Many points of interest sit in fragile ecosystems. Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation and prevent erosion.
Respect wildlife
Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and give nesting birds and denning mammals plenty of space.
Pack it in, pack it out
Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you. Remote sites often have no trash service.
Leave what you find
Don't take rocks, plants, fossils, or artifacts. Federal law protects cultural and natural resources on public land.

Set push alerts in the Snoflo app

Save Lunar Crater Backcountry Byway as a favorite, set a weather threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.

FAQ

About Lunar Crater Backcountry Byway

What is Lunar Crater Backcountry Byway?

A point of interest in Nevada tracked by Snoflo -- typically a scenic landmark, named summit, monument, or viewpoint.

How fresh is the weather data?

The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no public feeds.

When is the best time to visit?

Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.

How do I get there?

Tap Directions in the hero above for Google Maps driving directions, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the spot.

Can I get alerts when conditions change?

Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this POI, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.

More POIs

Other points of interest near here

Snoflo-tracked landmarks within driving distance of Lunar Crater Backcountry Byway.