Lunar Crater National Natural Landmark is a volcanic field landmark located east-northeast of Tonopah in Nye County, in central Nevada. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1973. Volcanic features A crater that is thought to have been formed by several volcanic explosions, and is one of two maars in the Lunar Crater volcanic field of the Pancake Range. Astronaut Training In Sept. 1972, the crater was used by NASA to geologically train the Apollo Astronauts in recognizing volcanic features expected at the Apollo 17 landing site. Their field exercises included two rover traverses. Astronauts who would use this training on the Moon included Apollo 16's John Young and Charlie Duke, besides Apollo 17's Gene Cernan and Jack Schmitt. Notable geologist instructors included William R. Muehlberger. See also National Natural Landmarks in Nevada Volcanic fields of the Great Basin Section References National Park Service - official Lunar Crater National Natural Landmark website Bureau of Land Management: Lunar Crater Back Country Byway Lunar Crater National Natural Landmark, Great Basin, Nevada Volcanic fields of Nevada Volcanic fields of the Great Basin section National Natural Landmarks in Nevada Maars of Nevada Protected areas of Nye County, Nevada Protected areas of the Great Basin Bureau of Land Management areas in Nevada Landforms of Nye County, Nevada