Atlantic City Ghost Town | Lander

Information

Landmark: Atlantic City Ghost Town
City: Lander
Country: USA Wyoming
Continent: North America

Atlantic City Ghost Town, Lander, USA Wyoming, North America

Coroa Crater is a volcanic caldera located on the island of São Miguel in the Azores archipelago, Portugal, near the municipality of Ribeira Grande.

Visual Characteristics

The crater rim is composed of dark volcanic rock, exhibiting a rough, uneven texture. The interior of the caldera features a steep-sided depression, with slopes covered in dense, green vegetation. The specific rock type is basalt. The elevation of the rim varies, with the highest point reaching approximately 800 meters above sea level.

Location & Access Logistics

Coroa Crater is situated approximately 10 kilometers west of the city center of Ribeira Grande. Access is via the Regional Road EN1-1A, turning onto the local road towards Lagoa do Fogo. Parking is available at designated viewpoints along the road leading to the crater. Public transport options are limited; bus lines serving Ribeira Grande do not directly access the crater. A taxi or rental car is recommended.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Coroa Crater is a product of volcanic activity, specifically a caldera formed by the collapse of a volcano following a major eruption. Its geological classification is a stratovolcano caldera. The precise date of its formation is not definitively recorded but is estimated to be several thousand years ago.

Key Highlights & Activities

Hiking trails circumnavigate the crater rim, offering panoramic views. Observation points are established at several locations along the access road. Photography is a primary activity due to the geological formations and surrounding landscape.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at designated viewpoints. Shade is limited, primarily provided by natural vegetation. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally available at higher elevations near the rim. No food vendors are located directly at the crater; provisions should be made prior to arrival.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is generally in the morning, between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, when the sun illuminates the western slopes. The months of May through September offer the most stable weather conditions with lower rainfall. Visibility can be affected by fog, particularly during winter months.

Facts & Legends

Local folklore suggests that the crater was once the site of a sacred spring, though no geological evidence supports this. A verified historical fact is that the crater's formation significantly altered the island's topography.