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Get InspiredNorth AmericaUnited StatesArizonaFlagstaffSunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

US
National Monument·Stark, Educational, Peaceful
Sunset Crater Volcano is named for the color of the rusty red cinders near its peak.
Photo by from Nps
Three trails allow visitors to explore the Bonito Lava Flow.
Photo by from Nps
Sunset Crater Volcano is the most recent eruption in the San Francisco volcanic field. Visitors can climb Lenox Crater, foreground, for excellent views of the field, including the San Francisco Peaks.
Photo by from Nps
Geologists and biologists study the area surrounding Sunset Crater Volcano to better understand how landscapes recover after an eruption.
Photo by from Nps
On warm days, the bark of ponderosa pine trees smells like vanilla or butterscotch.
Photo by from Nps
Sunset Crater Volcano is named for the color of the rusty red cinders near its peak.
Photo by from Nps
Three trails allow visitors to explore the Bonito Lava Flow.
Photo by from Nps
Sunset Crater Volcano is the most recent eruption in the San Francisco volcanic field. Visitors can climb Lenox Crater, foreground, for excellent views of the field, including the San Francisco Peaks.
Photo by from Nps
Geologists and biologists study the area surrounding Sunset Crater Volcano to better understand how landscapes recover after an eruption.
Photo by from Nps
On warm days, the bark of ponderosa pine trees smells like vanilla or butterscotch.
Photo by from Nps
One of the best views of Sunset Crater Volcano is from Bonito Park on the entrance road
Photo by from Nps
A dusting of snow adds depth and color to the stark landscape of the lava flow
Photo by from Nps

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument offers a striking look at the geological forces that reshaped the Arizona landscape a millennium ago. Centered around a massive 1,000-foot cinder cone, the monument showcases the expansive Bonito Lava Flow, where visitors can walk among jagged basalt formations. The site is a testament to nature's resilience, with pine trees and wildflowers emerging from the dark volcanic rock. Ideal for hiking and photography, the monument provides an evocative setting to learn about the eruption's impact on the environment and the ancient communities who once lived here.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument offers a striking look at the geological forces that reshaped the Arizona landscape a millennium ago. Centered around a massive 1,000-foot cinder cone, the monument showcases the expansive Bonito Lava Flow, where visitors can walk among jagged basalt formations. The site is a testament to nature's resilience, with pine trees and wildflowers emerging from the dark volcanic rock. Ideal for hiking and photography, the monument provides an evocative setting to learn about the eruption's impact on the environment and the ancient communities who once lived here.

Address
6082 Sunset Crater Road
Websitenps.gov
Phone928-526-0502

Highlights

  • Massive 1,000-foot cinder cone

  • Expansive, jagged Bonito Lava Flow

  • Scenic trails through volcanic terrain

  • Resilient flora growing in volcanic rock

Before you go: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument essentials

  • The high elevation can affect visitors who are not acclimated to the altitude.

  • Stay on designated trails to protect the fragile volcanic features and vegetation.

  • The monument is located along a scenic loop drive that connects to other nearby national monuments.

Best For

Geology enthusiasts, hikers, and families interested in volcanic history.

Currency

USD $

Average Cost

$50-$100 p/day

Time of Day

Lunch

Languages Spoken

English

Occasion Tags

Nature Lovers, Family, Hiking, Educational

Add dates for experiences

Location

Flagstaff, Arizona, United States
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