What to See and Do at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Sunset Crater Volcano is the youngest volcano on the Colorado Plateau. Located within the Coconino National Forest, this quiet park features a fascinating landscape covered in deep cinder deposits and jagged a’a lava similar to what you find in Hawaii. I really enjoyed exploring the area without the typical crowds of some National Parks and seeing how quaking aspens and lichens are slowly reclaiming the volcanic terrain.
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Planning Your Visit to Sunset Crater
Location: About 30 minutes from Flagstaff, Arizona
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time
Established: 1930
Seasonal Closures: May close during fire season and/or winter weather
Lodging/Camping: Camping is available across the street from the visitor center
Food: No restaurants on site
Park Pass Needed: Standard Entrance Pass or NPS America the Beautiful Pass
Entrance Fee: $25/car check the NPS website for current fee pricing
Park Map: Link to NPS park map
Six Things to Do while Visiting Sunset Crater Volcano in Arizona
1. Stop at the Visitor Center
Open most days from 9AM to 4:30PM, the Sunset Crater Volcano Visitor Center showcases unique Mission 66 era architecture. You can stop in to explore the museum exhibits, watch the park film, or browse the gift shop for souvenirs.
2. Learn About the Bonito Lava Flow
Formed around 1085 CE, the Bonito Lava Flow originated when molten lava erupted from a fissure at the base of Sunset Crater Volcano and pooled up to 100 feet deep within an enclosed basin. As the surface cooled and hardened, the underlying liquid lava remained pressurized, eventually fracturing the crust into the jagged, blocky a’a formations seen today. The area remains a harsh environment with sparse vegetation and a lack of surface water, but life is slowly returning.
3. Hit the Trails
There are five trails to enjoy at Sunset Crater:
- Lava Flow Trail: partially accessible, easy 1 mile loop at the base of Sunset Crater Volcano
- Bonito Vista Trail: accessible, easy .3 mile paved trail with views of the Bonito Lava Flow
- Lenox Crater Trail: moderate 1.6 mile round trip trail in a ponderosa pine forest with views of the San Francisco Peaks
- A’a Trail: easy .25 mile trail through the a’a lava
- Lava’s Edge Trail: moderate 3.4 miles round trip through ponderosa pines and over loose cinders, which are a little challenging to walk on
Please note that the elevation is around 7000 feet, so know your limits and consider drinking more water and walking slower.
4. Become a Junior Ranger
Grab an activity booklet at the visitor center and complete fun activities to earn a junior ranger badge.
5. Camp Nearby
Located directly across from the visitor center, Bonito Campground is a US Forest Service facility offering seasonal camping. There are no utility hookups, but each of the 44 sites has a table, fire ring, and grill. Availability is split evenly between reservable spots and first-come, first-served spaces.
6. Stargaze
Flagstaff holds the title of the world’s first International Dark Sky City, while Sunset Crater Volcano is a designated International Dark Sky Park. You can experience the dark skies on your own or attend a star party in the summer.
Optional Items to Bring
Flagstaff Area National Monuments
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
- Wupatki National Monument
LEAVE NO TRACE
Ancestral Lands
The Sinagua or Ancestral Puebloan people lived in pithouses near Flagstaff before the eruption of Sunset Crater Volcano forced them to relocate. While the immediate area became unfarmable, they found success in nearby communities like Walnut Canyon and Wupatki. In these locations, thinner layers of volcanic ash and cinders actually improved the soil for their crops.
International Dark Sky Park ✬彡
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument has exceptional starry nights and is a designated International Dark Sky Park.
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More Places to Explore with a Volcanic History
This trail review is based only on Jennifer’s experience. Hike at your own risk with the understanding that individual scenarios in a natural environment will be variable.
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