Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Explore a surreal volcanic landscape shaped by an eruption nearly 1,000 years ago, featuring a striking cinder cone and ancient lava fields.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a surreal volcanic landscape shaped by an eruption nearly 1,000 years ago, featuring a striking cinder cone and ancient lava fields.
"A surreal volcanic landscape formed by an eruption nearly 1,000 years ago!"
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Lava rock is jagged! Wear hiking boots for safety and comfort on trails.
🚗 Scenic Drive Views
Enjoy the drive through the monument; pull over at designated spots for photos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lava Flow Trails
A'a Trail, Big Lava Tube
Walk on ancient lava flows and witness the raw power of volcanic activity. Feel the texture of solidified magma.
Sunset Crater Summit View
Near the Visitor Center
Gaze upon the imposing cinder cone, a stark reminder of the eruption that shaped this landscape.
Visitor Center Exhibits
Learn about the geology, history, and ecology of the San Francisco Volcanic Field.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Volcanic Views
Gear Up for the Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Lava rock is jagged! Wear hiking boots for safety and comfort on trails.
🚗 Scenic Drive Views
Enjoy the drive through the monument; pull over at designated spots for photos.
🤝 Combine with Wupatki
Easily pair with Wupatki National Monument for a day of history and geology.
🧒 Junior Ranger Program
Engage kids with the Junior Ranger program for a fun learning experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Lava rock is jagged! Wear hiking boots for safety and comfort on trails.
🚗 Scenic Drive Views
Enjoy the drive through the monument; pull over at designated spots for photos.
🤝 Combine with Wupatki
Easily pair with Wupatki National Monument for a day of history and geology.
🧒 Junior Ranger Program
Engage kids with the Junior Ranger program for a fun learning experience.
📸 Photography Paradise
Capture unique volcanic landscapes and natural colors; bring your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the unique volcanic landscape and the opportunity to walk on ancient lava flows. The monument is praised for its geological significance, accessibility for families, and the chance to combine it with nearby historical sites like Wupatki. Some find the terrain challenging without proper footwear, and the lack of access to the crater rim is a minor point for a few.
"All of my years coming to Flagstaff and this my my first time at Sunset Crater. What a site to see in person. From vast pine trees to trails carved around the volcanic rock. It was beautiful to see the bits of red where new trees are seeding. There are so many trails to check out and the ride through is beautiful. We passed an area to camp as well. While short I did love the A’a Trail. It really gives you an idea how fast the flow was. Bring good shoes and the lava rock is pretty jagged. The sand is a bit hard to walk through. Hiking shoes preferably, but can be done in vans like me in some area. Just use caution."
Janelle
"Certainly a five star experience. We stayed at the Bonito Campground to have plenty of time for exploring this absolutely stunning area. The scenery is just amazing."
Walter Rothe
"The lava river leaves you with chills. You can literally see where and how the lava was flowing down, leaving its deadly trail. It is surreal being able to walk the short trail and walk on the actual lava. Driving up to the top and seeing nothing but black rocks and dust all around gives you the true feeling of how devastating the eruption was. Truly a must see..."
Carlos Osornio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is located northeast of Flagstaff, Arizona. Take US-89 North from Flagstaff for about 15 miles, then turn right onto FR 151 (Sunset Crater Volcano Road). The drive is scenic and takes about 30-40 minutes from Flagstaff. +1
Yes, it's conveniently located near Flagstaff and is often visited in conjunction with Wupatki National Monument, which is accessible via a scenic loop drive. Some visitors also see it as a stop on longer road trips. 
Yes, there is a scenic drive that winds through the monument, offering access to various viewpoints and trailheads. You can also drive to the visitor center and parking areas.
From Flagstaff, head north on US-89 for approximately 15 miles. Look for the well-marked turnoff for Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument onto Forest Road 151. +1
Yes, there are parking areas available at the visitor center and at various trailheads and viewpoints throughout the monument.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically $25 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. However, if you have an America the Beautiful Pass, it covers your entry.
Yes, the America the Beautiful Pass is accepted, which is a great option if you plan to visit multiple national parks and monuments.
The monument is generally open year-round, but hours for the visitor center may vary seasonally. It's always best to check the official NPS website for the most current hours.
Advance booking is generally not required for entry into Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. You can pay the entrance fee upon arrival.
Yes, Bonito Campground is located within the monument and offers camping opportunities. It's a popular spot, so check availability and consider reservations.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular hikes include the A'a Trail (1 mile loop) to explore lava flows, the Big Lava Tube (0.5 mile loop) for a unique underground experience, and the Lenox Crater Trail (1.5 mile loop) for summit views.
No, you cannot hike to the very rim of Sunset Crater itself. The trails allow you to explore the surrounding volcanic landscape and lava fields.
Absolutely! The monument offers short, easy trails like the A'a Trail and the Lava Flow Trail, making it accessible for families. The Junior Ranger program is also a hit with kids.
While the volcanic landscape is stark, you might spot various desert and Ponderosa pine forest inhabitants, including birds, small mammals, and reptiles.
Walking on the lava flow trails, like the A'a Trail, gives you a tangible sense of the eruption's power. The terrain is rugged and fascinating, with solidified magma formations.
📸 📸 Photography
The lava fields, the cinder cone itself, and the contrast between the dark volcanic rock and sparse vegetation offer unique photographic opportunities. The golden hour light can be particularly stunning.
Yes, the Big Lava Tube trail offers a chance to explore and photograph the interior of a lava tube, providing a unique perspective.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting that highlights the textures and colors of the volcanic landscape.
Pull-offs along the scenic drive and the ends of the various trails offer excellent vantage points for capturing the monument's dramatic scenery.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive volcanic landscapes. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions or capturing the lava tubes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Trails like the A'a Trail and the Lava Flow Trail are short, relatively easy, and provide exciting opportunities to explore volcanic rock and learn about lava formations. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
+1 The golden hour (late afternoon) offers particularly beautiful light for capturing the textures and colors of the landscape. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive volcanic fields and a tripod for low-light photography, especially if exploring the lava tubes. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Volcanic Heart of Arizona
+2Visitors can explore this fascinating geology through various trails. The A'a Trail allows you to walk directly on solidified lava flows, experiencing the rough, jagged texture of the 'a'a lava. The Big Lava Tube offers a chance to venture into a collapsed lava tube, a surreal underground experience. These trails provide a tangible connection to the powerful forces that shaped this monument.
The monument also preserves the ecological recovery of the area. Despite the harsh volcanic environment, life has returned, with Ponderosa pines and other vegetation growing amongst the lava rocks, showcasing nature's resilience. This blend of geological history and ongoing ecological processes makes Sunset Crater a unique destination.
Connecting with History and Culture
+1Visiting both Sunset Crater and Wupatki provides a comprehensive understanding of the region's history. You can witness the geological event at Sunset Crater and then explore the human story at Wupatki, understanding how the eruption influenced the lives of the Sinagua people who inhabited the area over 800 years ago.
+1Many visitors find the juxtaposition of the stark volcanic landscape and the ancient human structures to be incredibly moving. It's a reminder of the dynamic relationship between natural forces and human civilization throughout history.
Astronaut Training Ground
Astronauts have trained in this unique environment to practice geological fieldwork, sample collection, and navigation in a lunar-like setting. This connection to space exploration adds another layer of intrigue to the monument's already fascinating geological and historical significance.
While you won't see any astronauts on your visit, knowing this history can add a unique perspective as you explore the alien-like landscape. It highlights the monument's value beyond its natural beauty, extending into scientific and exploratory endeavors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit