Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

The lava flow lies on the land like a dream, a wonderland of rock. A thousand years ago the ground was torn open and lava erupted into the sky, forever changing the landscape and the lives of the people who lived here. A thousand years later, trees and flowers grow among the rocks, and people visit the lava flow to see and remember the most recent volcanic eruption in Arizona.

Sunset Crater over Bonito Park

One of the best views of Sunset Crater Volcano is from Bonito Park on the entrance road

Sunset Crater in winter

A dusting of snow adds depth and color to the stark landscape of the lava flow

Sunset Crater Volcano

Sunset Crater Volcano is named for the color of the rusty red cinders near its peak.

Sunset Crater and Bonito Lava Flow

Three trails allow visitors to explore the Bonito Lava Flow.

Lenox Crater and the San Francisco Peaks

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.

Lone Ponderosa

Geologists and biologists study the area surrounding Sunset Crater Volcano to better understand how landscapes recover after an eruption.

Ponderosas Reaching Skyward

On warm days, the bark of ponderosa pine trees smells like vanilla or butterscotch.

Driveway for G-Loop Walk-In Sites

Picnic Table Site G02

Tent Pad for Site G02

RecAreaDirections

From Flagstaff, travel north on US Highway 89; from Page and the east entrance of the Grand Canyon, travel south on Highway 89. Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments are both on the loop road FR-545, which meets Highway 89 near mile markers 430 (Sunset Crater Volcano) and 444 (Wupatki).

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Facilities

Sunset Crater Volcano Visitor Center Facility

This facility contains a museum and is located across the street from the Bonito Campground, which is operated by the U.S. Forest Service. The visitor center is staffed daily. Children can obtain Junior Ranger activities here.

Recreation Areas and Campground Database