Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument preserves the dramatic landscape formed by the eruption of Sunset Crater in 1064 CE, the most recent volcanic eruption in Arizona. Visitors experience a unique wonderland of volcanic features, including cinder cones, lava flows, and rejuvenating plant life that tells a story of destruction and rebirth over the last millennium. The monument is located just north of Flagstaff, Arizona, along US Highway 89.
Explore the legacy of Arizona’s youngest volcano, hike through volcanic landscapes, and discover how fire and eruption have shaped the land and lives in this remarkable national monument.
Overview
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument was established to protect and interpret the site of the dramatic eruption that forever altered the northern Arizona landscape. The eruption began in 1064 CE (some sources say 1066), creating a 1,000-acre lava flow, forming cinder cones—including Sunset Crater itself—and depositing ash over a wide area.
The eruption impacted the lives of indigenous peoples and altered ecosystems, but over time, nature has reclaimed much of the area, with new plant growth and wildlife adapting to the volcanic terrain. The monument preserves this living laboratory of volcanic activity and ecological succession.
Plan Your Visit
Visitor Center
The visitor center is the gateway to the monument, offering exhibits, orientation films, trail maps, and information on volcanic geology and local plant and animal life. Rangers are available to answer questions and provide the latest trail and site conditions.
Scenic Drive
The scenic Loop Drive takes visitors through the monument, providing viewpoints to observe Sunset Crater, lava flows, and diverse volcanic features. Pullouts and short trailheads along the drive allow for exploration of the unique terrain.
Trailheads and Hiking
Sunset Crater offers several trails that let visitors walk on and around volcanic formations:
- Loop Trail: A 1.1-mile trail that circles the base of Sunset Crater, offering close-up views of the cinder cone and insights into volcanic geology and plant succession.
- Lenox Crater Loop Trail: A 1.2-mile hike that ascends Lenox Crater, giving a perspective of the eruption’s force and expansive views of the area.
- Elden Lookout Trail (starts in Coconino National Forest, near the monument): A 3.1-mile out-and-back trail to the historic Elden Lookout Tower, offering panoramic views of Sunset Crater and the San Francisco Peaks.
- Harding Home Trail (nearby Wupatki NM): A short walk to the historic home of the first homesteader in the region.
- Accessible Lava Flow Trails: There are accessible trails providing a close encounter with the lava flow landscape for all visitors.
Basic Information
- Address: 6400 U.S. 89, Flagstaff, AZ
- Phone: 928-526-0502 (main line)
- Directions: The monument is located 12 miles north of Flagstaff on US Highway 89. The main entrance and visitor center are easily accessible from the highway.
- Hours: The monument is generally open year-round, but some trails and features may close seasonally for preservation or due to weather.
- Fees: Entrance fees apply; check the NPS site for current pricing and fee-free days.
- Website: Sunset Crater Volcano NPS
- Alerts & Conditions: Current Park Alerts
- Maps: Sunset Crater Maps
- Calendar: Events and Ranger Programs
Geology and Ecology
Sunset Crater’s eruption reshaped the land in a matter of months, creating volcanic features that remain prominent today. The cinder cone, lava flows, and ash deposits provide a visual record of the eruption’s power.
Over the past 1,000 years, plants such as ponderosa pine, wildflowers, and grasses have recolonized the area, showing ecological succession in action. The monument is a living classroom for volcanic geology and the resilience of nature.
Cultural History
The eruption affected the indigenous peoples living in the region, including the ancestral Puebloans, who adapted to the changing landscape. Archaeological sites in the broader area, such as Wupatki and Wupatki National Monument, reflect the adaptation and resilience of these communities.
Management and Preservation
The monument is managed by the National Park Service to preserve volcanic features, plant and animal life, and cultural resources. Ranger-led programs and interpretive signage help visitors understand the significance of the eruption and the ongoing recovery of the landscape.
Additional Resources
The monument is part of a greater Flagstaff region that includes other notable sites such as Wupatki National Monument and the Coconino National Forest, creating a diverse area for exploration of geology, history, and ecology .
Links
Last updated: Sat Jun 7, 2025
