Sunset Crater
Sunset Crater is a 900-year-old volcanic cinder cone and nearby archaeological site in northern Arizona. Visit for short hikes, stark lunar landscapes, and cultural interpretive exhibits.
Learn More
Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Arizona |
| Subregion | Southwestern United States |
| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Coconino County |
| District | Southwest Plateau Region |
| City | Flagstaff |
| Timezone | AmericaPhoenix |
| Latitude | 35.333 |
| Longitude | -111.516 |
| Maps |
7:13 PM LOCAL TIMESunset Crater erupted approximately 900 years ago and is a prime example of a cinder cone formed from basaltic lava. The site is part of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and is renowned for its sharply-ridged slopes of volcanic cinders and tephra. Trails around the cone provide easy to moderate hikes through stark, windblown terrain and reconstructed pathways that highlight the area's natural forces and archaeological history. The visitor center offers exhibits on volcanic processes and the cultural history of the region's native peoples. Nearby lava fields and desert shrubland emphasize the site's harsh environment and dramatic visual scale—an excellent stop for geology, photography, and short walks for all ages.
All content was written by our AI and may contain a few mistakes. We may earn commissions on some links. Last updated: Sun Dec 14, 2025, 2:55 AM