Posted in Arizona January 13, 2021 by

Hike Ancient Lava Trails At Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument In Arizona

Volcanoes aren’t limited to Hawaii—in fact, we have about 600 of them right here in Arizona (all extinct, however). Among them is Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, a nearly millennium-old cinder cone that towers over 8,000 feet high. Park visitors can hike ancient lava flow trails, piecing together the beautifully destructive history of this incredible place.

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Not everyone knows this, but Arizona is home to an extinct volcanic field.
Wikimedia Commons/National Park Service
Located just north of Flagstaff, the San Francisco Volcanic Field is comprised of approximately 600 volcanoes ranging from six million to less than 1,000 years old. The youngest is Sunset Crater, pictured here, with an estimated age of 950 years.
Sunset Crater is the sole federally protected volcano in the field.
Wikimedia Commons/James St. John
It was designated as a national monument in 1928, after a Hollywood film company announced plans to detonate large quantities of explosives in the area for a motion picture.
Today, the 3,000-acre park is covered in ancient lava flows and cinder deposits.
Wikimedia Commons/Steve Woolf
Despite the rocky landscape, the circle of life hasn't missed a beat. Lush alpine forestry, wildflowers, and other desert vegetation showcase that Mother Nature will stop at nothing to reclaim her territory.
Visitors to the park have several different options when it comes to exploring.
Wikimedia Commons/James St. John
If you prefer staying in the car, a scenic drive winds around the base of the crater. It's also a great place for cyclists to ride, offering unique vistas you'll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.
Hikers also frequent the crater, even though reaching the summit isn't allowed.
Wikimedia Commons/packbj
There's a short trail that skirts the base, providing boundless adventure despite its length.
If you're interested in learning more about the history and ecology of the area, it's hard to beat the guided tours.
Wikimedia Commons/Mikesanchez1109
Other programs and events are held throughout the year, so keep up with the monument's website and Facebook page for the latest schedule.
While the crater is breathtaking year-round, if you had to pick just one season to visit, we highly recommend winter.
Wikimedia Commons/US Forestry Service/Deborah Lee Soltesz
There's a certain beauty about fresh snow on the charred landscape—especially with little pops of green contrasting starkly against the world of white.

Have you ever been to Sunset Crater? If so, what did you think of it? Let us know all about your experience in the comments below, and check out our previous article for a nearby underground lava cave that’s totally bucket-list-worthy.

Address: Sunset Crater, Arizona 86004, USA