Arizona Map

go-arizona.com

Our new sites are now in beta, tell us what you think

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

No Media or Maps Available
If you are the owner/manager of this business and would like to improve your listing, please submit a request.
Phone
Phone:
928-526-0502
Address
Route 3 Box 149
Flagstaff, AZ 86002
Basics
Location:
12 miles north of Flagstaff off Hwy 89
Type:
National Park
Price:
$5
Between A.D. 1064 and 1180, a series of eruptions—the only eruptions in the Southwest indisputably witnessed by local peoples — brought the dormant San Francisco Volcanic Field back to life. Earthquakes, thunderclaps, and fire bombs shook the ground. Billowing ash, falling cinders, and forest fires blackened both the landscape and the daytime sky, while at night, the horizon glowed fiery red. When the field again grew quiet, a classic example of a cinder cone, Sunset Crater Volcano, loomed over a dramatically altered land of lava flows and cinders.

Today Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument protects 3040 acres representing the Colorado Plateau’s most recent volcanic eruption. It is the youngest, least-eroded cinder cone in the San Francisco Volcanic Field, and it may be one of the longest-lived cinder cone volcanoes, with an eruptive cycle that may span more than 100 years. At Sunset Crater Volcano you will see a cinder cone rising 1,000 feet above the surrounding landscape. Much of the ground surface is covered by lava flows or deep volcanic cinder deposits; at first glance, the landscape still appears stark and inhospitable. But look again - within the dramatic geologic features are small islands of pine and aspen trees, desert shrubs, and wildflowers. These provide small but unique habitats for wildlife as well. Slowly but surely, life returns.

The significance of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument extends beyond the geological events themselves. The powerful geologic processes that formed the volcano profoundly affected the way of life of local inhabitants during the 11th and 12th centuries and forever changed both the landscape and the ecology of the area. This volcano and its relatively undeveloped landscape provide an unparalleled opportunity to study plant succession and ecological change in an arid volcanic landscape.

To protect this fragile resource, Sunset Crater Volcano is closed to climbing and hiking. However, other cinder cones in the area may be climbed and offer short but rugged hiking trails. Squeeze-ups and hornitos are just two of the fascinating volcanic features you'll encounter while exploring the park.

Hours:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Season:
Open year round
Price:
$5
Price Details:
$5 per person
Amenities:
Visitor Center
Additional Details:
To get there from Flagstaff, take Hwy 89 north for 12 miles (19 km), turn right on the Sunset Crater - Wupatki Loop road and continue 2 miles (3 km) to the visitor center.
Basic Directions
From Flagstaff, take U.S Hwy 89 north for 12 miles (19 km), turn right on the Sunset Crater - Wupatki Loop road and continue 2 miles (3 km) to the visitor center.
Customizable Directions
From:    To: 
Language: 

Formatted DirectionsMap

Email Page Link

Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. You can send yourself an email as well. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. See our full Privacy Policy for details.
Your name:
Your email address:
Friend's email(s):
 
 
 
Send yourself a copy: Yes No
Subject:
Body: