Between A. D. 1064 and 1180, a series of eruptionsthe 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. 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.
Recreation
Hike one of the two trails or stop and take in a program given by park rangers. Allow at least 1 hour to stop at the Visitor Center and hike the Lava FLow Trail. To hike the Lenox Crater cinder cone allow an additional 45 minutes. Lava Flow Trail is a 1 mile loop trail with a .25 mile accessible loop. It is a self-guided trail exploring a variety of volcanic formations.
The Lenox Crater Trail provides an opportunity to climb a cinder cone. This steep trail is 1 mile round trip and requires about 30 minutes up and 15 minutes down!
Please stay on designated trails. Backcountry hiking is not allowed in order to protect fragile natural resources. Use extreme caution hiking near lava it is sharp, brittle and unstable.
Pets must be kept on a leash at all times. They are not allowed in buildings or on park trails.
Getting There
From Flagstaff:
Take U. S. 89 north for 12 miles, turn right on the Sunset Crater - Wupatki Loop road and continue 2 miles to the visitor center.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Flagstaff Area National Monuments - SUCR
6400 N. Hwy 89
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Phone: 928-526-0502
Fax: 928-526-4259
Weather/Climate
Be prepared for abrupt weather changes in any season. Expect windy conditions most of the year. Spring is usually mild, but heavy snowfall can occur. Summer days are warm with temperatures in the 80’s. afternoon thunderstorms are likely July to September. In winter, snow and freezing temperatures alternate with mild weather.
