Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument are both located on Loop Rd (a loop that parallels Hwy 89) north of Flagstaff, Arizona. Loop Road is 35 miles long and drives through beautiful mountail meadows, lava flows and the Wupatki ruins.
Sunset Crater is on the south end of the loop; Wupatki is on the north end of the loop.
This colorful field of wild sunflowers greeted us as we approached the Bonito lava flow area. The day was dark and raining, setting off the vivid yellow sunflowers against the charcoal lava and gray sky.
Sunset Crater is a 1,000 ft. cinder cone caused by an eruption that occurred 1040 - 1100 AD. Gases in the magma created an explosion of ash and cinders from the top of the cone. Magma with a lower gas content flowed from the base of the cone,
creating the Kana-a and Bonito lava flows. Falling cinders covered old volcanos in the area.
Volcanic ash from the volcano buried 64,000 acres of farmland 1.
Sunflowers: Aug 2007
This area is sacred to Native Americans today; they continue to visit the area to honor their ancestors.
Lava Flow Trail provides a moderate, 1 mile hike through the lava and cinder fields. Wear sturdy shoes.
Long Trail
Right & Below: A shorter, paved, 1/4 mile wheelchair accessible trail provides excellent views. Both trails are reached by the same parking lot within the Bonito Lava Flow area.
Stop at the Visitor's Center for maps and information.
Upper layers of lava cooled, then pressures pushed lower layers up, cracking the surface. These huge cracks in
the outer crust are evident throughout the area.
Although the once flowing lava destroyed every living thing in its path, new life now inhabits
the area.
An ATV designated trail (outside of the park) can be seen on the black cinder hills from the Cinder Hills Overlook. The white specks in the photo
are campers in the ATV area. If you plan to use your ATV in the area, stay in designated areas and keep your noise to a minimum (good muffler system).
Views of the Painted Desert can also be seen from this lookout.
Respect the area. Don't collect anything and don't leave anything behind.
Fall through spring is the best time to visit. Spring provides wildflower blooms and fall offers a display of colorful foliage.
As in all Arizona travel, bring plenty of water and sunscreen. There is not a lot of shade on these trails; so bring a wide
brimmed hat and a good pair of sun glasses.
Overnight camping is permitted at Bonito Campground, located near the Visitor's Center.
Information Sources
1. "Wupatki And Sunset Crater Volcano." National Park Service: US Department of the Interior
Special Tips
Traveling with children, pets or special needs
Accessibility
The restroom at the visitor's center is wheelchair accessible, but the stall is small (regular width - no space for transfer). The restroom at the parking lot for lava flow trails (Bonito area) contains
a larger, accessible stall. There are no family style restrooms.
The paved road through the park provides views of the lava flow areas.
Traveling with children
Please - STAY ON TRAILS. For the safety of your children and the environment, keep your children on the paths.
Children love volcanos and Sunset Crater provides a safe and educational place to explore lava beds.
Traveling with pets
Pets are must be leashed at all times and are NOT ALLOWED in buildings or on trails.
NEVER leave a pet unattended in a vehicle. ALWAYS clean up after your pet.
Directions & Resources
Located north of Flagstaff just off Hwy 89. Follow Hwy 89 north out of Flagstaff for 12 miles. Turn right onto Sunset Crater - Wupatki Loop Road.
Resources:
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument: maps and information about park activities, fees, etc.
Accessibility
Traveling with children
Please - STAY ON TRAILS. For the safety of your children and the environment, keep your children on the paths.
Children love volcanos and Sunset Crater provides a safe and educational place to explore lava beds.
Traveling with pets
Pets are must be leashed at all times and are NOT ALLOWED in buildings or on trails.