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.
The Basics
Location:
12 miles north of Flagstaff off Hwy 89
Hours:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Season:
Open year round
Price:
$5 per person
Address:
Route 3 Box 149
Flagstaff, AZ 86002
Phone:
928-526-0502
Fax:
928-526-4259
Some More Things to Know
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.
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.
Climate
Not all of Arizona is warm dry desert. At Sunset Crater Volcano, spring is usually mild, but heavy snowfall can occur. Summer days are warm with temperatures in the 80s; afternoon thunderstorms are likely July to September. In winter, snow and freezing temperatures alternate with mild weather.
Become a naturalist for a day. Discovery Packs contain binoculars, a magnifying lens, field guides, sketching materials and more, to help you explore the monument. There's also a Field Journal with activities and places to record your observations. Although designed with families in mind, Discovery Packs can be enjoyed by anyone with a sense of curiosity.
Discovery Packs are for use in all 3 Flagstaff Area National Monuments (Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano, and Wupatki). You can borrow one at the visitor center, then return it (at any of the 3 monument visitor centers) at the end of your visit. The Field Journal is yours to keep. There is no charge.
Outdoor Camping
There is no camping in the monument.
However, Bonito Campground, operated by the US Forest Service, is located across from the visitor center at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.
This campground is generally open from late May through mid-October. There are no hook-ups.
For futher information contact the Coconino National Forest at 928-526-0866.
Open: Open All Year Location: From Flagstaff, take U.S. 89 north for 12 miles (19km), turn right on the Sunset Crater - Wupatki Loop Road and continue 2 miles (3km) to the Visitor Center. Closures: Closed December 25.
Interpretive Programs: Ranger talks, guided hikes and evening programs at nearby Bonito Campground are offered during the summer. Exhibits: New interactive museum exhibits were installed in 2004. There's something new for everyone.
