EXTRAORDINARY LANDSCAPES. ENDURING STORIES.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Cinders, lava & returning life
Arizona
Scenic header: Sunset Crater Volcano is named for the color of the rusty red cinders near its peak. · NPS Photo / Elliot Schultz · Photo credits
TAKE TIME TO DISCOVER

Cinders, lava & returning life

Dark lava flows and a volcanic cone reveal a landscape transformed by eruption. Trails and overlooks show both raw geology and the gradual return of vegetation.

a cinder cone volcano and ponderosa pine trees
Sunset Crater Volcano is named for the color of the rusty red cinders near its peak.
NPS Photo / Elliot Schultz · Photo credits
a jagged field of lava beneath a cinder cone volcano
Three trails allow visitors to explore the Bonito Lava Flow.
NPS Photo / Elliot Schultz · Photo credits
BUILD A MEMORABLE VISIT

What to explore

  • 01Lava Flow Trail
  • 02Bonito Lava Flow views
  • 03Visitor-center interpretation

Before you go

The summit is closed to hiking. Check current trail openings and conditions; stay on designated routes to protect fragile terrain.

Give the place time

Choose a manageable walk, viewpoint or tour, and allow time for interpretation. Gateway areas help orient the visit; they are not exact entrance directions.

Make the details easy

Confirm the specific facilities, walking surfaces and vehicle access your group needs. Tours, transport and special access may require separate arrangements.

Official visitor information ↗Plan your visit →

Check the official source for current access, hours, fees, reservations, permits and alerts. Photos may show earlier conditions. Suggested highlights are visit ideas, not a guarantee that every area is currently open.