A young black cinder cone and lava flow, Arizona's most recent eruption.
Photo: Mikesanchez1109 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Just north of Flagstaff, a jet-black cinder cone capped with a rust-red and yellow rim marks the most recent eruption in Arizona — Sunset Crater, which blew around 1085 AD and reshaped the landscape. Around its base spreads the jagged Bonito Lava Flow, and the cone's colorful crown is what inspired the name 'Sunset.' One fee and one 35-mile loop road tie it to neighboring Wupatki.
The signature walk is the Lava Flow Trail, a mile-long loop through the black lava at the foot of the cone, past squeeze-ups, lava bubbles, and a miniature spatter cone. The main cone is permanently closed to climbing to protect its fragile slopes, but the steep Lenox Crater Trail lets you summit a smaller adjacent cone for views of the lava field and the San Francisco Peaks beyond.
At about 7,000 feet, this is cool high country — mild summers (with July–September afternoon storms) and snowy winters that can close the loop road — markedly cooler than the lower, hotter Wupatki at the other end of the loop, so pack layers if you do both. There's no lodging in the monument; base in Flagstaff.
A self-guided ~1-mile loop through the jagged black Bonito Lava Flow, with squeeze-ups, lava bubbles, and a miniature spatter cone beneath the colorful crater.
Insider tipStarts about 1.5 miles east of the visitor center; the upper section is paved and accessible. Go early for soft light on the black rock and to beat afternoon storms.
Plan a trip to this spot →A steep ~1.6-mile round-trip up a smaller adjacent cinder cone (since the main cone is closed to climbing), rewarding the calf-burning slog with sweeping views.
Insider tipWear closed shoes — the loose cinders get into everything; check NPS alerts, as past fire damage has affected access.
Plan a trip to this spot →The ~1,000-foot black cone with its rust-red, orange, and yellow oxidized rim — the colors that inspired the name. Climbing it is permanently closed to protect the fragile slopes.
Insider tipBest color on the rim is at sunrise and sunset — it lives up to its name.
Plan a trip to this spot →Short paved trails and pullouts (the Bonito Vista and A'a trails) give expansive views over the lava flow and the ring of volcanoes without a strenuous hike.
Insider tipGreat quick stops for those short on time or with limited mobility.
Plan a trip to this spot →The starting point, with exhibits on the eruption, volcanic geology, and how Ancestral Puebloan people lived through and after the event.
Insider tipStop first for a trail map and to check whether Lenox Crater and the loop road are open.
Plan a trip to this spot →The monument sits in the shadow of Arizona's highest mountains — the contrast of black lava, colorful cone, pine, and often snow-dusted peaks is the signature view.
Insider tipThe drive toward Wupatki frames some of the best peak panoramas.
Plan a trip to this spot →High elevation (~7,000 ft) means a cool mountain climate — mild summers (highs high 70s–low 80s) but with dramatic July–September monsoon afternoon thunderstorms, and cold, snowy winters that can close the loop road. It's markedly cooler than neighboring Wupatki (~4,900 ft), which can be 15–25°F hotter — pack layers if you visit both.
Off US-89 on the loop road shared with Wupatki.
From Flagstaff, US-89 north ~12 miles to the loop road; the visitor center is ~2 miles in (~30 min from town). The $25/vehicle fee covers both monuments.
One campground at the monument; lodging in Flagstaff.
Directly across from the visitor center (Forest Service, seasonal, reservable on Recreation.gov) — the only camping at the monument.
Booking tipNo lodge in the park.
About 30 minutes away, with the full range of hotels and dining — the practical base for the Flagstaff-area loop.
Booking tipPair with Wupatki and Walnut Canyon.
Does the entrance fee cover both monuments?
Yes — a single $25/vehicle (or $20/motorcycle, $15/person) pass covers both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki for 7 days. The park is card-only.
Can I climb the main cone?
No — the main Sunset Crater cone is permanently closed to climbing to protect its fragile, erosion-prone slopes. To summit a cinder cone, hike the adjacent Lenox Crater Trail instead.
What's the must-do trail?
The Lava Flow Trail — a ~1-mile loop through the black Bonito Lava Flow at the base of the cone, with a paved, accessible inner section.
How should I prepare for altitude and weather?
You're at ~7,000 feet — bring water and sun protection, expect cool mornings, and plan around the July–September monsoon, when afternoon thunderstorms and lightning are common (hike early).
When is the best time to go?
Late spring through fall for reliable access and mild temps. Summer afternoons are stormiest; winter brings snow and possible loop-road closures.
What can I combine it with?
Pair it with Wupatki (same loop and fee) and nearby Walnut Canyon — the $45 annual pass covers all three monuments.
Pick your vehicle, line up the stops on the way in and out, and carry the whole route in your pocket.
