Arizona’s Sunset Crater Volcano

Arizona probably doesn’t come to mind when you hear the word volcano. Hawaii’s flowing rivers of lava and the Washington State’s Mount Saint Helens probably do. But Arizona has a volcanic past that has been preserved at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.

Sometime between 1040 AD and 1100 AD, Sunset Crater erupted, violently. Jagged hunks of lava oozed from the volcano and rolled down its slopes filling up a small valley. Red cinders were hurled from the summit creating an eerie red shadow on top the mountain. Then, the eruptions stopped.

Today, visitors have the chance to step back in time and explore this amazing landscape. Because of the climate and lack of humidity, the thick black lava flows look as if they just oozed down the mountain side. It would appear an eruption occurred 10 years ago, not 1,000 years ago.

Although visitors are no longer able to climb to the top of Sunset Crater Volcano, there are still plenty of places to explore:

•Visitor’s Center: Make this your first stop. You’ll learn about the eruption, geology facts, and the plants and animals that live here. There’s a seismograph that records the small earthquakes that still rattle the area. You can even attempt to create an earthquake of your own.

•Bonito Lava Flow: Stop at one of the pullouts and grab your camera. The lava here, known as ah-ah, is nearly 1,000 years old. Only the hardiest of vegetation has found a way to survive.

•Lava Flow Trail: This easy to moderate 1 mile loop trail is the best way to experience the park. Picture perfect views of Sunset Crater can be found at nearly every turn. You’ll be able to walk right past splatter cones – magma once bubbling up here, and large lava flows. Finish it up with a picnic lunch in the shadow of the San Francisco Peaks.

•Lenox Crater Trail: Want to climb a volcano? Here’s your chance. This steep, strenuous trail leads to the top of Lenox Crater. Spectacular views of Sunset Crater and her lava flows greet those hardy enough to make the climb! Allow 30 minutes to climb up and just 15 minutes to climb on down.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is located off Hwy 89 between Flagstaff, Arizona and the Grand Canyon. It’s the perfect place to see the extreme climate differences found in Northern Arizona. Plan on spending a few hours exploring! For more details, visit www.nps.gov/sucr