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Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is a U.S. National Monument in the north-central part of the U.S. state of Arizona, intended to protect Sunset Crater, a cinder cone that is part of the San Francisco Volcanic Field. The Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is located in the northern central part of Arizona, less than 15 miles north of Flagstaff, protecting over 3,000 acres of lava fields, cinder deposits and archaeological ruins. As the youngest of the Colorado Plateau volcanoes, Sunset Crater gives everyone from geologists to amateur sleuths insight into what the earth was like in the last millennium. The lava flows and cinder rocks are frozen in time, appearing red and clear as if they had cooled down just last week instead of hundreds of years ago. Amidst the hardened lava wildflowers and trees spout up, providing a gentle, colorful contrast to the powerful strength of the volcano.

Sunset Crater Volcano was born in a series of eruptions sometime between 1040 and 1100. Powerful explosions profoundly affected the lives of local people and forever changed the landscape and ecology of the area. Lava flows and cinders still look as fresh and rugged as the day they formed. But among dramatic geologic features, you'll find trees, wildflowers, and signs of wildlife – life returns.

Legend has it that the 19th-century explorer John Wesley Powell named Sunset Crater Volcano because its rim of red and yellow cinders suggested the colors of a perpetual sunset.

Hiking is prohibited to the top of the crater because of its continued erosion, but the visitors can still explore the Lava Flow Trail, a self-guided loop walk through the hardened lava flows and cinder fields at the base of Sunset Crater.

Getting There:

By Car
From Flagstaff, drive on the 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.
By Plane
The nearest airport is located in Flagstaff, AZ.

Where To Stay:
Sunset Crater is only about 15 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona where you can find a wide variety of hotels . You'll also find an extensive list of hotels in Sedona which is south of Flagstaff Az.

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