Location & Access

The monument is located about 19 miles northeast of Flagstaff, off U.S. Highway 89. It is often visited together with nearby Wupatki National Monument via a scenic loop drive that connects the two. A visitor center provides orientation, exhibits, and park information.

Natural Features

Sunset Crater is a cinder cone volcano that erupted around 1085 CE. Its eruption blanketed the region in volcanic ash and lava, creating dramatic fields of black rock and red cinders that remain striking today. The colorful cinder cone gets its name from reddish hues that resemble a glowing sunset.

Wildlife & Plants

The recovering landscape supports ponderosa pines, aspens, and wildflowers that grow among lava flows. Wildlife includes Abert’s squirrels, mule deer, coyotes, and a wide variety of birds adapted to the mixed forest and volcanic terrain.

Cultural & Historical Significance

The eruption of Sunset Crater significantly affected the ancestral Puebloan peoples living in the area. Volcanic ash enriched soils for farming, but communities were displaced by the eruption itself. The monument helps interpret both the geological and human history of this dramatic event.

Recreation & Visitor Information

While climbing the cone itself is prohibited to protect fragile terrain, visitors can explore trails such as the Lava Flow Trail and Lenox Crater Trail, which offer close views of lava formations. Ranger talks, exhibits, and the scenic drive provide education and exploration opportunities.

Conservation & Management

Established as a national monument in 1930, Sunset Crater is managed by the National Park Service. The site preserves fragile volcanic features while allowing natural recovery of plant and animal communities. Efforts focus on preventing erosion and protecting geological integrity.