General information about the National Monument
The National Monument protects the area around a small cinder cone volcano located on the Colorado Plateau.
Number of visitors
Best time to visit: Spring, summer and fall.
Our visits:
So far 1 visit: February 2016
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 25$/car valid for 7 days - also valid for Wupatki NM
- Covered by the Anual Pass*
- Open 24h all year round.
*The Anual Pass is so to speak the "flat rate" for all Parks managed by the National Park Service. The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 and can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, National Monument, etc. The pass is valid for 13 months.
Sunset Crater Volcano NM
Description: Sunset Crater is a volcanic mountain 8041fts high. During the last eruption in 1250, the mountain ejected bright red and orange lapili (pebbles). This color gave the volcano its name. The park is located a little northeast of Flagstaff and can be reached via the Wupatki and Sunset Crater Loop Road. During our visit in February 2016, we walked the Lava Flow Trail . The trail leads across a lava field and provides an interesting insight into the history of the park's formation.
Trail length: 1mi roundtrip
Altitude difference: –
Time needed: 1 hour
Difficulty level: easy
Our rating: Small but nice park. We often drove past it, but a detour is well worth it. Who has half a day left, should have a look. Good also in connection with the Wupatki NM to connect.
