Overview

Hype:

Explore the Bonito Lava Flow and numerous volcanic features while walking at the base of Sunset Crater Volcano. A number of interpretive stops along the way feature interesting information about the surroundings.

Trail Condition: Class 1 (Trail is either paved or gravel. Navigation skills are not needed because there is only one trail or because there are signs. Elevation gains are gradual or there are stairs.)

Time: 30-60 minutes

Length: up to 1 mile loop

Elevation Gain: Negligible

Fees: Park Entrance

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Links: https://www.nps.gov/sucr/planyourvisit/hikes-and-trails.htm

Getting There

Navigate to 35.362929, -111.518651.

Park in the parking lot.

Route

From the northeast end of the parking area, take the paved trail east, passing the ampitheater. You'll cross a bridge then the trail forks. Continue around the trail in a counterclockwise direction. In about 10 feet, the trail forks again. You can take the left fork and stay on paved path for a shorter hike or take righ tfork and the non-paved path for a longer hike (preferred). The longer trail is 0.6 miles and includes interpretive stops along the way. The two trails join up again, and you can complete the loop then return to your vehicle the way you came.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Arizona

Coordinates: 35.363020, -111.515928

Interactive Guide Map

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April 5, 2022 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye, Ondylyn Wagner, Killian Wagner, Calliope Wagner, Matt Laurendeau, Amanda Laurendeau, Alex Laurendeau, Caleb Laurendeau, Rose Laurendeau, Marci Parker, Shawn Parker, Callie Parker, Wade Parker, Aria Parker,

Logistics

Start: 2:00

End: 3:00

Story

Our first stop in Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument was the Lava Flow Trail. We hiked the loop at kid speed and had a leisurely go of it. Cooper wanted to be carried for most of it. I really liked the spatter cone. When we made it back to the paved trail, we took a pause and let the kids work on their Junior Ranger booklets.

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Pictures