The colorful cinder cones were formed by series of eruptions between 1040 and 1100. A final eruption made the originally black upper portion of the cone to dusky red-orange patches, giving its name.
Sunset Crater
Lava Flow Trail
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.
Cloud above the Sunset Crater
Bonito Lava Flow
The Bonito Lava Flow is a basaltic flow, which means the lava is jagged or sharp.
Close image of the hardened bonito lava flow
Splotches of greens and yellows on the surface
These splotches are actually lichen. Lichen are part fungus and part plant (an algae) living together to function as a single organism.
Amidst the hardened lava varieties of wildflower, shrubs and trees spout up.
Ponderosa Pines on the slope.
The Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is now being maintained by the National Park Service.
Location: North of Flagstaff in US State of Arizona
Directions:
From Flagstaff, take 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.
Hours Open:
November – April 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST
May - October 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST
Open all year except Dec 25
Entrance Fee:
$5 per individual, valid for 7 days. Free for kids that is under 16.
For more info call the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Visitor Center (928) 526-0502
