Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Flagstaff, AZ
A cinder cone that erupted about 1085, with black lava flows and a 1.6 km Lava Flow Trail at its base. One fee covers Sunset Crater and Wupatki on the same 55 km loop road.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument lies northeast of Flagstaff, Arizona, about 19 miles (31 km) away according to Lonely Planet. The cinder cone erupted around the year 1064 according to Lonely Planet, covering roughly 800 square miles (about 2,000 km²) with ash and creating the Kana-A lava flow. The dating varies by source; Wupatki sources give a span of roughly 1040 to 1100. The cone is 8,029 feet (2,447 m) high.
Short trails cross the Bonito lava flow, and a path climbs Lenox Crater (7,024 feet, 2,141 m). Fit hikers and mountain bikers can reach O'Leary Peak (8,965 feet, 2,733 m) on a roughly 8-mile round trip. A gentle, wheelchair-accessible 0.3-mile (0.5 km) loop overlooks the frozen lava flow. Your ticket is valid for seven days and also covers Wupatki National Monument.
Time-sensitive (as of October 2026): Forest Road 545 between Highway 89A and the park entrance was closed for construction, with access via Wupatki; reopening was expected on 3 November. Check the current status beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Flagstaff, AZ
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 35.3688, -111.5436
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Greer's Pine Shadows RV ParkMotorhome stopover9 mi from Sunset Crater Volcano National MonumentMotorhomes
- KOA Holiday - FlagstaffMotorhome stopover10 mi from Sunset Crater Volcano National MonumentTentsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Kit Carson RV ParkMotorhome stopover15 mi from Sunset Crater Volcano National MonumentTentsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Woody Mountain CampgroundMotorhome stopover15 mi from Sunset Crater Volcano National MonumentTentsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Fort Tuthill County CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Sunset Crater Volcano National MonumentTentsCaravansToilets
- Lakeview CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Sunset Crater Volcano National MonumentTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
All campsites in Arizona · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument?
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is in Flagstaff, AZ, at GPS 35.3688, -111.5436. It is about 2 mi from Sunset Crater Volcano.
Can you camp near Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Bonito Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 19 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument?
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon via volcanoes and Desert View.
What is there to see near Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument?
Places worth a stop nearby: Lowell Observatory (13 mi), Walnut Canyon National Monument (14 mi), Wupatki National Monument (14 mi) and Oak Creek Canyon Vista (28 mi).
When is the best time to visit Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)