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Sunset Crater Volcano National MonumentSunset Crater Volcano
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Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Sunset Crater Volcano was born in a series of eruptions sometime between 1040 and 1100. Powerful explosions profoundly affected the lives of local people and forever changed the landscape and ecology of the area. Lava flows and cinders still look as fresh and rugged as the day they formed. But among dramatic geologic features, you'll find trees, wildflowers, and signs of wildlife – life returns.

 
Cinder fields along Lava Flow Trail.

Walk the Lava Flow Trail

The Lava Flow Trail winds through lava flows and cinder fields at the base of Sunset Crater. It's a one-mile loop through an amazing volcanic landscape.
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Man at computer

Take a virtual field trip

Explore the Lava Flow Trail from your computer. (The numbered stops don't match those on the real trail - this field trip is strictly virtual.)
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National Park Service Celebrates First 100 Years

The National Park Service will be 100 years old in 2016. Planning for this major milestone is underway, and you can help. 
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Write to

Superintendent, Flagstaff Area National Monuments
6400 N. Hwy 89
Flagstaff, AZ 86004

E-mail Us

Phone

Headquarters, Flagstaff Area National Monuments
(928) 526-1157

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Visitor Center
(928) 526-0502

Fax

(928) 714-0565

Climate

Not all of Arizona is warm dry desert. At Sunset Crater Volcano, spring is usually mild, but heavy snowfall can occur. Summer days are warm with temperatures in the 80s; afternoon thunderstorms are likely July to September. In winter, snow and freezing temperatures alternate with mild weather.

For today's weather, click "more" below.
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A firey night eruption in Hawaii  

Did You Know?
The eruption of Sunset Crater Volcano must have been a powerful event. It destroyed all plants within a 5-mile radius. A fountain of fire, 850 feet high, was visible for miles around. An ash cloud rose 2.5 miles into the sky, and falling ash covered about 64,000 acres.

Last Updated: September 14, 2007 at 15:13 EST