Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Things To Do Near Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Join park rangers on an informative tour to learn more about the history of the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Check the schedule to see when they are giving informative presentations in the amphitheater. During the summer months, be sure to attend one of their stargazing events. 

Hiking Trails

• Lava’s Edge Trail 

  Start this trail at the lighted trailhead about 1.3 miles from the fee station at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Hike along the path, which is mostly black sand, to see the volcano's impact. During the hike, you can get a close look at the razor-edged slabs, contorted pillars, splatter cones, and crusty walls left behind by the volcano. 

  Location

  1.3 miles from the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Visitor Center, 6082 Sunset Crater Road, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004 

  Length

  3.5 miles 

  Intensity

  Moderate 

• A’a Trail 

  This trail starts near the monument's visitor center along the main park road. The trail runs along a lava-flow wall for a short distance allowing you to see the lava flow up close. It also provides stunning views of the crater. 

  Location

  1.25 miles from the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Visitor Center, 6082 Sunset Crater Road, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004 

  Length

  0.2 miles 

  Intensity

  Easy

• Lenox Crater Trail 

  The beginning of the trail is paved and runs at about a 30-degree angle uphill through a ponderosa pine forest. Then, the trail becomes cinder and continues to climb to the top of Lenox Crater. This allows you to see the newer Sunset Crater next to the older Lenox Crater. The view of the San Francisco Mountains from the top of the Lenox Crater is stunning. 

  Location

  One mile from the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Visitor Center, 6082 Sunset Crater Road, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004 

  Length

  1.6 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate 

Sightseeing

• Walnut Canyon National Monument 

  Follow the paved path to see the cliff dwellings at Walnut Canyon National Monument. Check the schedule to see if ranger talks are scheduled when you are visiting this location, which is where the Sinagua people lived from 1100 A.D. to 1250 A.D. During your visit, be sure to check out the Permian Kaibab Limestone formations. 

  Location

  3 Walnut Canyon Road, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004 

• Lowell Observatory 

  Since 1894, astronomers at Lowell Observatory have been studying the sky, and you will want to join them. Make the most of your time at this location by taking a guided tour. See the stars at night from their special deck. 

  Location

  1400 Mars Hill Road, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004

Museums

• Arizona Historical Society Pioneer Museum 

  Learn about the history of ranching and farming in the Flagstaff area at the Arizona Historical Society Pioneer Museum. This museum also features displays on logging, transportation, and local history and lore. It is located inside the former Coconino County Hospital for the Indigent. 

  Location

  2340 N Fort Valley Road, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001

• Museum of Northern Arizona 

  Learn about the indigenous people who lived and still live in the Flagstaff area at the Museum of Northern Arizona. You can also see native plants from the Colorado Plateau at this museum. Numerous gems and minerals are on display as well. This venue can be a great place to catch speakers and entertainers, including Native American dancers. 

  Location

  3101 North Ft. Valley Road, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001

• Northern Arizona University Art Museum 

  See contemporary art at the Northern Arizona University Art Museum. Many of the pieces are chosen to make you think. This museum often hosts special exhibitions. Check the schedule before visiting to see what exhibits are currently on display. 

  Location

  620 South Knoles Drive, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Basement Marketplace 

  Find cute and comfortable clothes for women at Basement Marketplace. You can also find vintage clothing at this store in the Old Town Shops mall, which opened in 2003. Fashion accessories and gifts are available as well. 

  Location

  120 North Leroux St, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001 

• Bright Side Bookshop 

  Grab some new books to enjoy on your Arizona adventure by shopping at Bright Side Bookshop. Their selection covers a wide range of subjects and genres, including art, history, cooking, and romance. This shop often hosts book signings and other special events that you can take part in. 

  Location

  18 North San Francisco Street, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001

• The McMillian Bar and Kitchen

  The McMillian Bar and Kitchen maintains much of its charm as the oldest building in downtown Flagstaff. The fresh salads with house dressing are phenomenal here. You will also want to try their house-made steak fries. 

  Location

  2 West Route 66, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001

• Brandy's Bakery and Restaurant 

  Get the day off to a great start at Brandy's Bakery and Restaurant with a full pancake-and-egg breakfast or a delicious sweet from the bakery. This Route 66 restaurant displays a different local artist's work each month. If you miss their breakfasts, head here for terrific sandwiches at lunch. 

  Location

  1500 E Cedar Ave #40, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

How To Get To Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

It is easy to get to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument from Phoenix. Start by getting on Interstate 17 North. Take Exit 340A to get on Interstate 40 East. Use Exit 201 toward Page. Turn left onto US 180 West. Turn right on US 89 North and right again on Loop Road. You will see the monument in about 2.7 miles. 

Address

6082 Sunset Crater Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Fee: Seven-day passenger vehicle and motorcycle pass $20.0

Fee: Seven-day pedestrian and bicyclist pass $15.0

Go for a hike to see the youngest dormant volcano on the Colorado Plateau by visiting Sunset Crater National Monument. You will want to visit several short trails in the area and plan some time to see the older Lucas Crater. The best way to explore this monument is in your RV. If you are unable or do not want to hike the crater, there is a great park road running through the monument. Bringing your RV to Flagstaff ensures that you can see many other great attractions, go shopping, and eat out while enjoying a comfortable resting place. If you do not have an RV, you will be glad to know that renting one is easy with RVshare.