Crater
Sunset Crater is a volcanic cinder cone located about 15 miles northeast of Flagstaff, Arizona, and is within the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. It is the youngest volcano in the San Francisco volcanic field, formed by an eruption around 1085 AD that dramatically reshaped the local landscape.
The eruption produced a roughly 1,000-foot-high cone with red-tinted cinders due to iron and sulfur oxidation, creating its characteristic sunset colors. This eruption also generated extensive lava flows and a thick blanket of volcanic ash and lapilli that forced nearby indigenous Sinagua people to temporarily abandon their settlements.
The crater's summit is about 400 feet deep, and the surrounding area features hardened lava flows, spatter cones, lava tubes, and notable natural landmarks like the Bonito Lava Flow. While the volcano is mostly dormant now, it remains geologically significant as a natural laboratory for volcanic study and ecological succession, showing forests and wildflowers slowly reclaiming the area.
The monument offers hiking trails with panoramic views and serves as a historical and natural site connected to the region’s cultural heritage and ecology.
| Elevation | 2,451 m |
| Established | 26 May 1930 |
| Easiest Route | Hike |
| Last Eruption | 1075 ± 25 years |
| Volcanic Field | San Francisco volcanic field |
| Address | Arizona 86004, USA |
Sunset Crater is located in Arizona, United States.
Sunset Crater is situated in the state of Arizona.
The address of Sunset Crater is Arizona 86004, USA.
Yes, Sunset Crater is family-friendly and attracts visitors of all age groups.
Visitors usually spend a few hours to a full day exploring Sunset Crater.
Yes, there are several hotels and accommodations near Sunset Crater in Arizona.
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