What can I see and do at Sunset Crater?

Sunset Crater is a National Monument with heaps to offer visitors.

• Guided Hikes: The partnership between the park and forest service offers guided hikes for those who don’t want to venture out on their own. 
• Lava Flow Trail: To walk where lava once flowed take this loop trail around the monument. It is about one mile round trip and is an easy 30 minute walk. 
• Lenox Trail: For a more strenuous hike, take this trail up a cinder cone. It’s one mile round trip and takes roughly 45 minutes to complete because of the steep slopes. 
• O’Leary Peak Trail: This trail is a part of the Coconino National Forest and can be accessed from the Sunset Crater visitor’s center. The peak trail leads up a lava dome volcano. It’s a ten-mile round trip hike. This rough trail takes about 4 or 5 hours. 
• Visitor Center: The visitor center is a one-stop shop for information and exhibits about volcanoes and how they came to be. 
• Camping: There is no camping in the area; however there is a campground close to the monument. Bonito Campground is on the East side of the Peaks and is extremely close to Sunset Crater. It is $20 per night and open from May until mid-October.

Where is Sunset Crater?

Take U.S. 89 North to leave Flagstaff. Stay on this highway for 12 miles and then turn right on Sunset Crater/Wupatki Loop road. Drive for 2 more miles to reach the visitor’s center.

When is Sunset Crater open?

It is open all year round except for Christmas Day. Below are the seasonal hours.
November – April: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00p.m.
May – October: 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.

How much does Sunset Crater cost?

Entrance to the monument is $20 per vehicle and the pass is good for 7 days.

Who can I call if I have more questions?

If you have questions you can call the visitor’s center at 928-526-0502.