Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Sunset Crater volcano erupted around 1085 A.D., and is the youngest of about 600 cinder cones in the San Francisco volcanic field. The 1,120 ft high volcano is named for the oxidized, red spatter around its rim. Sunset Crater is about 15 miles northeast of Flagstaff. Take U.S. 89 north out of Flagstaff for about 12 miles, then turn right on to CR 395 (Fire Rd 545/Loop Rd) and follow it to the Visitor Center (about 3 miles). President Herbert Hoover created Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument by proclamation in 1930 to protect the volcano. This was in response to the news that a production company was planning to blow up the side of the volcano to create an avalanche for Zane Grey's movie "Avalanche". The U.S. Forest Service maintains Bonito Campground (no hookups) located just outside the Monument across from the Visitor Center. I camped at Sunset Crater in July of 1989, and returned for a second visit in May of 2021. Most of the photos are from my second visit.

Entrance Sign

Sunset Crater 1989

Sunset Crater 2021

Visitor Center

Museum Exhibit

Cinder Carpet

Lava Mounds

Could be Bonita Lava Flow

Log on Lava

A'a' Lava

Sunset Crater