On our way from the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook toward New Mexico to visit Carlsbad Caverns, we made a stop at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. The highlight for us was the Lava Flow Trail in Sunset Crater, a short but fascinating walk that gives you an up‑close look at the dramatic volcanic landscape. This area is unlike anything else in Arizona, and it ended up being one of those quick, memorable stops that broke up our drive and gave the kids a chance to explore something completely different.
The Lava Flow Trail in Sunset Crater has two options: a paved section and an unpaved loop. The paved portion is just under half a mile round trip and is accessible for most visitors. It winds through jagged black lava rock, cinder fields, and views of the cinder cone itself. This is the part we did, and it was perfect for stretching our legs without committing to a long hike. Plus, it was raining, and we didn’t want to get muddy, though people were taking the trail, and they seemed ok.
The unpaved section extends the trail to about one mile total and takes you deeper into the lava fields with slightly uneven terrain. Both routes offer great opportunities to learn about the eruption that reshaped this landscape nearly a thousand years ago.
You can learn more about this trail and the others in Sunset Crater Volcano on their website here.
Before or after the trail, the Sunset Crater Visitor Center is worth a stop. It has exhibits about the volcano’s history, the surrounding geology, and how the eruption affected the people who lived in the area. Rangers are available to answer questions, and the center has restrooms, maps, and a small bookstore. The Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is open every day. The visitor center is open daily from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The roads and trails are open 24/7, with occasional closures for fire season or winter weather.
If you’re traveling through northern Arizona, the Lava Flow Trail in Sunset Crater is an easy and rewarding stop. It’s quick, accessible, and offers a unique look at the power of nature. We loved adding it to our road trip, and it paired perfectly with the other destinations on our route.
Have you ever done the Lava Flow Trail in Sunset Crater National Park? Let us know about your experience in the comments.
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