Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

From Flagstaff, take U.S 89 north for 12 miles (19km), turn right on the Sunset Crater - Wupatki Loop road and continue 2 miles (3km) to the visitor center.

So it was blustery and looked like it was going to rain... was bummed no one mentioned to get/buy the guidebook for the interpretative trail. Would have loved to have known what all the markers were about. Amusingly, one of the rangers told me to camp across 89 for free instead of paying to camp. It was unique - I had never even heard of it before - thought it was a meteor crater from the name until I got there. Did the Lenox Crater trail - don't wear open toed shoes or sandals as you end up with your shoes full of them. Some of the trails can be a bit challenging terrain-wise for those not accustomed to rocky trails... BUT they also have a paved section of the Interpretative trail for those preferring a more flat path. It is worth a visit for a couple of hours - entry is $5/pp over 15. (Did not hear them say 7 days like other NM/Parks) Would I return? Nope. Small park - really odd - some of the staff are quite nice, but one Ranger was a bit of an ornery twit.

An unforgettable visit. It was definitely worth the trip. Stunning.

Coconino National Forest at 928-526-0866

Stay at Bonito Campground in Coconino Natioanl Forest.

Entering into the Park was a pleasant change from the dry desert, due to its pine tree oasis. Hiking through the lava field really gives you perspective on the magnitude of this volcano.

Beautiful scenery from a volcano that blew 900 years ago. I’ve been to several volcanos before, some active and some long since dormant, but this was my first to see during this transition period where so much is still covered by the black lava rock. Worth the trip right off 89. I was disappointed that you can’t go up to the crater but given the amount of erosion that would occur since there is still not a ton of vegetation, it makes sense that they’d have to limit that.

Amazing. Get your park pass and have your book stamped. We have never seen anything like it. We hiked the lava trail- about a mile of huge lava flows. Just incredible.

It’s very cool to see the lava pool, but there are not any trails or roads to the actual crater so you can’t see that part. Otherwise beautiful place. Dogs not allowed on any trails.

I was disappointed to realize that I couldn't hike up to see the hole of the crater but I did drive around the park and did a lava walk. Its pretty amazing to see the scenery and imagine people once inhabited the area. For 5$, you can't beat it.