Sunset Crater Volcano

The area around Flagstaff is seismically active and just twelve miles north of the city is Sunset Crater, a volcano that erupted a mere 900+ years ago, in 1085AD. The resulting landscape is dramatic and like nothing we have seen before.

Bonito Lava Flow covered the surrounding area and flowed from the base of Sunset Crater.

Hiking up Sunset Crater is off-limits, but we climbed to the top of nearby Lenox Crater. Since Lenox erupted thousands of years ago, the crater is more of a depression. (Click to enlarge.) San Francisco Peaks are in the distance.

Along the sides of the depression we noticed little clumps of wildflowers.

Close-up

Descending from the Lenox Crater we traveled along the Lava Flow Trail, at the base of Sunset Crater. That's it in the background.

Ponderosa pine tree growing in the lava flow.

The processes that created Sunset Crater also created a sculpture garden of extraordinary forms at its base.

Ponderosa Pines have found a home in this volcanic soil.

Cave-like opening in the side of the lava.

Hiking towards Sunset Crater.

Sunset Crater, 1,000ft above.

Another cave just to the right of the Aspen tree.

Today's hike:

Length - 3.02 miles

Duration - 1 hour, 39 minutes

Elevation gain - 420 feet (43 floors on the Fitbit)