A thousand years ago the ground was torn open and lava erupted into the sky, forever changing the landscape and the lives of the people who lived here. A thousand years later, trees and flowers grow among the rocks, and people visit the lava flow to see and remember the most recent volcanic eruption in Arizona.
Photo: NPS Photo / Elliot Schultz
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
The lava flow lies on the land like a dream, a wonderland of rock.
- LocationFlagstaff, AZ
- Entrance $25 private vehicle
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now68°F Sunny
- Alerts 1 active alert
Overview
Topics
- Astronomy
- Night Sky
- Scenic Views
- Volcanoes
Alerts (1)
Park ClosureRoad Closure: Sunset Crater Volcano September 21 through October 21 Beginning September 21, Forest Road 545 will close to all vehicle traffic starting near the intersection with Highway 89… Read more
Beginning September 21, Forest Road 545 will close to all vehicle traffic starting near the intersection with Highway 89A to the Sunset Crater Volcano entrance kiosk for culvert work. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument remains OPEN and accessible via Forest Road 545 through Wupatki National Monument. Plan for extra travel time—the drive between visitor centers is about 19 miles/30 minutes. The road is expected to reopen October 22.
Things to Do
9 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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Sunset Crater Volcano Visitor Center
Facility
The Sunset Crater Volcano Visitor Center includes a museum, WNPA park store, park film, and restroom facilities. The building features architecture from the Mission 66…
6082 Sunset Crater Road, Flagstaff, AZ (928) 526-0502 Directions
Details
The Sunset Crater Volcano Visitor Center includes a museum, WNPA park store, park film, and restroom facilities. The building features architecture from the Mission 66 era. Park rangers are present, passes are available for purchase, and Junior Ranger activities are available.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Park Hours
Hours details
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Park HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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.
Entrance fees
- $25Private Vehicle
- $20Motorcycle
- $15Per Person
All 8 fees & details
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Private Vehicle$25
This pass covers the pass holder and up to 15 passengers of a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle at both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments for 1-7 days.
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Motorcycle$20
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers to both Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monument.
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Per Person$15
Admits one individual bicyclist, hiker, or pedestrian visiting the facility without a private vehicle. Good for both Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monuments for 1-7 days. A pass is not required for individuals 15 or younger.
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Non-commercial Groups$15
The per person fee is charged for non-commercial groups up to the point that it exceeds the cost of the commercial rate for the same size vehicle.
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Education/Academic GroupsFree
Bona fide educational institutions visiting for non-recreational purposes whose visit pertains directly to established curriculum are exempt from paying entry fees. Apply for an educational fee waiver at least 4 weeks in advance by submitting an educational fee waiver. Please see the below link to access the waiver.
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Commercial Entrance - Sedan$28
Covers occupants of a vehicle with an occupancy of 1-6 individuals at Sunset Crater, Wupatki, and Walnut Canyon for 1 day. A commercial group is defined as a group that is entering for the purpose of providing commercial tour services within the unit. A commercial group consists of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure/recreational purpose by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service.
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Commercial Entrance - Van$40
Covers occupants of a vehicle with an occupancy of 7-15 individuals at Sunset Crater, Wupatki, and Walnut Canyon for 1 day. A commercial group is defined as a group that is entering for the purpose of providing commercial tour services within the unit. A commercial group consists of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure/recreational purpose by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service.
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Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach$100
Covers occupants of a vehicle with an occupancy of 16+ individuals at Sunset Crater, Wupatki, and Walnut Canyon for 1 day. A commercial group is defined as a group that is entering for the purpose of providing commercial tour services within the unit. A commercial group consists of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure/recreational purpose by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service.
Passes
- $45Annual Entrance - Park
Pass details
- Annual Entrance - Park
Admits the passholder, passenger of one motorcycle, or occupants of a single, non-commercial vehicle at Sunset Crater Volcano, Walnut Canyon, and Wupatki National Monuments for 1 year.
Weather
68°F
Sunny · feels like 60°
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Today
70° 47°
Sunny1% rain
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Tomorrow
71° 50°
Sunny1% rain
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Saturday
72° 50°
Sunny1% rain
Updated 3 hr ago
What to expect by season
Be prepared for variable and extreme weather conditions. Expect high winds any time of year. Summer temperatures are often above 95ºF (35ºC) and we have afternoon thunderstorms from July through September. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures are common in the winter. Dress in layers, as weather at Sunset Crater Volcano can change quickly at any time of year.
Contact the park
Photos
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Geologists and biologists study the area surrounding Sunset Crater Volcano to better understand how landscapes recover after an eruption. — NPS Photo / Elliot Schultz -
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Getting There
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
From Flagstaff, travel north on US Highway 89; from Page and the east entrance of the Grand Canyon, travel south on Highway 89. Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments are both on the loop road FR-545, which meets Highway 89 near mile markers 430 (Sunset Crater Volcano) and 444 (Wupatki).
Mailing address: 6400 U.S. 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
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