Understanding of earlier times and people comes from multiple perspectives. These include the traditional history of the people themselves and interpretations by scientists of structures, artifacts, and features that remain.
For many years, it is believed that the volcano erupted in 1064 and continued for 200 years – a very long time for a cinder cone volcano. More recent evidence indicates that the eruption began sometime between 1040 and 1100 and lasted, more typically, only a few months or years.
It will not likely erupt again anytime soon. Activity in the surrounding San Francisco Volcanic Field has moved slowly during the past 6 million years. The next eruption, if one occurs, is likely to be somewhere to the east of Sunset Crater.
If you think you'd like to climb the crater, well, think again. The trail to the top of Sunset Crater was closed in 1973, due to the deep ruts and erosion caused by the feet of thousands of hikers. The scars have proved impossible to erase, even after 30+ years.
As an alternative, you can climb to the top of another cinder cone by taking the Lenox Crater Trail. You can also hike a Forest Service trail up O’Leary Peak, and look down into Sunset Crater which may prove to be a better idea anyway.
For many years, it is believed that the volcano erupted in 1064 and continued for 200 years – a very long time for a cinder cone volcano. More recent evidence indicates that the eruption began sometime between 1040 and 1100 and lasted, more typically, only a few months or years.
It will not likely erupt again anytime soon. Activity in the surrounding San Francisco Volcanic Field has moved slowly during the past 6 million years. The next eruption, if one occurs, is likely to be somewhere to the east of Sunset Crater.
If you think you'd like to climb the crater, well, think again. The trail to the top of Sunset Crater was closed in 1973, due to the deep ruts and erosion caused by the feet of thousands of hikers. The scars have proved impossible to erase, even after 30+ years.
As an alternative, you can climb to the top of another cinder cone by taking the Lenox Crater Trail. You can also hike a Forest Service trail up O’Leary Peak, and look down into Sunset Crater which may prove to be a better idea anyway.
© 2006 by "DiscoveringArizona Inc." · All Rights Reserved · E-Mail: jayq@discoveringarizona.com
Sunset Crater National Monument was established by President Herbert Hoover on May 26, 1930, to protect its geologic formations. In 1990 the name was changed to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and occupies 3,040 acres surrounded by Coconino National Forest.
The Scenic drive and hiking trails are open all year, from sunrise to sunset as well as the visitor center with the exception of December 25th.
Sunset Crater was seen in the popular film "Easy Rider." In fact, much of northern Arizona was including the Painted Desert. You'll notice it as the film plays The Band's song "The Weight."
Monument hours are:
November - April 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM MST
May - October 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM MST
ENTRANCE FEES
Individual
$5.00 - 7 Days
Fee is per person, good for 7 days at both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments. Free entrance for children under 16. Major credit cards are accepted for all fees.
Local Passport
Flagstaff Area National Monuments
$25 - Annual
Admits passport holder and passengers in private vehicle to Sunset Crater Volcano, Wupatki, and Walnut Canyon National Monuments for 12 months from date of purchase. Major credit cards are accepted.
Sunset Crater was seen in the popular film "Easy Rider." In fact, much of northern Arizona was including the Painted Desert. You'll notice it as the film plays The Band's song "The Weight."
Monument hours are:
November - April 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM MST
May - October 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM MST
ENTRANCE FEES
Individual
$5.00 - 7 Days
Fee is per person, good for 7 days at both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments. Free entrance for children under 16. Major credit cards are accepted for all fees.
Local Passport
Flagstaff Area National Monuments
$25 - Annual
Admits passport holder and passengers in private vehicle to Sunset Crater Volcano, Wupatki, and Walnut Canyon National Monuments for 12 months from date of purchase. Major credit cards are accepted.
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