An easy walk across a frozen lava field near Flagstaff
The Lava Flow Trail is the signature walk at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, looping across a jagged black lava field left by an eruption roughly 900 years ago. It's a short, easy-to-love stop for anyone driving the loop road between Flagstaff and Wupatki National Monument, and reviewers consistently rate it among the best quick hikes in the area.
The trail is a loop, and the first stretch is paved and accessible enough for wheelchairs and strollers before it transitions to a rougher, still easy-going path over hardened lava rock. Interpretive stops along the way explain the volcanic terrain — squeeze-ups, spatter cones, and the cinder-covered ground left behind when Sunset Crater last erupted. A vault toilet is available at the trailhead.
Most visitors spend well under an hour here, though the monument rewards a slower pace if time allows. Reviewers also point out the scenic drive connecting Sunset Crater to Wupatki as a highlight in its own right, and note that a dusting of winter snow on the black lava makes for a striking, almost monochrome landscape.
941 reviews
2 months ago
This is a very interesting place to visit. Seeing the lava flows from a thousand years ago still looking like the lava just cooled is insane. The walk/hike was great and the views were awesome. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the Flagstaff area.
3 months ago
Very interesting to get to walk around and see this historic site. Definitely worth the trip. And the scenic drive between here and Wupatki national monument did not disappoint!
8 months ago
I visited 12-30-25 and had beautiful weather! A nice 40 somwthing degree day and full sunshine which made for an amazing little hike. There's concrete loop here along with the Lava Flow Trail which is the lava rock trail just off to the side of the concrete trail. Amazing views all around from this trail and its super easy. Theres a vault toilet at the trailhead.
3 months ago
This was an amazing trail. Excellently marked with signs explaining the volcanic formation, and it's nice and flat for the majority of the trail. I'd highly recommend. It should take you about 30 minutes, and there are still several other trails to see.
a year ago
Very interesting place. We visited in November, and the fresh snow added an extra flavor to our hike. The initial part of the lava flow trail is paved- accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The remaining part is a relatively easy hike (good for kids). I strongly recommend visiting in winter to see the "Oreo" version of the soundings.