Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

You don't expect a volcano in northern Arizona, which is exactly what makes Sunset Crater so memorable. This 1,000-foot cinder cone rises out of the ponderosa pine forest northeast of Flagstaff and last erupted around the year 1085 — making it one of the youngest volcanoes in the country. The summit has been closed to climbing since 1973 to protect the cinder cone, but you can walk right up to the black lava flows that spread out below it.

What you'll see

The Lava Flow Trail is the main draw: an easy 1-mile loop across the hardened basalt fields, with the crater looming on one side and views toward the San Francisco Peaks on the other. Reviewers consistently call it an easy, family-friendly walk with genuinely unique scenery — several mention it as a can't-miss stop for anyone passing through northern Arizona, with one visitor noting they got to walk on real lava along the way. A visitor center near the entrance has exhibits on the eruption and the volcanic landscape, plus the usual park souvenirs.

• Hours: daily, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Rating: 4.8 stars from over 2,300 Google reviews
• Location: Sunset Crater Road, Flagstaff — part of the same loop road as Wupatki National Monument

A few visitors note the trails aren't always clearly marked and the entrance fee runs higher than some nearby sites, so grab a map at the visitor center before you set out. Budget an hour or so for the loop trail and museum — it's an easy add-on if you're already exploring the Flagstaff area.