Lava Flow Trail: A Volcanic Landscape

The Lava Flow Trail, located within Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, provides an accessible and fascinating glimpse into a volcanic landscape. The trail loops through the Bonito lava flow, a dramatic field of black basaltic rock formed by the eruption of Sunset Crater around 1085 AD. This relatively recent eruption dramatically reshaped the landscape and impacted the lives of the indigenous Sinagua people, who eventually relocated from the area. The trail offers two loops: a shorter, paved upper section suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, and a longer primitive trail that winds around the lower area of the lava flow. As you walk, you'll observe jagged blocks of rough a'a lava and features like hornitos (splatter cones). Interpretive displays along the way provide insights into the volcanic geology, the eruption's impact, and the area's natural history. The contrast between the black lava and the surrounding ponderosa pines, wildflowers, and Apache plumes creates a striking visual experience. While hiking to the top of Sunset Crater is prohibited to protect its fragile resources, the Lava Flow Trail offers stellar views of the cinder cone, with its distinctive red-orange rim. The trail is an easy one-mile loop, with minimal elevation gain, making it a great option for all skill levels.