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    Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

    4.5 (132 reviews)

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    Joyce T.

    Quite an easy trail to see lava field, we took the Lava Flow Trail and were amazed by the views of lava field and the landscape surrounding it. Three stars because you can't hike to the crater and walk around the rim of the crater.

    Black ash after volcanic eruption.
    Natasha A.

    Did you know there's a volcano in Flagstaff, Az? Amazing. It eruped about 1,000 years ago. The indigenous people felt small earthquakes and took heed of it which faired well for them, they were right, it blew. They had moved far enough away to be safe but still witness the volcanic eruption. To this day you can walk on the black ash of the eruption.

    2/2026 - trail sign
    Cody A.

    January's great weather allowed us to explore Sunset Crater. Stop at the visitor center first. Lean about history of the land and people. Pick up a map with hiking trails through the lava fields. You cannot hike to the top of the crater.

    Kendoll C.

    Part of our America the Beautiful Pass, we were able to avoid paying the $25 entry- we stopped at the visitor's center to obtain a map for exploring the various trails- We decided to opt into walking the Lava Flow trail, then into the Leonox Crater loop- The views were outstanding, a different beauty of AZ, compared to the red rocks we had been hiking earlier in the week- the forest's destruction, the slow regrowth over the years- it was fascinating to see & learn about via signage along the trails- They were all easy walks, incline along the Leonox Crater, but nothing vigorous- Overall worth the visit

    Jason C.

    This was super cool! There are lots of nice hikes both longer ones and more accessible ones. The rangers and staff are super friendly and helpful. My friend and I noted how unique the experience was walking through the lava rock fields and seeing the beautiful vistas. Definitely worth a stop to check out!

    Mountains
    Lauren M.

    Wonderful place to visit if you are in the Flagstaff area! Had no idea there was ever a volcano in Arizona.

    Welcome Sign
    Travis T.

    I was driving through Flagstaff and made a stop here at Sunset Crater National Monument. It is one of three national monuments in the area. Sunset Crater is a great stop if you want to see lingering effects of volcanic activity in Northern Arizona. Years back, lava flowed from this volcano and produced a layer of ash and lapilli in the area. The crater itself is black in color with a red rim and stands 1,120 feet. Today the Sunset Crater Volcano is extinct. I enjoy hiking whenever I visit national parks and monuments and wanted to do some hiking here despite the snow. You can't hike up to the crater anymore because of erosion caused by hikers over the years. But you can hike the one-mile self-guided loop trail around the base of the crater. I ended up doing that and enjoyed my time looking at lichen on the rocks and the plant life in the area. There is a nice visitor center at the entrance. The Tunnel Fire burned over this entire area in 2022. The Monument reopened about a year later but the Lenox Crater Trail still remains closed. Lava's Edge Trail is a hike along the jagged edge of the Bonito Lava Flow. After you are done exploring Sunset Crater, head up the road and check out Wupatki National Monument where you can see several ancient Native American dwellings.

    Janelle F.

    All of my years coming to Flagstaff and this my my first time at Sunset Crater. What a site to see in person. From vast pine trees to trails carved around the volcanic rock. It was beautiful to see the bits of red where new trees are seeding. There are so many trails to check out and the ride through is beautiful. We passed an area to camp inside as well.While short I did love the A'a Trail. It really gives you an idea how fast the flow was. Bring good shoes and the lava rock is pretty jagged. The sand is a bit hard to walk through. Hiking shoes preferably, but can be done in vans like me in some area. Just use caution.

    Marshall G.

    This was the beginning of a long loop 2 lane road of learning about volcanoes in Arizona and the native Indians that occupied the land before and after. The eruptions are thought to last more than a year. The ash fallout went for Miles. And yet the Hopi and Zuni survived 1000 years ago. The volcanic activity is equal to Maui or mt. st. Helen's or Pompeii. Devastating.

    Ren N.

    Beautiful small monument dedicated to the previous existing volcano. Last active around 1200 AD. There is a nice large trail snaking around the lava that's now solid. Recently a forest fire made some parts look more char than usual. There are campgrounds in the park. Cute visitor center with lots of info. Small amounts of gift items though, no t shirts?!? Please expand the gift shop!

    History
    Myphuong L.

    We did the driving loop. It's about 30mins apart driving. $25 entrance fee per car and you can enter through Sunset Crater entrance or Wupatki entrance. The Sunset Crater Volcano opens 24/7 and the Wupatki entrance is from sunrise to sunset. We went to Sunset Crater Volcano first. Visitor center is closed but it's open for restrooms. Bring your passport to get your passport stamps! They have 3 types of stamps that you can stamp yourself. Next we followed the path to the crater parking lot. Another set of restrooms here but it's the built in portable ones and not as clean. We parked and followed the paved path along the Lava Flow Trail. It says 1 mile loop but we didn't do the entire loop and just went out to the overlook and back. Try to tap into the energy and meditate. I felt an overwhelmed of sadness and anxiety here. But on the flip side through all the black charcoal background, there are signs of life and colorful wildflowers growing. Truly an amazing place and full of history. Stayed here for about 15 mins then drove 30 mins along the loop to Wupatki, stayed there for 15 mins then took the loop back and exited where we came from to stay off the busy highway. You must see both and it's handicap accessible with the paved and dirt walkway for both. There are no food eateries, gas stations, or hang out spots. The nice restrooms are at the Visitor Center at both places and the portable ones at both parking lots.

    Maria E.

    Beautiful and serene. There are a few short trails in this area. We asked a volunteer which trail we should do (if we only had time to do one) and he recommended the Lava Flow Trail. There's a paved area (for wheelchair access) as well as a longer trail. It ends up being a mile or so total. It was an easy and lovely stroll. We were national monument hopping so we decided to skip the next recommended trail (Lenox Crater Trail) in the interest of time. It didn't sound like it was all that different or had anything particularly unique to offer. I'm sure it's also lovely so if you're spending more time here, you should totally check it out. Overall, this is a quick visit so paying the high admission fee ($25) seems less than ideal. I highly recommend buying the annual pass but there might also be a discount if you're visiting all the national monuments in the area. I recommend checking out all the local ones, if you have the time. Both Wupatki and Walnut Canyon are great stops. If I had to choose one, I'd recommend Walnut Canyon (it's beautiful and fascinating).

    Joy S.

    Another gem to visit if you're in the Flagstaff area. There is a nice visitors center that gives you an overview. Then there are various trails to hike. We went to a beautifully paved trail. That trail gave us spectacular views of lava fields and valleys. We veered off on a trail that took us down into the lava and then joined up with the main trail again. Beautiful scenery.

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    2 years ago

    Went o. A weekend trip to the Flagstaff Cinders and checked out Sunset Crater with our grandson. He really loved it. Very clean park.

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    Ask the Community - Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

    Review Highlights - Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

    It was interesting to walk among the lava fields and observe the few trees that had managed to flourish in them.

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    Lowell Observatory - Telescope that found pluto

    Lowell Observatory

    4.2(303 reviews)
    14.5 mi

    What an absolute stunning place to visit. To see the…read moretelescope that actually discovered Pluto was amazing All of the history that you have is completely aww inspiring. And to even have a show that's on the roof rooftop with heated seats explaining about the moon an while we were there saw at least five shooting stars as the gentleman was talking. Completely worth every penny! The staff is all wonderful!!

    I put together a "maximum-value visitor itinerary" designed around a typical summer operating day…read more(1:00 PM-11:00 PM) at Lowell Observatory. My goal was to experience every major exhibit, historic telescope, open house, science gallery, solar activity, planetarium experience, and nighttime observing opportunity while still enjoying a relaxed single meal break on site. The schedule follows Lowell's published daytime and nighttime offerings, placing solar activities in daylight and telescope observing after dark. Recreate at your own risk. Confirm events & showtimes before arriving. Purchase tickets online well in advance. Lowell is popular! Stay hydrated. Wear supportive shoes. Bring jackets or blankets for the nighttime rooftop planetarium show. Lowell Observatory Ultimate Visitor Day Itinerary (1:00 PM - 11:00 PM) 12:15 PM | Flagstaff Vista *Park at the roadside pullout, adjacent to Mars Hill Road & just feet from the campus entrance *Enjoy bird's eye views of Flagstaff area & pine forests 12:45 PM | Arrival & Mission Planning Check in, obtain the daily schedule, reserve any timed experiences if required, pick up a campus map, and visit restrooms before beginning. Goal: no backtracking later. 1:10 PM - 1:55 PM | Astronomy Discovery Center Explore the Stardust Lab Gallery, interactive exhibits, cosmology displays, exoplanet exhibits, and hands-on science stations. 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM | Lowell Universe Theater - We Are Stars Immersive film explaining the origin of stars and the elements that make up planets, life, and ourselves. 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM | Solar Viewing - Giovale Open Deck Observatory Use daylight for solar telescopes, sunspot viewing, solar prominence discussions, and telescope demonstrations. 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Lowell Universe Theater - Cosmic Highways: A Centennial Tour Focus on Solar System exploration and major astronomical discoveries. 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM | Historic District Exploration Walk through Percival Lowell's observing grounds, historic architecture, outdoor exhibits, and Mars Hill viewpoints. 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM | Lowell Universe Theater - Origins of Lowell Learn about Percival Lowell, the observatory's founding, the search for Planet X, and the discovery of Pluto. 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM | Pluto Discovery Experience Visit the Pluto Astrograph, Clyde Tombaugh exhibits, and Planet X interpretation areas. 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM | Lowell Universe Theater - Meet the Planets An overview of the Solar System before nighttime observing begins. 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM | Dinner Break - Planet X Café Enjoy a 45-minute meal, hydrate, review the evening schedule, and recharge devices if needed. 6:15 PM - 7:00 PM | Rotunda Museum Explore historic astronomical artifacts, observatory history, early instruments, Pluto exhibits, and scientific heritage collections. 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Clark Dome Open House Learn about the Clark Telescope, Percival Lowell, V. M. Slipher, and early astronomical discoveries. 7:30 PM - 8:00 PM | Twilight Campus Walk Take photographs and make-up for lost time. Buy CAFFEINE & treat at Planet X Cafe. 8:00 PM - 8:30 PM | Lowell Universe Theater - Passport to the Universe An immersive journey through the observable universe. 8:30 PM - 9:00 PM | Constellation Orientation Attend any available sky-tour presentation and learn seasonal constellations, planets, and deep-sky targets. 9:00 PM - 9:45 PM | Giovale Open Deck Observatory - Night Observing Observe planets, nebulae, galaxies, star clusters, and double stars through multiple telescopes. 9:45 PM - 10:10 PM | Historic Clark Telescope Viewing Observe through the famous refractor and experience one of Lowell's signature attractions. 10:15 PM - 10:45 PM | Planetary Show Enjoy the immersive planetary experience as the grand finale after exploring Lowell's history, telescopes, exhibits, and the night sky. 10:45 PM - 11:30 PM | Stary Skies Gift Shop This concludes the observatory experience. 11:30 PM | Flagstaff Skyline *Depart Lowell Campus *Park at the roadside pullout, adjacent to Mars Hill Road & just feet from campus entrance *Enjoy bird's eye nighttime views of Flagstaff's skyline

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    Lowell Observatory - Often times conferences and classes are in hotels, just being at the observatory was an awesome experience and I'm curious to see more

    Often times conferences and classes are in hotels, just being at the observatory was an awesome experience and I'm curious to see more

    Lowell Observatory - The conference room is open to the outdoors; at one point there was sun light and they shut the door, but the Forrest was in view. Fresh air

    The conference room is open to the outdoors; at one point there was sun light and they shut the door, but the Forrest was in view. Fresh air

    Lowell Observatory

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    Riordan Mansion State Historic Park - Riordan Mansion interior

    Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

    4.6(72 reviews)
    15.2 mi

    First off, some of the signs pointing to the entrance of this place are flat out incorrect. Second…read moreoff, it's not worth it to buy a $5 pass. The main attraction really is the mansion so just buy a $18 pass which gives you access to the mansion tour as well as the outside grounds (which is what the $5 pass gives you access to). As for as museum goes, the subject material isn't that interesting: it's about a random wealthy family. Imagine a 100 years into the future we have a museum about a random millionaire. Our tour guide, Marco, was fantastic and great at answering questions for our little group of 4. The mansion really is just a showcase of how a wealthy person's home from the early 1900's. You get a glimpse into their business and personal lives as well as the type of furniture employed in the household. The tour was interactive and nice. The self guided tour is just literally walking around the mansion so there isn't too much to see but it makes for a nice, short walk. Overall, I think that there are more interesting museums out there. But if you're looking for a super quiet museum to browse, this would be the place.

    Brenden did an EXCEPTIONAL job giving us a private tour of the mansion. He was full of facts and…read morestories. The artifacts & history packed into this mansion are so cool! You really got a sense of who these people were and how well they lived. The grounds are stunning and we really enjoyed the outside self guided tour. We were there two hours and I'd go back in a heartbeat!

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    Riordan Mansion State Historic Park - Swing couch

    Swing couch

    Riordan Mansion State Historic Park - Swing room

    Swing room

    Riordan Mansion State Historic Park - Kat was the best guide!

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    Kat was the best guide!

    Grand Canyon Adventures - Just amazing!

    Grand Canyon Adventures

    4.9(89 reviews)
    14.7 mi

    We had a wonderful experience on our private Grand Canyon tour. Our guide, Rick, was extremely…read moreknowledgeable and made the trip both enjoyable and educational. He stopped at all the important viewpoints and shared fascinating information about the history of the Grand Canyon and how it was formed. The tour was very well organized, and we never felt rushed. Lunch, snacks, and refreshments were provided, which made the day even more comfortable and enjoyable. Traveling in a small minivan made the experience more personal and convenient.

    Wow just wow!!!! What a wonderful first time being to the…read moreGrand Canyon for the three of us!! Very very memorable for sure!!! Alex and Corry both were absolutely wonderful! Alex we did Antelope canyon, horseshoe bend even some other bonuses. So absolutely wonderful and so worth the tour! Alex was great telling us all kinds of details and tidbits. Was attentive to all of us! Lunch was stupendous with plenty of snacks water and soda if you prefer. We did bring extra 3 waters which we could refill with the cooler of just water they had. Corry we had the following day for the Grand Canyon and several extras as well. He was also very detailed and kept us from crowded areas to make sure we had great views for Grand Canyon! He even had a telescope too attach to his phone to show us rafters and kayakers in the waters of the Colorado. The gift shop they both took is to was absolutely great!! Lunch was spot on yet again. We did bring our water bottles that were insulated to keep water cold. The difference of heat and winds was crazy but tolerable and Corry had van open and ready when we got back! Thank you so much from the 3 of us!! Keep doing what you're doing boys!!

    Photos
    Grand Canyon Adventures - 2/2026 - seahorse, sandstone opening

    2/2026 - seahorse, sandstone opening

    Grand Canyon Adventures - Family of 14 checking off bucket list!

    Family of 14 checking off bucket list!

    Grand Canyon Adventures

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    Flagstaff City Hall - Blood drive at National Night Out Event!

    Flagstaff City Hall

    3.2(5 reviews)
    14.3 mi

    So I have lived in Flag for more than a decade. Moved numerous times and have dealt with utility…read morecompanies such as APS, UES, Suddenlink, etc. All have been fine, until I had to deal with the City of Flagstaff Water/Trash utilities. I called in person to try and transfer from my old place to the new place. Doing this with other utility companies was quite easy and could be done online with no problems. City of Flagstaff on the other had, was a bit more cumbersome. I checked the website and wasn't quite sure so I decided to call. When I finally got a ahold of someone the clerk/person working the phone line was very curt and kept cutting me off by telling me, 'yOu nEEd to AcTIVate a NEw aCCounT!!!!' I even tried to get in a question about not having to pay start up fees since I have never missed a payment ever and always pay on time. More curtness from the person. So, a month and a half later it seems all is well, until I get a bill from them from my old place. I call and let them know that I activated a new account and the person over the phone was again, not very helpful nor understanding. 'We're sorry, but there is nothing we can do about it; we don't do transfers and you should talk to your old landlord to pay it. Sorry that the person was curt to you, but we can't do anything about it.' (They really emphasized that they couldn't do anything about it.) It's one thing if I was being a jerk about it or if I dropped the ball with other utility companies and had a history of being delinquent with my payments, but to be told it was my fault when people were rude and unhelpful is just plain frustrating. Especially at a time when money is tight and I live in Flagstaff AZ. City of Flagstaff needs to work on customer service and a more transparent way of transferring services/utilities in town.

    We visited City Hall to check on the status of a business license. I believe the older woman in the…read moreadministrative clerk window was Carol. I could be wrong. Anywho, she was amazing. Very helpful, kind, and informative. Thank you for giving us all the information.

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    Flagstaff City Hall
    Flagstaff City Hall - Lobby looking at entrance

    Lobby looking at entrance

    Flagstaff City Hall

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    Pink Jeep Tours - Sedona - Experience Sedona with America's first jeep tour company, Pink Jeep Tours.

    Pink Jeep Tours - Sedona

    4.6(1.8k reviews)
    37.5 mi

    Well organized, clean and pleasant from making the reservation check-in, waiting area and the tour…read moreitself. We had "Andrew" for our guide and he was informative, courteous and pleasant to be hosted by. Took various photos for us using our mobile phones which was nice. They have various tour options which I think will fit most anyone's interest and fun level.

    We booked the Antelope Canyon and Grand Canyon Horsebend tour from Sedona. We were ready for a…read morelong day since the drive to Page was about three hours. They picked us up from our hotel, made several stops including clean bathroom breaks and couple gift shops. Overall, the tour was amazing. Although we only spent 45 minutes at a horseshoe Bend, we were able to take some awesome pictures and walk around. But definitely the highlight was Antelope Canyon. You can only go on a tour here with the Navajo guide and our guide Ray was fantastic. We spent about 1.5 hours at lower Antelope Canyon. He really made the tour fun, informative, and he took the best pictures. The photos do not do it justice. The experience was just unreal. Each term that we took we were in awe. The downside was our tour guide Brandon. Although he was very friendly, he didn't seem that knowledgeable. Maybe he was having an off day but there were a couple times that he stopped mid sentence while telling a fact and even ended a fun fact with blah blah blah to finish up his sentence. At one point, he even started chewing on a candy or something while hooked up to the microphone. This was really annoying. We still had a very great day just a couple things that didn't make it a five star experience. Did you have a lot of options for tours and their office is located centrally in the uptown area.

    Photos
    Pink Jeep Tours - Sedona - Experience Broken Arrow, Sedona's most popular jeep tour, available ONLY with Pink Jeep Tours.

    Experience Broken Arrow, Sedona's most popular jeep tour, available ONLY with Pink Jeep Tours.

    Pink Jeep Tours - Sedona - Enjoy the beauty of Sedona's red rock country with Pink Jeep Tours.

    Enjoy the beauty of Sedona's red rock country with Pink Jeep Tours.

    Pink Jeep Tours - Sedona - Hold on for a thrilling off-road jeep tour on the Broken Arrow Trail, exclusive to Pink Jeep Tours Sedona.

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    Hold on for a thrilling off-road jeep tour on the Broken Arrow Trail, exclusive to Pink Jeep Tours Sedona.

    Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument - landmarks - Updated July 2026

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