Ranger-Led Hikes

The Bonito Lava Flow looking west towards the San Francisco Peaks.

NPS/L.Carter

Ranger-led hikes into the back country of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument are held Memorial Day to Labor Day and limited to 10 people at a time, including park staff. Reservations are required.

For general questions about these hikes please e-mail us.

Volcanology Hike

Explore the Bonito Lava Field with a park ranger and see for yourself the evidence that helps geologists understand how Sunset Crater Volcano erupted. View the chaos and upheaval that lead to the destruction and rebirth of this northern Arizona landscape.

The Volcanology ranger-led hike requires advanced registration. The hike is limited to ten participants. If the hike reaches ten registered participants, interested parties can be put on the wait list.

This hike takes place on a lava flow and in volcanic cinders where there is uneven, rocky ground, and limited shade. Participants should wear sturdy hiking shoes, dress in layers, wear sun protection, bring water, and snacks.

Dates	Hike Name	Duration	Difficulty	Features
9/14/24 9/28/24	Volcanology	2 Hours	Moderate: 1.5 miles of hiking; deep cinder cover causes ground to sink underfoot; some rolling terrain and elevation change; limited shade.	Lava flows, squeeze-ups, cinder cone remnants, agglutinate mounds, volcanic dikes and other features