Rate Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Learn and Explore
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.
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Our Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
National Monument
Operating Hours & Seasons
Trails and Parking Lots
All trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Standard Hours
- Sunday: Sunrise – Sunset
- Monday: Sunrise – Sunset
- Tuesday: Sunrise – Sunset
- Wednesday: Sunrise – Sunset
- Thursday: Sunrise – Sunset
- Friday: Sunrise – Sunset
- Saturday: Sunrise – Sunset
Fees & Passes
Entrance Fees:
- $20.00 – Private Vehicle – Sunset Crater-Wupatki Entrance Fee
This fee covers the occupants of one private vehicle for seven days at both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments. - $28.00 – Commercial Sedan – Sunset Crater-Wupatki Entrance Fee
This fee covers all occupants of one commercial sedan for one day at both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments. - $40.00 – Commercial Van – Sunset Crater-Wupatki Entrance Fee
This fee covers the occupants of one commercial passenger van for one day at both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments. - $100.00 – Commercial Bus – Sunset Crater-Wupatki Entrance Fee
This fee covers all occupants of one commercial bus for one day at both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments. - $10.00 – Bicyclist/Pedestrian – Sunset Crater-Wupatki Entrance Fee
This fee covers one bicyclist or pedestrian for seven days at both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments. - $15.00 – Motorcycle – Sunset Crater-Wupatki Entrance Fee
This fee covers the occupants of one motorcycle for seven days at both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments.
Entrance Passes:
- $40.00 – Flagstaff Annual Pass
This pass is valid for one year from the month of purchase. At Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments, it covers entry for all occupants of one private vehicle. At Walnut Canyon National Monument, it covers entry for up to four adults; children ages 15 and younger enter for free.
About
The Destruction and Rebirth of a Landscape
The colors at the volcano’s rim are the dusky red, yellow, and orange of sunset, but the crater is only part of the story. Around 1085 CE the ground here began to shake, and a fiery crack spewed the earth’s insides high into the air. When the eruption finished, it had changed both the landscape and the people who lived here. Today, it teaches how nature and humans are linked to each other.
Directions
Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments are connected by loop road FR-545. Visitors can enter the loop road near mile markers 430 (Sunset Crater Volcano) and 444 (Wupatki) on U.S. Highway 89.
Visitor Centers
Sunset Crater Volcano Visitor Center
This facility contains a museum and is located across the street from the Bonito Campground, which is operated by the U.S. Forest Service. The visitor center is staffed daily. Children can obtain Junior Ranger activities here.
Weather
Be prepared for variable and extreme weather conditions. You may expect high winds any time of year, summer temperatures above 95ºF (35ºC), afternoon storms July–September, and snow from fall to spring. Dress in layers, as weather at Sunset Crater Volcano can change quickly at any time of year.
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Nearby Businesses
