Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

The lava flow lies on the land like a dream, a wonderland of rock. A thousand years ago the ground was torn open and lava erupted into the sky, forever changing the landscape and the lives of the people who lived here. A thousand years later, trees and flowers grow among the rocks, and people visit the lava flow to see and remember the most recent volcanic eruption in Arizona.

a cinder cone volcano and ponderosa pine trees

About Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

The lava flow lies on the land like a dream, a wonderland of rock. A thousand years ago the ground was torn open and lava erupted into the sky, forever changing the landscape and the lives of the people who lived here. A thousand years later, trees and flowers grow among the rocks, and people visit the lava flow to see and remember the most recent volcanic eruption in Arizona.

Quick Facts

Location: AZ
Designation: National Monument

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle $25.00

This pass covers the pass holder and up to 15 passengers of a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle at both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments for 1-7 days.

Entrance - Motorcycle $20.00

Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers to both Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monument.

Entrance - Per Person $15.00

Admits one individual bicyclist, hiker, or pedestrian visiting the facility without a private vehicle. Good for both Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monuments for 1-7 days. A pass is not required for individuals 15 or younger.

Entrance - Non-commercial Groups $15.00

The per person fee is charged for non-commercial groups up to the point that it exceeds the cost of the commercial rate for the same size vehicle.

Entrance - Education/Academic Groups $0.00

Bona fide educational institutions visiting for non-recreational purposes whose visit pertains directly to established curriculum are exempt from paying entry fees. Apply for an educational fee waiver at least 4 weeks in advance by submitting an educational fee waiver. Please see the below link to access the waiver.

Commercial Entrance - Sedan $28.00

Covers occupants of a vehicle with an occupancy of 1-6 individuals at Sunset Crater, Wupatki, and Walnut Canyon for 1 day. A commercial group is defined as a group that is entering for the purpose of providing commercial tour services within the unit. A commercial group consists of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure/recreational purpose by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service.

Commercial Entrance - Van $40.00

Covers occupants of a vehicle with an occupancy of 7-15 individuals at Sunset Crater, Wupatki, and Walnut Canyon for 1 day. A commercial group is defined as a group that is entering for the purpose of providing commercial tour services within the unit. A commercial group consists of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure/recreational purpose by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service.

Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach $100.00

Covers occupants of a vehicle with an occupancy of 16+ individuals at Sunset Crater, Wupatki, and Walnut Canyon for 1 day. A commercial group is defined as a group that is entering for the purpose of providing commercial tour services within the unit. A commercial group consists of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure/recreational purpose by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service.

Operating Hours

The Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is open every day. The visitor center is open daily from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The roads and trails are open 24/7, with occasional closures for fire season or winter weather.

Wednesday: All Day
Monday: All Day
Thursday: All Day
Sunday: All Day
Tuesday: All Day
Friday: All Day
Saturday: All Day

Activities

Astronomy Stargazing Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Guided Tours & Experiences

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Essential Park Gear

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