This national monument near Flagstaff takes you into a volcano experience. Camp, hike, and explore this natural wonder.
Lava Flow Trail
If you’re looking to see the best of this National Monument, hiking the Lava Flow Trail is where it’s at. We love this trail because it offers two options. You can hike the upper 0.3 mile loop on a concrete surface OR experience the lava flow from several angles on the 1 mile loop that also includes the upper section. Either one you choose makes for a great hike and gives you an opportunity to see the following three sites.
Bonito Lava Flow
It’s called the lava flow trail for a reason, right? Let’s be honest, you can’t miss it and it’s probably the reason you wanted to come to this monument. It’s not every day that you get to see lava.
Squeeze-Up
I’m not going to lie, this was probably my favorite part of the trail. The National Park Service describes a Squeeze-Up as “pasty lava from beneath the surface oozing through a crack in the lava crust, like toothpaste squeezed from a tube. Vertical grooves appear where the lava scrapes against the walls of the crack.” The above picture doesn’t really do it justice. It is so large that you can walk through it (of course, you can’t actually since they are preserving this beautiful area).
Spatter Cone
Spatter cone’s appear when lava is forced up through the Earth’s surface. I was really taken by how large of a “hole” this had formed. Can you tell I haven’t been around volcanoes before?!?! Note: If you are on the upper loop section, this is just off the trail.
Consider the Wonders is a travel blog intended for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV, travel, or hiking experts and are not making recommendations. These are our opinions and you should do your own research and make your own decisions.
Consider the Wonders is not affiliated with Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument or the National Park Service.
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