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Lava Flow Trail (Sunset Crater)

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated May 5, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance: 1 mile
Time: 30 minutes
Total Climbing: 70 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: Moderate
Dogs: No Dogs
Gear: What I Use
Weather: Latest Report
Park: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

The Lava Flow Trail at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is short hike but packs a lot in. You'll hike through dramatic terrain formed by a volcanic eruption. The hike is worth a side trip to explore and stretch your legs.

Where is the Lava Flow Trail?

Lava Flow Trail Sunset Crater Map2 — The Lava Flow Trail is a short drive north of Flagstaff Arizona.

Trailhead Address:

Lava Flow Trail, Loop Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Fees:

There is an entrance fee for Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Get your America the Beautiful pass to enter.

Lava Flow Trail Directions 2 — There's a large parking area with a toilet.

Best Time for the Hike

Month

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Snow

Hot

Flowers

Nice

Gear Recommendations

You don't need any special gear to do the Lava Flow Trail, but having trail runners will be helpful on the lava rocks. In the winter, the trail can be covered in snow.

Essentials I’m Using Now

Garmin inReach Mini 2: Reliable SOS Everywhere on Earth
Sawyer + CNOC Water Filter: Easy & Reliable Safe Water
Nitecore NU25 Headlamp: Running late? Get home safe
Altra Olympus 275: Favorite trail shoes right now, no blisters and very comfy.
AllTrails Plus: Offline maps on your phone with the Plus level
Full November 2025 Gear List →

Lava Flow Trail Maps

Print Map, Work With It Yourself

View Hike on CalTopo

Bring the Guide to Any GPS

Download the GPX File

Easiest to Use & Works with Garmin

View Hike on AllTrails

Lava Flow Trail Hike Directions

Lava Flow Trail Directions 3 — Start by bearing right at the trailhead on the paved path.

Lava Flow Trail Directions 4 — Hike over the bridge.

Lava Flow Trail Directions 5 — At the t-junction make the right.

Lava Flow Trail Directions 6 — And just after that, look for the dirt trail breaking off of the paved path. This is easy to miss.

Lava Flow Trail Directions 7 — Go down the metal stairs and follow the dirt path.

Lava Flow Trail Directions 8 — Stay on the trail that follows the fence line, avoiding the small trails into the lave field.

Lava Flow Trail Directions 10 — At the end of the fence the trail passes through the field and by some interpretive displays.

Lava Flow Trail Directions 11 — When the dirt path ends at the pavement, make the right to go back or make the left to do the small paved loop back to the parking area.

Originally published February 11, 2024

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