Last Updated on May 21, 2024 by Nikole
10 Best Volcanoes to Visit in Arizona
Arizona is home to a diverse range of natural wonders, including several stunning volcanoes that are a great addition to your Arizona Itinerary. From ancient lava flows to dramatic crater formations, these volcanic sites offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the state’s geological history.
In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best volcanoes to visit in Arizona including Sunset Crater and Chocolate Falls!
1. Sunset Crater National Monument
Located near Flagstaff, Sunset Crater National Monument is home to a striking cinder cone volcano that last erupted around 1,000 years ago.
The monument offers visitors the chance to explore the otherworldly landscape of lava flows, cinder fields, and unique plant life that has emerged in the wake of the volcano’s eruption.
Cost: $25 per vehicle, which includes access to the park for seven consecutive days.
Location: NF 545, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
2. Wupatki National Monument
Also located near Flagstaff, Wupatki National Monument is home to several ancient ruins and the remains of a volcanic field that dates back over 900 years.
Visitors to Wupatki can explore the fascinating archaeological sites and learn about the rich history of the area’s indigenous inhabitants.
Cost: Admission to Wupatki National Monument is included in the $25 fee for Sunset Crater National Monument, allowing visitors to explore both sites for one price.
Location: 6400 U S 89, Flagstaff, Az 86004
3. Lava River Cave
Located in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Lava River Cave is a natural lava tube that stretches for over a mile underground. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour of the cave, marveling at the unique rock formations and gaining insight into the geologic forces that shaped the region.
Cost: To visit Lava River Cave is $5 per vehicle, with an additional fee of $1 per person for groups of 10 or more.
Location: Forest Service Road 235, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
4. Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano
Situated near Grants, New Mexico, just across the border from Arizona, the Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano are part of a unique geological area that offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s volcanic past.
Visitors can explore the ice-filled cave and hike around the rim of the dormant volcano, taking in stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Cost: $12 for adults and $6 for children aged 6-12.
Location: 12000 Ice Caves Rd, Grants, NM 87020
5. Merriam Crater and Grand Falls
Merriam Crater is a volcanic cinder cone located in northern Arizona, near the town of Flagstaff. While there is no official admission fee to visit Merriam Crater, visitors should be aware that access to the site may require a high-clearance vehicle and some off-road driving.
Nearby Grand Falls, also known as “Chocolate Falls,” is a seasonal waterfall that flows over ancient lava flows, offering a spectacular sight for visitors to behold.
Cost: Free
Location: Arizona 86035
6. SP Crater
Located near Flagstaff, SP Crater is a well-preserved cinder cone volcano that rises over 800 feet above the surrounding landscape.
Visitors can hike to the top of SP Crater for panoramic views of the surrounding area, taking in the rugged beauty of the volcanic terrain.
There is no official admission fee to visit SP Crater, making it an affordable and accessible option for those looking to explore Arizona’s volcanic wonders.
Cost: Free
Location: E Tub Ranch Rd, Flagstaff, AZ
7. Strawberry Crater
Situated within the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Strawberry Crater is a volcanic cinder cone in Arizona that offers visitors the chance to hike through a unique landscape of lava flows and cinder fields.
The area surrounding Strawberry Crater is popular for outdoor recreation, with opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
Cost: included in the entrance fee for Coconino National Forest, which is $5 per vehicle.
Location: Arizona 86004
8. Lenox Crater
Located within Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Lenox Crater is a smaller cinder cone that offers visitors a chance to explore a relatively young volcanic formation.
Cost: The cost to visit Lenox Crater is included in the admission fee for Sunset Crater National Monument.
Location: Arizona 86004
9. Old Caves Crater
Old Caves Crater is an ancient volcanic feature located within Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff.
While there is no official admission fee to visit Old Caves Crater, visitors should be prepared for rough terrain and limited facilities.
The site offers a unique opportunity to explore an ancient volcanic landscape and gain insight into the forces that shaped the region.
Cost: Free
Location: Arizona 86004
10. Roden Crater
Roden Crater is an extinct volcano located near Flagstaff that has been transformed into an art installation by renowned artist James Turrell.
While access to Roden Crater is currently limited due to ongoing artistic developments, visitors can inquire about guided tours and special events through the website for the Roden Crater Project.
Cost: Depends on the event and scheduling
Location: Arizona 86004
In conclusion
Arizona’s volcanic landscapes offer a wealth of opportunities for exploration and discovery.
With affordable admission fees and convenient access to many of these locations, visiting Arizona’s volcanoes is an accessible and rewarding experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Arizona is home to a diverse range of natural wonders, including several stunning volcanoes that are a great addition to your Arizona Itinerary. From ancient lava flows to dramatic crater formations, these volcanic sites offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the state’s geological history.
In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best volcanoes to visit in Arizona, along with information on their locations and the cost of visiting.
1. Sunset Crater National Monument
Located near Flagstaff, Sunset Crater National Monument is home to a striking cinder cone volcano that last erupted around 1,000 years ago.
The monument offers visitors the chance to explore the otherworldly landscape of lava flows, cinder fields, and unique plant life that has emerged in the wake of the volcano’s eruption.
Cost: $25 per vehicle, which includes access to the park for seven consecutive days.
Location: NF 545, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
2. Wupatki National Monument
Also located near Flagstaff, Wupatki National Monument is home to several ancient ruins and the remains of a volcanic field that dates back over 900 years.
Visitors to Wupatki can explore the fascinating archaeological sites and learn about the rich history of the area’s indigenous inhabitants.
Cost: Admission to Wupatki National Monument is included in the $25 fee for Sunset Crater National Monument, allowing visitors to explore both sites for one price.
Location: 6400 U S 89, Flagstaff, Az 86004
3. Lava River Cave
Located in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Lava River Cave is a natural lava tube that stretches for over a mile underground. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour of the cave, marveling at the unique rock formations and gaining insight into the geologic forces that shaped the region.
Cost: To visit Lava River Cave is $5 per vehicle, with an additional fee of $1 per person for groups of 10 or more.
Location: Forest Service Road 235, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
4. Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano
Situated near Grants, New Mexico, just across the border from Arizona, the Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano are part of a unique geological area that offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s volcanic past.
Visitors can explore the ice-filled cave and hike around the rim of the dormant volcano, taking in stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Cost: $12 for adults and $6 for children aged 6-12.
Location: 12000 Ice Caves Rd, Grants, NM 87020
5. Merriam Crater and Grand Falls
Merriam Crater is a volcanic cinder cone located in northern Arizona, near the town of Flagstaff. While there is no official admission fee to visit Merriam Crater, visitors should be aware that access to the site may require a high-clearance vehicle and some off-road driving.
Nearby Grand Falls, also known as “Chocolate Falls,” is a seasonal waterfall that flows over ancient lava flows, offering a spectacular sight for visitors to behold.
Cost: Free
Location: Arizona 86035
6. SP Crater
Located near Flagstaff, SP Crater is a well-preserved cinder cone volcano that rises over 800 feet above the surrounding landscape.
Visitors can hike to the top of SP Crater for panoramic views of the surrounding area, taking in the rugged beauty of the volcanic terrain.
There is no official admission fee to visit SP Crater, making it an affordable and accessible option for those looking to explore Arizona’s volcanic wonders.
Cost: Free
Location: E Tub Ranch Rd, Flagstaff, AZ
7. Strawberry Crater
Situated within the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Strawberry Crater is a volcanic cinder cone in Arizona that offers visitors the chance to hike through a unique landscape of lava flows and cinder fields.
The area surrounding Strawberry Crater is popular for outdoor recreation, with opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
Cost: included in the entrance fee for Coconino National Forest, which is $5 per vehicle.
Location: Arizona 86004
8. Lenox Crater
Located within Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Lenox Crater is a smaller cinder cone that offers visitors a chance to explore a relatively young volcanic formation.
Cost: The cost to visit Lenox Crater is included in the admission fee for Sunset Crater National Monument.
Location: Arizona 86004
9. Old Caves Crater
Old Caves Crater is an ancient volcanic feature located within Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff.
While there is no official admission fee to visit Old Caves Crater, visitors should be prepared for rough terrain and limited facilities.
The site offers a unique opportunity to explore an ancient volcanic landscape and gain insight into the forces that shaped the region.
Cost: Free
Location: Arizona 86004
10. Roden Crater
Roden Crater is an extinct volcano located near Flagstaff that has been transformed into an art installation by renowned artist James Turrell.
While access to Roden Crater is currently limited due to ongoing artistic developments, visitors can inquire about guided tours and special events through the website for the Roden Crater Project.
Cost: Depends on the event and scheduling
Location: Arizona 86004
In conclusion
Arizona’s volcanic landscapes offer a wealth of opportunities for exploration and discovery.
With affordable admission fees and convenient access to many of these locations, visiting Arizona’s volcanoes is an accessible and rewarding experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
