Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is a National Monument in Arizona. The NPS currently lists 1 active alert (1 closure), 0 campgrounds and 1 visitor center; entrance fees start at $15.
“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.”
Active alerts
1
Closures
1
Campgrounds
0
Visitor centers
1
Current alerts and closures
1 active NPS alert as of Oct 28, 2026: 1 closure, 0 danger, 0 caution and 0 information.
Closure
Road Closure: Sunset Crater Volcano September 21 through October 30
Beginning September 21, Forest Road 545 closed to all vehicle traffic starting near the intersection with Highway 89A to the Sunset Crater Volcano entrance kiosk for culvert work. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument remains OPEN and accessible via Forest Road 545 through Wupatki National Monument. Plan for extra travel time—the drive between visitor centers is about 19 miles/30 minutes. The road is expected to reopen by the end of the day October 30. Weather delays may extend the estimated reopening.
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… Buy online
Entrance - Motorcycle
$20
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. Buy online
Entrance - Per Person
$15
Admits one individual bicyclist, hiker, or pedestrian visiting the facility without a private vehicle. Buy online
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
$15
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
Free
Bona fide educational institutions visiting for non-recreational purposes whose visit pertains directly to established curriculum are exempt from paying entry…
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
$28
Covers occupants of a vehicle with an occupancy of 1-6 individuals at Sunset Crater, Wupatki, and Walnut Canyon for 1 day.
Commercial Entrance - Van
$40
Covers occupants of a vehicle with an occupancy of 7-15 individuals at Sunset Crater, Wupatki, and Walnut Canyon for 1 day.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$100
Covers occupants of a vehicle with an occupancy of 16+ individuals at Sunset Crater, Wupatki, and Walnut Canyon for 1 day.
Activities the NPS lists for Sunset Crater Volcano.
AstronomyStargazingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingJunior Ranger ProgramPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park Store
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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.
Park Hours
Day
Hours
Monday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Friday
All Day
Saturday
All Day
Sunday
All Day
Weather: Be prepared for variable and extreme weather conditions. Expect high winds any time of year. Summer temperatures are often above 95ºF (35ºC) and we have afternoon thunderstorms from July through September.
Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.
