Backcountry hiking is not allowed in order to protect fragile geological and archeological features, as well as the recovering landscape. Hiking is permitted only on designated trails. Use caution when hiking: lava is brittle, unstable, and sharp!
Lava Flow Trail
Accessible for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers! Explore the Bonito Lava Flow and numerous volcanic features while walking at the base of Sunset Crater Volcano. Pets are welcome on the paved portion of this trail. There is a pet station with waste bags at the trailhead.
- Distance: 1 mi (1.6 km) loop
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy. The accessible upper 0.25 mi (0.5 km) loop has a paved, concrete surface.
Bonito Vista Trail
Accessible for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers! Walk across a field of cinders on this paved trail for an expansive view of the Bonito Lava Flow and surrounding volcanoes.
- Distance: 0.3 mi (0.5 km) round-trip
- Time: 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy, Accessible
Lenox Crater Trail
Walk in a ponderosa pine forest while viewing Sunset Crater Volcano, the Bonito Lava Flow, O’Leary Peak, and from the summit, sweeping views of the San Francisco Peaks.
- Distance: 1.6 mi (2.6 km) round-trip
- Time: 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous
A’a Trail
Observe jagged blocks of rough, basaltic a’a lava, formed as the Bonito Lava Flow cooled.
- Distance: 0.25 mi (0.3 km) round-trip
- Time: 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Lava’s Edge Trail
Walk under ponderosa pines, over loose cinders and rough basalt along the jagged edge of the Bonito Lava Flow.
Note: Pets are allowed on the U.S. Forest Service section of this trail only, 2 mi (3.2 km) round-trip. Ask rangers at the visitor center for details.
- Distance: 3.4 mi (5.5 km) round-trip
- Time: 2.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
