Place

Volcanoes Day Use Area Audio Tour Stop 9

Fork in a trail through an arid landscape with a volcano to the left.
The view from stop 9 along the Volcanoes Day Use Area audio tour.

NPS Photo / Ben Holt

Quick Facts

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You have now reached stop 9 of the Volcanoes Day Use Area audio tour. You have walked 1.53 miles or 2.46 kilometers.  

If you look to your left at the base of Vulcan, you will see a large pit carved into the side of the volcano. This is one of the most noticeable remains of the mining history that took place on the West Mesa before Petroglyph National Monument was established. The monument has three abandoned quarries that mined cinders, air-filled volcanic rocks. Today the remains of these operations can be seen at the pit here on Vulcan, a quarry south of JA Volcano, and the remnants of Cinder, a cone that was completely mined out between Black volcano and Vulcan. These cinders were used in lining railroad beds as well as in landscaping and cinder block construction up until the mid-1980's. In 2002, it was decided that all three quarries visually impacted the cultural landscape of the monument as well as posed a safety hazard to visitors. In response, the US Army Corps of Engineers Rapid Response Group filled in the quarry here on Vulcan. Now, all that is left of the mining history here is the outline of the pit and the visible cut rocks on the western edge at the base of Vulcan. 

Once again, the trail splits here and can extend the length of your hike depending on which way you go. To your left you can take a steep section of trail up into Vulcan’s saddle. If you go this way, you will reach Audio Tour Stop 13 in 0.24 miles or 0.37 kilometers. From there, it will be an additional 1.10 miles or 1.77 kilometers to return to the parking lot.  

The audio tour continues along the path to the right, which will take you North to the Historic Bond Corral in 1.29 miles or 2.08 kilometers. Follow this path to reach Audio Tour Stop 10 in 0.71 miles or 1.14 kilometers. If you are hiking on to the Historic Bond Corral or beyond, please ensure you are properly equipped for the extra distance. 

Last updated: July 15, 2025