Backcountry hiking is not allowed in order to protect fragile geological and archeolgocial features. Please stay on designated trails. Use caution when hiking - lava is sharp, brittle, and unstable.
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 only allowed on the U.S. Forest Service section of this trail, 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
A’a Trail
Observe jagged blocks of rough a’a basaltic lava, formed as the Bonito Lava Flow cooled over 900 years ago.
- Distance: 0.2 mi (0.3 km) round-trip
- Time: 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
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
Bonito Vista Trail
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
Lava Flow Trail
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) round-trip
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy, upper 0.25 mi (0.5 km) loop has a concrete surface.
