National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Sunset Crater Volcano National MonumentAerial view of the crater
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
History & Culture
 

Sunset Crater National Monument was established by President Herbert Hoover on May 26, 1930, to protect its geologic formations.  In 1990 the name was changed to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. It occupies 3,040 acres surrounded by Coconino National Forest.

Understanding of earlier times and people comes from multiple perspectives. These include the traditional history of the people themselves and interpretations by scientists of structures, artifacts, and features that remain. You can explore both through the links on this page.

Wukoki Pueblo, at nearby Wupatki National Monument
Archeology
The findings of archeologists can reveal more about people from times past.
more...
Pottery
Cultural Perspectives
Oral traditions link past to present-day peoples
more...
A firey night eruption in Hawaii  

Did You Know?
The eruption of Sunset Crater Volcano must have been a powerful event. It destroyed all plants within a 5-mile radius. A fountain of fire, 850 feet high, was visible for miles around. An ash cloud rose 2.5 miles into the sky, and falling ash covered about 64,000 acres.

Last Updated: May 11, 2007 at 14:42 EST