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Lava River CavevsSunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Both Lava River Cave and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument are rated very highly by expert writers. On balance, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument scores significantly higher than Lava River Cave. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument scores 82 with recommendations from 4 publications such as Lonely Planet, Afar Magazine and Frommer's.
Lava River Cave
Fodor's
Atlas Obscura
Coconino Naional Forest, Flagstaff, AZ
From $0/night
Fodor's "Subterranean lava flow formed this mile-long cave roughly 700,000 years ago." Full review
Atlas Obscura "Eons ago, a rushing lava river formed this pristine passage through solid rock. " Full review
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Afar Magazine
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
U.S. News & World Report
Travel + Leisure
Frommer's
U.S 89 to Sunset Crater - Wupatki Loop road, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
From $0/night
Afar Magazine "Knowing that 900 years ago, this place erupted and you can still see the aftermath is pretty cool." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"Around AD 1064 a volcano erupted on this spot, spewing ash across 800 sq miles, spawning the Kana-A lava flow and forcing farmers to vacate lands tilled for 400 years." Full review
Lonely Planet "Houses a seismograph and exhibits pertaining to volcanology. Across from the visitor center, the USFS-run Bonito Campground provides running water and restrooms, but no showers or hookups." Full review
U.S. News & World Report6.0
"Around 900 years ago, a volcano – which has come to be called Sunset Crater – erupted and transformed the encircling area." Full review
Travel + Leisure "On a visit to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, you can walk the accessible mile-long Lava Flow Trail at the base of the volcano to check out the interesting geologic features the eruption left"
The Best National Parks in Arizona
May 21, 2022
Frommer's "Dotting the landscape northeast of Flagstaff are more than 400 volcanic craters, of which Sunset Crater Volcano is the youngest." Full review
