Volcanoes and Ruins Loop Scenic Drive

Volcanoes and Ruins Loop Scenic Drive - Flagstaff, AZ

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Volcanoes and Ruins Loop Scenic Drive

GPS Coordinates: N 35° 22.165 W 111° 32.611

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The Volcanoes and Ruins Loop Scenic Drive takes you through Sunset Crater National Monument and Wupatki National Monument.

Driving time is 2-3 hours. All roads are paved and plowed but can become slippery in winter conditions. The Volcanoes and Ruins Loop Scenic Drive is open year-round.

There's a story of cataclysm and survival written in the landscape along this 70-mile scenic drive. The route passes through the most recently active portion of the San Francisco volcano field surrounding Flagstaff, and at the same time offers access to some of the most notable and best preserved ancient Indian ruins in northern Arizona.

The last eruption in this area occurred around A.D. 1250 or so, as the earth's surface opened to spew cinders, lava and molten globs of rock into the air. Wounds heal slowly in this arid land, so much of the area looks as if had been fuming and spurting just yesterday.

The Sinagua people left abundant evidence of their presence throughout the Flagstaff area. The apartment houses, ball courts, and artifacts they left behind stand for us to admire as a tribute to their ingenuity.

From Flagstaff, drive 12 miles northeast on US 89 to the Sunset Crater-Wupatki National Monument turnoff (FR 545), and turn east (right). It is about 36 miles around this road back to US 89, and then 22 miles back to Flagstaff. Total length is 70 miles.

Driving time is 2-3 hours. All roads are paved and plowed but can become slippery in winter conditions. The Volcanoes and Ruins Loop Scenic Drive is open year-round.

Facilities: There are no facilities on Volcanoes and Ruins Loop Scenic Drive. Facilities can be found in Flagstaff before departure or at each of the National Monuments.

Best Time To Visit: Volcanoes and Ruins Loop Scenic Drive is open year round.

Fees: There are no fees charged to travel this scenic drive. Entrance fees are charged at one of the two National Monuments. You will only need to pay entrance fees once for access to the entire drive.

Accessibility: There are accessible facilities at each monument.

Rules: Please obey the posted speed limits.

Directions: To get to Volcanoes and Ruins Loop Scenic Drive from Flagstaff, drive 12 miles northeast on US 89 to the Sunset Crater-Wupatki turnoff (Forest Road 545), and turn east (right). It's about 36 miles around this road back to US 89, and then 22 miles back to Flagstaff.

Map: Click here for a map to Volcanoes and Ruins Loop Scenic Drive

Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted to use Volcanoes and Ruins Loop Scenic Drive.

Attractions Near
Volcanoes and Ruins Loop Scenic Drive

Coconino National Forest
Strawberry Crater Wilderness
Wupatki National Monument


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Address

Coconino National Forest/Peaks Ranger Station

5075 N. Highway 89

Flagstaff, Arizona 86004

Phone
General: (928) 526-0866

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