Lava Flow & Bonita Vista Trails

Our hike on these two short trails was on a warm, low 80's, partly cloudy day with a light cooling breeze. "Located inside Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument northeast of Flagstaff, the Lava Flow Trail which loops through the base of the Bonito Lava Flow is an easy hike. The trail's surface transitions from an accessible paved concrete path on the upper loop to loose volcanic cinders, gravel, and a brief flight of metal stairs along the lower loop. Sitting at nearly 7,000 feet in altitude, the route features minimal elevation change (under 100 feet) but is fully exposed to high-desert wind, strong sunshine, and cool mountain weather. Visually, the landscape is striking, highlighting deep jet-black basalt rock, spatter cones, lava tubes, and green ponderosa pines sprouting directly out of cinders. Hikers take in sweeping views extending from the steep slopes of the main cinder cone across to the San Francisco Peaks."

Today's hikers: Mike Bell, Jenny Bell. Scott Bell, Renée Robson, Jim Robson & John Robson.