LENOX CRATER
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
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| Summit of Lenox Crater |
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| View from the trail |
Woe to Lenox Crater. Crushed, pummeled, bullied and
ultimately overshadowed by its younger, more aggressive volcanic neighbors,
this humble cinder cone is older than the tumultuous lava flows and red-tinged
peaks that have nearly obliterated its rounded and relaxed profile. Unlike the
park’s star attraction---Sunset Crater---it's okay to climb Lenox. It's not a
difficult hike, however, pea-to-pebble-sized black cinders underfoot create a
mildly hazardous carpet of sandpapered marbles.
Ponderosa pines and Gambel oaks shade the trail on its way
up to the summit. On top, there's no discernable "crater”, but an
impressive cinder-ash flow sliding down the south face is evidence the hill's
explosive past.
Take a moment to
scoop up a handful of cinders and examine the structure and lightness. Pumice
like this can sometimes float on water and has been used to smooth and file
rough skin. Each of these pebbles began life as a molten projectile spit from
the crater like terrestrial meteorites.
To the north, the mounds of O’Leary Peak and Strawberry Crater stand out
above the Bonita Lava Flow.
Both
of these volcanoes---located outside of the monument boundaries---are climbable
and although, Lenox Crater concludes the Walking Wupatki series of
hikes---guess where I'm going next?
LENGTH: 1 mile
roundtrip
RATING: moderate (loose footing)
ELEVATION: 6,940' - 7,240
PETS: are not allowed on any park trails in buildings.
Please do not leave pets in cars---heat
can be fatal.
FACILITIES: restroom, visitor center, vending machines
GETTING THERE:
From Flagstaff, travel north on US 180 to milepost
444.5. Turn right and continue
30 miles to the turn off on the left. Roads are 100% paved. Alternate access: enter the park from US 180 at milepost 430 and go 5 miles to the trailhead.
INFO: National Park Service, 928-679-2365
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