When did the SP Crater in Arizona last erupt?
about 1000 years ago
At only 71,000 years old, it is quite young in geological time. The last eruption in this area was only about 1000 years ago (source). Leading away from the cinder cone on its north side is a large black lava flow about 4 miles long that looks impressive from the rim of the crater.
Is SP Crater active?
Is it an active volcano? No, but it’s in an active volcanic field. Cinder cones like Sunset Crater Volcano typically erupt only once, but Sunset Crater is one of around 600 volcanoes in northern Arizona.
Can you hike SP Crater?
A short but steep climb leads to the summit rim of SP Crater. From the top, there are great views of the geological wonderland of the San Francisco Volcanic Field, including SP’s impressive lava flow. This is an amazing hike for anyone with even the slightest interest in volcanoes and great scenery.
Why is it called SP Crater?
SP Crater, in the desert north of Flagstaff, got its name because of its supposed resemblance to a chamber pot. The miles of lava spewing from the side definitely helped bolster that case. The name goes back to the late 1800s and a family intertwined with Arizona’s past: the Babbitts.
Will Sunset Crater erupt again?
Sunset Crater Volcano erupted over 900 years ago, making it the youngest cinder cone in a field of over 600 volcanoes. It is now extinct, and not anticipated to erupt again.
Are there any active volcanoes in Arizona?
Arizona’s three active volcanic fields , the San Francisco, Uinkaret, and Pinacate fields largely erupt basaltic lavas and tephra.
Will Sunset Crater erupted again?
Local cinder cones are created by a one-time eruption event and are not known to erupt more than once. Sunset Crater Volcano erupted over 900 years ago, making it the youngest cinder cone in a field of over 600 volcanoes. It is now extinct, and not anticipated to erupt again.
Is there a volcano in Arizona?
Despite the extinct volcanoes, Arizona is actually home to a prominent volcanic field that is still active! The San Francisco Volcanic Field covers 1,800 square mile in northern Arizona with volcanoes that are up to 6 million years old.
Is San Francisco Peak a volcano?
The peaks of San Francisco Mountain, an eroded stratovolcano—which includes Arizona’s highest point, Humphreys Peak at 12,633 feet—tower over the ruins of an ancient Native American pueblo in Wupatki National Monument.
What type of volcano is the SP Crater?
cinder cone
SP Crater, 40 km (25 mi) north of Flagstaff, is an excellent example of a cinder cone, and its associated lava flow extends for 7 km (4.3 mi) to the north of the cone.
Can you climb Sunset Crater?
Hikes in the park lead through loose cinders and along hardened lava flows. Unfortunately, you can’t hike to the top of Sunset Crater, which was closed in 1973 to prevent further visitor damage. You can hike to the top of Lenox Crater, though, and to the top of O’Leary Peak, which looks down into Sunset Crater.
Can you see the crater at Sunset Crater?
The trail up to its vent was closed in the 1970s due to erosion caused by human foot traffic. The damage done can still be seen in deep gashes carved into the volcano’s surface. Fortunately, the entirety of Sunset Crater can still be viewed by taking the Forest Service trail up O’Leary Peak.
