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Bonito Lava Flow view. Photo by Melanei Moreno, 10/98
View of cinder-covered slopes seen from the trail.

How about going on a volcanic field trip?

The Bonito Lava Flow is one of several flows that streamed out from the base of Sunset Crater Volcano about 930 years ago. The 1200° C (2200° Fahrenheit) liquid formed a river of black lava that inundated over four and a half square kilometers (almost two square miles) of the landscape before it cooled and solidified.

You'll be walking on the rocky surface of Bonito Lava Flow on this virtual field trip. You may travel along by clicking the numbers on the field trip map below or use the table of contents at the bottom of the pageto select your itinerary. Each stop starts off with the basics, but why not click on any of the images, scientific terms or ‘side trips' to find out more?

Put on your walking shoes and let's go!

Stop 13 Stop 12 Stop 11 Stop 10 Stop 9 Stop 8 Stop 7 Stop 6 Stop 5 Stop 4 Stop 3 Stop 2 Stop 1 Sunset Crater
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