Sunset Crater Volcano, Lava Flow Trail

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is one of several Dark Sky Places neighboring the Coconino National Forest. Arizona is renowned for clear, sunny days and incredible star-filled nights. Flagstaff was the world's first International Dark Sky Place, leading the movement to reduce light pollution in 1958 by enacting lighting ordinances that help protect northern Arizona's dark skies for local observatories, astronomers, and star gazers. Sedona, Big Parks/Village of Oak Creek, and area National Monuments have joined the ranks of Dark Sky Places, making the night skies over Coconino National Forest a magnificent sight most nights. The Milky Way is visible with the naked eye throughout northern Arizona, aided by Dark Sky ordinances, low population density, and extensive public lands.

Photo by Deborah Lee Soltesz, May 2017. Credit: Coconino National Forest, U.S. Forest Service. Learn more about the Volcanos and Ruins Loop Scenic Drive, the International Dark Sky Association, and the Coconino National Forest.