Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Lava Lake, Flagstaff, Arizona ~ February 2025

Sometime in the mid 1080s a billion tons of material was extruded, and ashfall covered about 800 square miles, forever transforming this landscape. It's a fascinating geological site.

Right next door is Lava Lake, where molten lava squeezed out of the base of Sunset Crater Volcano and spread here.

The lava cooled and formed this somewhat unearthlike current landscape.

Snowy mountains in the distance, always.

Wupatki National Monument, Flagstaff, Arizona ~ February 2025

These ancient sites were built by Pueblo people some time around 1040-1100 and an estimated 2000 people once lived in the area. By 1225 it was deserted and it is now preserved by the National Park System.

Many of the ruins can be climbed into and the scenery was epic.

The last one we climbed gave us gorgeous views.

It's a spectacular place and well protected ~ history and nature 💗