S P Crater
Crater Prominent cinder cone volcano with lava flows
A cinder cone north of Flagstaff, S P Crater displays volcanic cinders and historic lava flows; hikers climb the rim for views of Arizona’s volcanic field.
How to Get to S P Crater #
From Flagstaff, drive north on US-89 then west on Forest Road 525 (seasonal dirt road). The trailhead is a short walk from the small pullout; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the dirt approach, especially after rain.
Tips for Visiting S P Crater #
- S P Crater is a short walk from a small pullout on FR 525 - park carefully off the dirt road.
- Bring a wind layer; the high desert can be surprisingly cold even in summer evenings.
- Combine with a visit to nearby Sunset Crater and the Wupatki National Monument for a fuller volcanic day trip.
Best Time to Visit S P Crater #
Spring and autumn provide the most comfortable conditions for walking and exploration; summer can be hot and dry.
Weather & Climate near S P Crater #
S P Crater's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 32°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 7°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 18°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 9 mm.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with 54 mm of rain.
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September
September is cool with highs of 27°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 8°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall.
