There are some adventures you remember
not because the weather was perfect, but because you refused to let the weather
keep you from experiencing something extraordinary. Our visit to the Lava
Flow Trail at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument in March 2006
was exactly that kind of day.
At nearly 7,000 feet above sea
level, winter still had a firm grip on northern Arizona. Bitter cold winds
swept across the volcanic landscape while patches of snow blanketed the lava
fields and the surrounding ponderosa pine forest. The nearby San Francisco
Peaks rose in the distance, their snow-covered summits creating a stunning
backdrop against the dark volcanic cinders that surrounded us.
For our family, cold temperatures were
simply another obstacle to work around—not a reason to stay inside.
Kellisa rode comfortably in her blue
jog stroller as Chris pushed her along the Lava Flow Trail, allowing us
to experience one of the monument's most unique landscapes together. While
portions of the trail include paved pathways and overlooks, the jog stroller
handled the accessible route with ease, letting Kellisa enjoy the dramatic
scenery just like everyone else.
The contrast between the black lava
rock and brilliant white snow was unforgettable. Ancient lava flows twisted
across the landscape, frozen in time after Sunset Crater erupted nearly a
thousand years ago. Massive chunks of jagged basalt lined the trail while hardy
pine trees somehow found enough soil to survive among the volcanic rubble.
Because of the frigid temperatures, we
didn't spend much time stopping for photographs. Gloves stayed on, jackets
remained zipped tight, and every pause reminded us just how cold the mountain
air really was. Still, we made sure to capture a few family memories
overlooking the lava fields, with Kellisa smiling despite the chilly
conditions.
After completing the trail, we climbed
back into the welcome warmth of our rental SUV and continued exploring the
monument along the scenic loop drive. The drive itself became one of the
highlights of the visit. Winding through lava fields, cinder cones, and forests
dusted with snow, every turn revealed another spectacular view. Looking out the
windows from the comfort of a heated vehicle gave us the chance to appreciate
the monument's volcanic beauty without battling the relentless wind.
The snow-covered cinder cones, dark
lava flows, and distant mountain peaks combined to create one of the most
striking landscapes we encountered during our Arizona travels. It felt as
though winter and fire had somehow met in the same place.
Accessibility
The Lava Flow Trail demonstrates that
even rugged volcanic landscapes can be enjoyed by families traveling with
mobility equipment. Using Kellisa's jog stroller allowed us to comfortably
navigate the accessible portions of the trail and experience the monument
together. The scenic overlooks and paved areas provided excellent opportunities
to appreciate the unique geology, while the scenic loop drive made much of the
monument accessible directly from our vehicle.
Although the weather was far from
ideal, our visit proved that accessibility isn't just about pavement—it's about
finding creative ways to experience remarkable places together. Nearly twenty
years later, we still remember the contrast of snow against black lava, the
breathtaking views of the San Francisco Peaks, and another family adventure
where determination mattered far more than the temperature.
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