Lenox Crater facts for kids

Lenox Crater is a cool cinder cone volcano found in the San Francisco Volcanic Field in Coconino County, Arizona. This whole area is famous for its volcanoes! Lenox Crater erupted about 1,000 years ago. When it blew, it filled a small dip in the ground with ash and volcanic cinders. The lava from this eruption flowed close to the bottom of another volcano called Sunset Crater.

The very top edge, or rim, of Lenox Crater is super high, reaching 7,243 feet (2,208 meters) above sea level. It stands out from the land around it by 181 feet (55 meters). There's a short path that goes right to the top. From there, you can get amazing views of Sunset Crater and all the mountains nearby.

What is a Cinder Cone Volcano?

A cinder cone is the simplest type of volcano. It's shaped like a cone, or a hill, and is built from pieces of lava that exploded from a single vent. When the lava shoots out, it cools quickly in the air and breaks into small, bubbly pieces called cinders. These cinders then fall back down around the vent, piling up to form the cone shape.

How Cinder Cones Form

Cinder cones usually form when gas-rich lava erupts explosively. The gas pushes the lava out, breaking it into small bits. These bits, the cinders, are light and full of air bubbles. They stack up around the opening, creating the cone. Cinder cones often have a bowl-shaped crater at their top.

Lenox Crater's Eruption

Lenox Crater's eruption happened around 1,000 years ago. This means it's a relatively young volcano in geological terms. The eruption was powerful enough to create the cone we see today. It also sent lava flowing across the landscape.

Impact of the Eruption

The lava flow from Lenox Crater didn't travel too far. It moved towards the base of nearby Sunset Crater. The ash and cinders from the eruption covered the surrounding area. This volcanic material changed the landscape and soil. Over time, plants and trees started to grow back, creating new ecosystems.

Exploring Lenox Crater

Lenox Crater is a great place to visit if you like nature and volcanoes. There's a short trail that leads right to the top of the crater. It's a fun hike that doesn't take too long.

Views from the Top

Once you reach the rim of Lenox Crater, you'll be rewarded with incredible views. You can see the famous Sunset Crater, which is known for its colorful red and yellow top. You'll also get wide-open views of the beautiful mountains and forests that make up the San Francisco Volcanic Field. It's a perfect spot for taking photos and enjoying the quiet of nature.

Images for kids

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  A view on top of Lenox Crater.

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  The area surrounding Lenox Crater (the circular feature to the left of Sunset Crater)