Day 5 -- Grand Canyon to Albuquerque¶
| Distance | ~400 miles |
| Drive Time | ~6 hours |
| Sleep | Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown |
Geology day
Volcanoes, asteroid impacts, and lava fields. Today the landscape tells a story of destruction and rebirth.
Hotel Stay Details¶
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown |
| Address | 2600 Louisiana Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 |
| Room | Room, 2 Queen Beds |
| Guests | 2 adults, 1 child |
| Check-in | Fri Mar 20, 2026 (4:00 PM) |
| Check-out | Sat Mar 21, 2026 (11:00 AM) |
| Total | $157.99 |
| Confirmation | (on file) |
| Booking Name | (on file) |
Sunset Crater Volcano¶
A 1,000-foot volcanic cinder cone that erupted around 1085 AD -- less than a thousand years ago. The Sinagua people watched this happen. Lava flows still cover the surrounding landscape.
Visitor Info
- Part of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
- 1-mile Lava Flow Trail (easy, paved loop)
- The "sunset" colors come from oxidized iron and sulfur deposits near the summit
- Combined entry with Wupatki National Monument: $25/vehicle
Meteor Crater¶
Second chance to see this if you missed it on Day 2 -- or worth a quick stop even if you didn't, since you're driving right past it.
El Malpais Lava Fields¶
"The Badlands" in Spanish. Massive lava flows stretching across western New Mexico, some as recent as 3,000 years ago. The contrast between the black lava rock and the surrounding sandstone mesas is striking.
Quick Stop
- Pull off at the Sandstone Bluffs Overlook for the best view without a hike
- On a clear day you can see 60+ miles across the lava fields
- The lava tubes are cool but require more time than you probably have today