Hopi Buttes volcanic field, Volcanic field on Navajo Reservation near Dilkon, Arizona

Hopi Buttes volcanic field is an expansive volcanic region in northeastern Arizona containing hundreds of maars and diatremes scattered across the landscape. The craters and cones create varied terrain that shapes how the land appears and feels when traveling through it.

These volcanic formations began developing between 8 and 6 million years ago during a period of intense volcanic activity. The most recent eruptions in the field occurred around 4 million years ago.

The volcanic field lies within Navajo Nation territories, where the geological formations influence the regional landscape and local communities.

Visitors can observe volcanic structures from multiple viewpoints, especially in cliff faces and exposed layers throughout the field. Exploring on foot or by vehicle along existing routes through the area provides the most complete understanding of the geological features.

Unlike many other volcanic fields, the cinder cones here are scattered randomly rather than arranged in linear patterns. This unusual distribution makes it particularly interesting for studying how volcanic systems actually develop.