Arizona volcano site becomes newest national park
A vast volcanic area in southeastern Arizona officially became the nations newest national park on October twenty eighth two thousand and twenty six.
Ancient eruptions twenty seven million years ago created massive deposits of volcanic material across the landscape. The original magma chamber collapsed to create a wide caldera that is now filled with unique rock formations.
Hikers can see large boulders precariously balanced on top of tall pinnacles throughout the region. It was designated in nineteen twenty four to preserve its remarkable geology and diverse natural features for all visitors.
Over one thousand plant species grow within the varied ecosystems of the park. These habitats include deserts grasslands forests and chaparral found in this unique location where four biogeographic regions converge together.
They rise from the surrounding desert sea to support rich biodiversity here. The highest point outside the park rises nearly two thousand nine hundred meters above sea level in this special place now protected by law for everyone.