Milky Way in Flagstaff

We plan on shooting from the the Lava Flow Trail @ Sunset Crater National Monument.

Janet & I are reserving a room @ the Hampton Inn Suites ( I-40 & Country Club Drive ). After an early dinner I plan on driving to Lava Flow Trail to explore, set-up, image during sunset/blue hour & wait for the milky way.

It is approx. 45 minutes from Flagstaff to the Lava Trail. Sunset is about 7:40PM. So I'm thinking of leaving Flagstaff around 5:45PM. The Milky Way should be visible from 9:30PM and on..... no moon.... weather looks good....
I should think we will want to shoot till midnight, at least.

From Flagstaff you take US-89 N toward Page. Approx 17 miles from our hotel.... Turn right onto Fire Rd 545/Loop Rd...  to Sunset Crater.... ( 395 0n Google Maps )

Anyone who wants to meet-up, we can have an early dinner in Flagstaff ?? 4PM, maybe drive up to the crater together, just let me know in advance. 
John Wood / 314-882-6951 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Bring tripod, remote release if you have, wide-angle lens, batteries, memory card, flashlight with RED lens, jacket ( it should be cool after dark ) camp chair... there are picnic and restroom facilities at the trail, water.