Red Mountain Trail

If you don’t mind the long drive, hiking into the amphitheater of Red Mountain, a 1-million-year-old cinder cone in the San Francisco Peaks Volcanic Field, is a must-have experience. The trail begins at the end of a dirt road along US-180, approximately 25 miles west of Flagstaff. The hike is pretty from the get-go with views of the San Francisco Peaks and, of course, Red Mountain. The trail meanders through pinyon pine and juniper trees, and if you’re hiking during wildflower season, you’ll be surrounded by an abundance of yellow, red, purple, white and blue flowers. After a relatively flat 0.86 mile, the trail meets up with a sandy wash. Turn left into the wash. The vegetation and soil begin to change as you get closer to the amphitheater that is cut into the mountain’s northwest flank. The trees turn to ponderosa pine, and you’re now hiking through loose volcanic soil that’s a deep shade of red. At certain parts along the trail, the blackened remains of lava flows are visible on either side. After hiking 1.23 miles from the trailhead, you’ll come to a short rock wall with a wooden ladder. Using the handrails, make your way up the seven-step ladder and into the amphitheater. The walls of the amphitheater, studded with alcoves and bird’s nests, rise 800 feet above you. From here, the rail peters out, so it’s up to you to explore the amphitheater’s hoodoos, slot canyons and spires. Notice how quiet it is in the amphitheater and keep your eyes peeled for chunks of shiny black obsidian (volcanic glass), geodes and sparkling pieces of quartz. The stones are on the ground and in the rocks all around you, making the amphitheater shimmer in the right light. We spent well over an hour picnicking and exploring the area. For those who like to comb the beach for seashells or sea glass, you’ll be right at home wandering around the small inner basin. Once you’ve explored to your heart’s content, return the way you came for an approximately 3.25-mile round-trip hike. If you’re up for more adventure, on your way back into Flagstaff, walk the paved, quarter-mile Kendrick Park Watchable Wildlife Trail for the chance to see chipmunks, birds, deer, elk and other critters. The trail is also located off US-180 just west of Arizona Snowbowl ski area.

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