Red Mountain

Way back in July we spent a long weekend exploring the area in and around Flagstaff.  To kick off our weekend adventures, we made the short drive north to Red Mountain.  This is an impressive volcanic cone, now long dormant, which was breached when an explosion blew out one side, leaving about half the cone standing.  The trail, which is pretty much flat, takes you to what was once the cone's interior so that you are looking straight up the side of what used to be the inside wall of the volcano.

A look inside the dormant volcano

This hiking is easy with nothing strenuous about it whatsoever.  Because there is no official trail leading to the top of the cone, you simply hike the level trail to the base of the mountain and back.  I don't remember the exact mileage, but I believe the round-trip total is less than five miles.  Though this isn't really a "fitness" hike, the trek is totally worth it just to experience the uniqueness and sheer beauty of the place.

Hoodoos along the trail at Red Mountain

As with most Arizona hikes, there isn't an abundance of shade on the trail so bring sunscreen and a couple of water bottles with you.  This is a great hike for the kids - ours enjoyed scaling the walls of the cliff until it became too difficult to continue.  And even though it's a short hike, give yourself plenty of time to comfortably experience the impressive scenery that awaits you at Red Mountain.

Inside the old volcano.  Happy hiking!