Red Mountain Trail
State: Arizona
Location: Coconino National Forest
Length, One-Way: 1 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Easy
Wild Cactus are very common in Arizona
Trail Information
Red Mountain stands as a relic from a spurt of activity in the San Francisco volcanic field and is one of the most colorful of the area’s cinder cones. This volcanic cinder cone rises 1,000 feet above the surrounding landscape. The cinder cone is “U” shaped and lacks the symmetrical shape of most cinder cones. A large natural amphitheater cuts into the cone’s northeast flank. Erosional pillars called “hoodoos” decorate the amphitheater, and many dark mineral crystals erode out of its walls. The Red Mountain Trail is not appropriate for horses or mountain bikes.
Directions
From Flagstaff:
Head northwest on Highway 180. This highway snakes through the central part of the San Francisco Volcanic Field on its way toward the Grand Canyon. About 25 miles from Flagstaff (at milepost 247 along the shoulder of the highway), turn left at a large Forest Service sign that announces the Red Mountain Geologic Area. Drive about a quarter mile on the dirt road to a parking space at the trailhead.
