Red Mountain Volcano

Cappie’s Scoop: The first time mom and I hiked this trail it started to snow on us! It was Memorial Day weekend in 2019 and we never thought we’d have snow. The good news was that we had the trail all to ourselves, but the bad news was that we didn’t make it into the cinder cone. The last section of the trail requires climbing a 6-foot ladder over a ledge. The ladder was so icy, I couldn’t climb it and mom didn’t want to lift me. This mountain wasn’t going anywhere so better to turnaround and be safe. Well, we came back and hiked it again. Take two! This time we made it the whole way and even brought a friend to help me get up the ladder! It was a whole new world in the cone. Strange rocks that mom called hoodoos. I asked her who-do-what?! It was a fun hike! Don’t hesitate to add YOUR scoop in the comments below!

Tips: This is one of many cinder cones in the area but not the oldest. This unique trail takes you inside the core of the cinder cone otherwise known as the amphitheater.

Directions: From Flagstaff, head north on Hwy 180 for approximately 25 miles to a dirt road at Milepost 247 (look for the Forest Service sign that marks the Red Mountain Trail). Turn left onto the dirt road and drive about a quarter-mile to the trailhead.