Hiking Red Mountain, a geological wonder between Grand Canyon & Flagstaff

By Lo Frisby

There's nothing quite like hiking Red Mountain Trail on a crisp fall morning: the fresh scent of juniper trees and minerals swirling in the air create a magical experience for anyone visiting this geological wonder, just 25 miles north of Flagstaff and about 43 miles southeast of Grand Canyon National Park.

Though truthfully more of a stroll than a hike (save for a short ladder that one must climb to get to the last, most would say best, part of the trail), one can easily lose themselves marveling at the evolving terrain.

The trail itself is relatively flat and well-maintained, and winds through an ancient cinder cone that is essentially inverted.

"It is unusual in having the shape of a "U," and in lacking the symmetrical shape of most cinder cones," the U.S. Forest Service website states.

"In addition, 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 obsidian-esque crystals are countless, and more heavily concentrated in the left corner of the amphitheater.

For rockhounds, it could be tempting to take the crystals, but most of them are tiny, and best left alone for the sake of preserving the beauty and structural integrity of the area. Simply admiring them sparkling in the light, in the chilly shade of the mountainside, is a practice in restraint and respect; surely not without a different kind of reward.

To me, the amphitheater is a great place to sit quietly and simply admire the landscape and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. This is a great place for bird and lizard watching. I once saw an enormous conspiracy of ravens, at least 100 strong, circling just beyond the cinder cone; it was quite spectacular!

If you go early in the morning, typically there aren't many people on the trail. Though it's relatively popular with locals, most people coming or going to Grand Canyon simply pass it up, so it's never overcrowded.

The trail is short, only about 3 miles in total. At a quick pace, you could easily go from the trailhead to the end and back in one hour; but I suggest spending more time there. It is a special place that has much to teach us about time, and our place within it.

Beyond being beautiful and easy to hike, the trail provides a window into the history of the region, which was once an extremely active volcanic field consisting of about 600 volcanoes.

The field, known as the San Francisco Volcanic Field, spans 1,800 square miles of the Colorado Plateau. Just about everywhere you look, you'll find volcanic rocks, or pumice, scattered across the landscape.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, "Although there has been no eruption for nearly 1,000 years, it is likely that eruptions will occur again in the San Francisco Volcanic Field. With an average interval of several thousand years between past periods of volcanic activity, it is impossible to forecast when the next eruption will occur. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists believe that the most probable sites of future eruptions are in the eastern part of the field and that the eruptions are likely to be small. These future eruptions may provide spectacular volcanic displays but should pose little hazard because of their small size and the relative remoteness of the area."

Potential future eruptions aside, Red Mountain Trail is definitely worth a visit.

Planning your hike

As with any hike, always bring water and a snack; you never know how long you may be out there.

Also, a note about weather: Red Mountain can be a hot place to go in the summer, and the UV index in Arizona has a tendency to be very high that time of year, so plan accordingly to avoid sunburn. I recommend going early to avoid the mid-day heat. Temperatures are very pleasant in the fall and spring, but the weather can be unpredictable, so make sure you have the proper attire with you.

For additional details about the trail, check out the All Trails guide, which includes a map, reviews & more.

All of that being said, please- take only pictures, leave only footprints. Red Mountain and I thank you :)

Hike on!

Images & article copyright Lo Frisby, 2022