Red Mountain

Red Mountain is a 3 mile out and back trail located in the Coconino National Forrest.  The trail is relatively flat and takes hikers into the amphitheater in the center of a volcanic cinder cone.  From the trailhead hikers will see Red Mountain approximately 1.5 miles away and will walk towards it.  The trail meanders through the juniper trees of the Coconino Forrest.  Hikers will merge with a dry creek bed that will take them to the inside of the mountain.  Hikers should take note of where the trail and creek bed meet for the purposes of the return trip so they do not miss the turn to the parking lot. 

As hikers continue they will reach a ladder that takes them roughly six feet up.  The ladder itself is well maintained so hikers shouldn’t have to worry about its condition. And once hikers ascend they are in the final stretch of the trail.  Hikers will know they reached their destination when the trail ends at the “no camping” sign.  From there hikers can explore the inside of the volcanic cone.  There are many hoodoos in the natural amphitheater and there are many washed and small canyons to explore.  It is also a great spot to take a break and enjoy lunch.  Once hikers are ready they can return to the car the way they came. This is a very unique hike in Northern Arizona that hikers will have a relatively easy hike out and get to choose a little bit of adventure once they reach their destination.

The road to the trailhead is a dirt road that is often accessible via sedan and 4WD is not necessary.  However, if hikers are uncomfortable driving all the way along the dirt road then they can park in the parking area off Highway 180 and walk to the trailhead (it will add approximately 0.5 miles each way).