The Old Cave Crater Trail is a 3.5-mile loop trail that leads to the base of an extinct cinder cone volcano through volcanic cinder fields and Ponderosa Pines close to Flagstaff, Arizona. You can also take in the views of the nearby mountains while exploring the old caves that were once inhabited by prehistoric people. The moderate trail takes two to three hours to complete. From March to November is the ideal time to travel. Dogs are welcome but they must be leashed. The trailhead is accessible from Silver Saddle Road off of U.S. 89.
Old Caves Crater is a cinder cone located in Coconino National Forest, near Flagstaff, Arizona. Its name comes from the numerous small caves on the slopes of the cinder cone. The trailhead for the Old Caves Crater Trail takes you through volcanic cinder fields and Ponderosa forests. The trail is a 3.5-mile loop that is generally considered moderately challenging. There is an easy loop trail around the crater or you can go over the top and complete a 3.7-mile loop with an uphill and downhill. The trail leads to the top of Old Caves Crater, providing views of the San Francisco Peaks and the surrounding area. The highest point of Old Caves Crater is 7,183 ft (2,189 m) with a prominence of 423 ft (129 m). The trail is relatively unremarkable but reveals a small piece of the volcanic history of the Flagstaff area. In the 14th century, Native Americans built a settlement adjacent to the crater.
The Old Caves Crater Trail is a popular destination for hikers, runners, and horseback riders. The trail is open year-round, but it is best to hike in the spring or fall when the weather is mild. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but they must be kept on a leash.
The trailhead for the Old Caves Crater Trail is located on Silver Saddle Road, 3.5 miles northeast of the Flagstaff Mall. The parking lot is small, so it is recommended to arrive early on weekends and holidays.
The hike to the top of Old Caves Crater takes about 1.5 hours. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. There are a few switchbacks along the way, but the overall climb is gradual.
At the top of the crater, there are several caves that can be explored. The caves are small and dark, so it is important to bring a flashlight. There are also several viewpoints from the top of the crater, where hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The Old Caves Crater Trail is a beautiful and rewarding hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. The trail is moderately challenging, but it is well-suited for hikers of all levels.
Here are some tips for hiking the Old Caves Crater Trail:
- Bring plenty of water and snacks.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen.
- Be aware of the weather conditions.
- Leave no trace.
The Old Caves Crater Trail is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the Coconino National Forest. With its stunning views and moderate difficulty, this trail is perfect for hikers of all levels.
FAQs
What is the best time of year to hike Old Caves Crater Trail?
Old Caves Crater Trail can be enjoyed year-round. The trail is rated as moderately difficult and takes about 1.5 hours to complete. The best time to hike the trail is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild. During the summer, temperatures can be high, and it can be challenging to hike in the heat. In winter, the trail can be icy and slippery, making it difficult to hike. The trail has something to offer for everyone, including families with children and dogs.
Are there any safety concerns to be aware of when hiking Old Caves Crater Trail?
There are some safety concerns to be aware of when hiking Old Caves Crater Trail. Here are some of them:
- Wildlife: Hikers should carry bear spray and avoid areas where wildlife has been spotted.
- Caves: The caves on the trail are not very large or interesting, and some of them may be closed to protect bats and because of environmental conditions.
- Icy conditions: In winter, the trail can be icy and slippery, making it difficult to hike.
- Heat: During the summer, temperatures can be high, and it can be challenging to hike in the heat.
Overall, hikers should take necessary precautions and be aware of their surroundings while hiking Old Caves Crater Trail.
Are there any guided tours available for Old Caves Crater Trail?
There is no information available on guided tours for Old Caves Crater Trail. The trail is relatively easy to find, and the trailhead is located on Silver Saddle Road, just a couple of yards down the street. The trail is moderately challenging and takes about 1.5 hours to complete. There are some switchbacks and a bit of elevation gain to complete, but it’s still suitable for strong beginners and adventurous kids. Visitors can explore the caves and hollowed-out areas where looser volcanic material has been eroded over the years.
What is the difficulty level of Old Caves Crater Trail?
Old Caves Crater Trail is rated as moderately difficult. The trail is an uphill loop that takes about 1.5 hours to complete. The trail has some switchbacks and a bit of elevation gain to complete, but it’s still suitable for strong beginners and adventurous kids. The signage can be confusing, so hikers should consider bringing a downloaded GPS route. The trail takes hikers through volcanic cinder fields and Ponderosa Pines to the base of an extinct cinder cone volcano. As hikers climb Old Caves Crater, the vegetation changes to a mix of mostly pinion and juniper trees with a few ponderosas.
What is the length of Old Caves Crater Trail
Old Caves Crater Trail is a 4.2-mile uphill loop. There is an easy loop trail around the crater or hikers can go over the top and complete a 3.7-mile loop with an uphill and downhill. The trail is rated as moderately difficult.
How long does it take to complete Old Caves Crater Trail
Old Caves Crater Trail is a 4.2-mile uphill loop that takes about 1.5 hours to complete. The trail is rated as moderately difficult. The trail has some switchbacks and a bit of elevation gain to complete, but it’s still suitable for strong beginners and adventurous kids. There is an easy loop trail around the crater or hikers can go over the top and complete a 3.7-mile loop with an uphill and downhill. The hike leads hikers around the entire crater area, where they can explore the caves and hollowed-out areas where looser volcanic material has been eroded over the years.
What are some notable features of Old Caves Crater Trail
The Old Caves Crater Trail is an interesting trip that displays a small piece of Flagstaff’s volcanic past. Many lava tubes produced by a volcanic eruption centuries ago can be found on the peak of the Old Caves Crater. Hikers can explore the caverns and hollowed-out sections where looser volcanic material has been eroded through time by following the track around the entire crater area. The walk has something for everyone, including distinctive geology, beautiful views of town, and a wide variety of plant life. The caverns themselves are neither particularly vast or intriguing (6-10ft. deep at most), despite the fact that there are at least a dozen, if not more. The track is relatively difficult, with some switchbacks and some elevation increase, but it is still appropriate for strong beginners and adventurous children. Hikers should bring a downloadable GPS route because the signs can be unclear.
Old Caves Crater Trailhead?
The Old Caves Crater Trailhead is open year-round, 24/7. There is no specific information on opening hours as the trailhead is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.