Old Caves Crater
Hike a cinder cone volcano for breathtaking 360° views of Flagstaff and the San Francisco Peaks. Explore unique caves!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Old Caves Crater
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike a cinder cone volcano for breathtaking 360° views of Flagstaff and the San Francisco Peaks. Explore unique caves!
"The view of the San Francisco peaks from the top of the trail is one of the best in Flagstaff."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The summit trail is steep and can be uneven. Good hiking boots are essential for grip and ankle support.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Arizona sun is strong! Stay hydrated, especially on the ascent.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
Top of Old Caves Crater
Panoramic 360° views of Flagstaff and the San Francisco Peaks. Absolutely breathtaking!
The Caves
Near the summit
Explore small, intriguing caves carved into the cinder cone. A unique geological feature!
Scenic Trail
Old Caves Crater Trail
A beautiful hike through juniper trees with emerging mountain vistas. Enjoy the journey!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Views & Solitude
Footwear & Hydration for the Summit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The summit trail is steep and can be uneven. Good hiking boots are essential for grip and ankle support.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Arizona sun is strong! Stay hydrated, especially on the ascent.
🗺️ Use a Trail Map
Signs can be sparse deeper into the trail. A map ensures you stay on track.
📸 Capture the Views
The 360° panorama from the summit is incredible. Don't forget your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The summit trail is steep and can be uneven. Good hiking boots are essential for grip and ankle support.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Arizona sun is strong! Stay hydrated, especially on the ascent.
🗺️ Use a Trail Map
Signs can be sparse deeper into the trail. A map ensures you stay on track.
📸 Capture the Views
The 360° panorama from the summit is incredible. Don't forget your camera!
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! Your furry friends will enjoy the hike too.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning panoramic views from the summit and the unique geological features like the small caves. It's described as a pleasant, quiet hike suitable for various fitness levels, offering a rewarding experience without being overly challenging. Some note that trail signage could be improved deeper in.
"Very pleasant and quiet hike! I only saw a couple other people when I was on the trail. Great mountain views. Some people recommended counter clockwise on All Trails, and that's what we did, but I think clockwise would've been better to better take in the views on the tail end of the hike. Either way is doable and enjoyable, though!"
Danny Rodriguez
"It was a beautiful hike and very doable for semi beginners/intermediate hikers. The summit trail is definitely challenging but doable, not too long, and well worth it for the views. If you're not too sure about Mt. Humphreys yet, but still want to get out there I'd recommend coming here! There's signs near the beginning of the trail, but further in the signs get kinda far in between. But if you have the trail map and pay attention you should be fine."
Peanut Head
"First time up in Flagstaff on a trail and it was fantastic! Look at the views. The hike to the top was moderate with some steep incline but the trail is packed dirt . All the way up was so scenic. I did spot what looked like fresh animal bone/spine (?) on the trail so that was a bit unnerving at first. Would definitely recommend."
Daniel Max
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Caves Crater is located east of Flagstaff. You can typically access the trailhead via Silver Saddle Road. Many visitors use GPS or navigation apps to find the specific parking areas. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Public transport options to the immediate trailhead are limited. It's generally recommended to have your own vehicle or arrange a ride-share service to reach the Old Caves Crater Trail.
While the main trail is generally well-defined, signs can become less frequent deeper in. Downloading an offline map on your phone or using a dedicated trail app like AllTrails is highly recommended to ensure you stay on the correct path.
Access is often via Silver Saddle Road. Be prepared for potentially unpaved or rougher sections depending on the specific access point you use. Check local conditions if possible.
Yes, there are designated parking areas near the trailheads. These can fill up, especially on weekends and during peak seasons, so arriving early is advisable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, typically there is no admission fee required to hike the Old Caves Crater Trail. It's located within the Coconino National Forest, which generally allows public access for recreational activities.
Old Caves Crater is an outdoor natural area and does not have set operating hours. You can visit anytime, though hiking during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
Generally, parking at the trailheads for Old Caves Crater is free. However, always check for any posted signage, as regulations can change.
While official guided tours might not be common, local outdoor groups or guides may offer excursions. It's best to check with local Flagstaff tourism or outdoor adventure companies for specific offerings.
For standard day hiking, no special permits are typically required. If you plan on any extended camping or specific activities, it's wise to check with the Coconino National Forest Service.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Old Caves Crater Trail is generally considered moderate. The summit trail has some steep inclines, but it's relatively short and well worth the effort for the views.
A typical hike to the summit and back, including time to enjoy the views, can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the top.
You'll get stunning 360-degree views of Flagstaff, the surrounding forests, and the majestic San Francisco Peaks. It's considered one of the best viewpoints in the area.
The caves are small and generally safe for exploration, but exercise caution. They are natural formations, so be mindful of loose rocks and uneven surfaces. Headlamps can be useful if you plan to go deep.
Wear comfortable, breathable clothing and sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction. Layers are recommended as temperatures can change.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food services or restaurants directly at the Old Caves Crater trailhead. You'll need to bring your own snacks and water for the hike.
Flagstaff has a vibrant food scene. Many visitors recommend heading into downtown Flagstaff for a wide variety of dining options, including popular spots for BBQ.
While there are no designated picnic areas, you can certainly bring your own food and enjoy a picnic at the trailhead or find a scenic spot along the trail to rest and refuel. Remember to pack out all trash.
High-energy snacks like trail mix, granola bars, fruit, and jerky are ideal. Don't forget plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Flagstaff is known for its craft breweries. After your hike, you can explore several breweries in the downtown area for a refreshing drink.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photos. Midday can be harsh, but the panoramic views are still impressive. 
Capture sweeping landscapes of the San Francisco Peaks, the Flagstaff skyline, and the unique cinder cone formations. The caves themselves also offer interesting photographic opportunities.
Yes, the summit provides unobstructed 360-degree views, making it easy to frame stunning panoramic shots. Consider a wide-angle lens for the best results.
The summit itself is the prime spot. Also, look for interesting rock formations and the interplay of light and shadow within the smaller caves. The trail leading up also offers scenic compositions.
A smartphone with a good camera is sufficient for most visitors. For more advanced photography, a wide-angle lens, a sturdy tripod for low light, and a polarizing filter can enhance landscape shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The 'caves' add an element of fun and mystery that children often enjoy exploring. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, as there are no facilities on the trail. Encourage your children to observe the unique volcanic landscape and the surrounding plant life. It's a great opportunity for them to learn about geology in a hands-on way. Ensure everyone wears appropriate footwear, as the terrain can be uneven, especially on the steeper sections leading to the summit.
🚶 Budget Travelers
This makes it an ideal way to experience Flagstaff's natural beauty without spending a dime on admission. The only costs involved would be for transportation and any snacks or water you bring along. Instead of expensive tours, you can enjoy a self-guided hike and soak in the incredible views. Packing your own lunch and water is a simple way to save money and enjoy a picnic amidst nature. It's a prime example of how to have an amazing outdoor experience on a budget.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The unique cinder cone formations and the small caves provide opportunities for more intimate shots, playing with light and shadow. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the vast landscapes and a tripod for sharper images in lower light conditions. The trail itself, winding through juniper trees, also presents scenic compositions. Don't forget to capture the details of the volcanic rock and the textures of the landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Cinder Cone and Caves
Visitors often describe the caves as dark and intriguing, with some bringing headlamps or glow sticks for added fun. While not extensive, these natural formations add an element of discovery to the hike. The material making up the crater, often described as clay-like in some areas, can be interesting to observe. It's a reminder of the powerful geological forces that shaped this region.
When exploring the caves, it's important to be mindful of your surroundings. Stick to marked paths where available and avoid disturbing the natural environment. The experience is more about the novelty and the geological context than deep spelunking. It's a great way to add a bit of adventure to the scenic hike.
The Summit Views: A Flagstaff Gem
From the top, you can also see the sprawling city of Flagstaff below, nestled amongst the ponderosa pine forests. The expansive vistas make it an ideal spot for photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset when the light casts a warm glow over the landscape.
+1 The feeling of accomplishment after the moderate climb is amplified by the sheer beauty laid out before you. It's recommended to bring binoculars if you have them to get a closer look at the distant peaks and the city. The clarity of the air in Flagstaff often contributes to the stunning visibility from this vantage point. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or looking for a rewarding moderate climb, the summit views are a highlight that should not be missed.
Navigating the Old Caves Crater Trail
Many hikers suggest using apps like AllTrails or downloading an offline map of the area before you go. This ensures you can stay on the correct path, even if you encounter less-defined sections. The trail itself is primarily packed dirt, making for a comfortable walking surface, though the ascent to the summit is steep.
For those looking for a slightly different experience, some reviews suggest that hiking clockwise might offer a better progression of views on the latter part of the hike. However, both clockwise and counter-clockwise routes are considered enjoyable and doable. The key is to pay attention to your surroundings and enjoy the journey through the juniper trees and volcanic landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit