Arizona probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think about volcanoes, but we actually have a handful. Among them is Red Mountain, an ancient cinder cone believed to be over a million years old. It has a distinct shape that differs greatly from other landforms of its kind, and you can hike into the unique geological formation to see it firsthand.
Believed to be over a million years old, Red Mountain is an ancient cinder cone that towers more than 1,000 feet above the surrounding landscape. The geological formation is unique in that it’s U-shaped and contains a large central amphitheater that may have resulted from a steam eruption.
TripAdvisor/Kathy S.
You can experience the otherworldly volcanic landscape firsthand on Red Mountain Trail, a 2.7-mile hike in the Coconino National Forest. It’s a slight uphill trek, but easy enough for kids to tag along.
AllTrails/Gary Tindall
While the first mile or so is relatively monotonous, it’s an entirely different story towards the end. Erosional pillars, more commonly known as hoodoos, are towering above in all directions. It truly feels like you’re on another planet.
AllTrails/Heidi Mergen
Ashen lava rock tells stories of the tumultuous events from which Red Mountain was born. You’ll also encounter dark mineral crystals on the cinder cone walls. This ladder is the only steep climb you’ll encounter along the way.
AllTrails/Katrina K.
Considering the trail has an elevation gain of less than 400 feet, it’s amazing how far into the distance you can see. Several other mountains, buttes, and hills are visible, making for a picture-perfect view.
TripAdvisor/Nate L.
The last half of the trail follows a stream bed that remains dry for much of the year. As far as the rest of the scenery, we just have one question: is this Mars or Arizona?
AllTrails/Gary Tindall
Although the trail can be trickier to navigate during wintertime, it’s undeniably more beautiful. The snow really makes the inner amphitheater stand out, and the evergreen ponderosa pines offer a stark contrast.
Wikimedia Commons/Brady Smith; Coconino National Forest
Visit the AllTrails page to learn more about the hike.
TripAdvisor/Kathy S.
AllTrails/Gary Tindall
AllTrails/Heidi Mergen
AllTrails/Katrina K.
TripAdvisor/Nate L.
Wikimedia Commons/Brady Smith; Coconino National Forest
Have you ever embarked on Red Mountain Trail? If so, is the landscape as mesmerizing as pictures suggest? Let us know, and check out our previous article for another epic volcano hike: Hike Over A Bed Of Volcano Cinders On This Amazing Arizona Trail.
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Address: Red Mountain, Arizona 86001, USA
