Old Caves Crater Trail

The Old Caves Crater Trail hints at northern Arizona’s volcanic past. Around 700,000 years ago, a volcanic field in this region experienced multiple eruptions and lava flows that shaped the landscape. The San Francisco Peaks are remnants of this volcanic range, but smaller features, like this crater and its caves, are direct results of volcanic activity many years past.

On this route, you’ll climb up a crater (think crater like a low peak with a hollowed-out side, rather than the crater you’d picture from a meteor strike) to check out the caves carved into the volcanic rock. Caves like these can be formed by lava cooling at different stages, or they can be formed when volcanic rock of a lower density is eroded away over time.

This hike also leads you through a 100+ year old ponderosa pine stand. Watch out for deer, which frequent the area, as you go.

Keep in mind that the signage on this hike can be a bit confusing. We recommend downloading a GPS route ahead of time to avoid any confusion on the way.

The hike begins on a disused road that serves as a chill warm-up. You’ll hit a set of switchbacks where the route narrows and the grade gradually increases. Hiking through pinon pine and junipers, you’ll start an arc around the top of the crater.

Once you’ve made it to the summit ridge, there’s a T-junction. Going left takes you to the true summit and going right takes you to the south summit, where the caves are.

The caves are about 6-10 feet deep on average. There are over a dozen of them, so you could spend a while here checking them all out. There are no trees at the summit, so you will have a fairly open view, although it’s mostly just Doney Peak to look at.

Stop by the true summit if you didn’t already, then begin your descent. Keep in mind that there are a lot of crisscrossing Jeep tracks on the descent, which can make route-finding confusing. Refer to your GPS track if you think you might be getting off-course.

You’ll complete your loop around the crater before rejoining the trail to the trailhead, where you’ll retrace your steps to the starting point.

Hiking Route Highlights

Old Caves

Northern Arizona has a storied volcanic past, and as a result of lava flows and volcanic activity years past, the landscape around Flagstaff is dotted with remnants of eruptions. The Old Caves sit atop a crater, both created by volcanic eruptions. The caves are mostly formed by the erosion of lower density or looser volcanic rock over time, and today, the dozen or so caves on this crater can be explored by hikers of all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Old Caves Crater hike hard?

No, we do not consider this to be a hard hike. Most users feel that it’s easy to moderate.

Are dogs allowed on Old Caves Crater Trail?

Dogs are allowed on Old Caves Crater Trail as long as they’re kept on leash.

Were the Old Caves created by volcanoes?

Yes, both the crater and the caves are a result of past volcanic activity.