Home Album Red Mountain Comments Topo Story
| Distance: | 1.5 miles one way into the mountain |
| Difficulty: | Easy - uniform elevation change of 440 feet over 1.5 miles |
| Hike Time: | 2 to 3 hours - leave time to explore the area |
| Elevation: | 6730 to 7170 |
| Season: | Spring through Fall |
| USGS Maps: | Ebert Mountain SE |
| Directions: From: Flagstaff |
Take US 180 North from downtown. Drive 31.5 miles to Mile Marker 247, Turn South and drive 0.25 mi down the dirt road. Park near the fence. The trailhead is marked by a gate and sign-in lectern. |
The trail into Red Mountain is an enjoyable and popular walk. The trail is easily followed, joining and following a dry wash emanating from the mountain. The trail is well marked at the junction with the dry wash - turn left to the interior of Red Mountain or turn right to visit Steven's tank. At the entry to the mountain there is a 6 foot high check damn across the wash - a sturdy ladder was in place to gain access above the damn - there is an alternate route to the upper level by scrambling over the cinder hill to the right of the damn.
The end of the trail is a basin in the interior of an ancient volcano that has been eroded away. The soft, red tuff of the interior of the mountain has been sculpted by erosion into a variety of spires, pinnacles and pillars. The red color of the tuff formations stands in marked contrast to black volcanic cinder hills and lava dikes which you pass as you enter the interior of the mountain.
Water is not available, so bring sufficient water for the amount of time you intend to spend exploring the formations in the area. Use care while exploring, the footing can be extremely slippery where loose material has been blown or washed onto the tuff.
On the return trip, take time to visit Steven's tank in the meadow by continuing down the dry wash to the meadow beyond the junction of the trail and dry wash. On my trip, the tank was dry. After viewing the meadow, retrace your route up the dry wash to re-join the trail back to the parking area.
Trekker