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Old Caves Crater - Landfill Road TH - 4 members in 7 triplogs have rated this an average 2.8 ( 1 to 5 best )
7 triplogs
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Aug 08 2023
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Old Caves Crater - Landfill Road THFlagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 08 2023
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking3.59 Miles 646 AEG
Hiking3.59 Miles   1 Hour   26 Mns   2.76 mph
646 ft AEG      8 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Partners partners
The_Eagle
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
We ended up with more available time to hike than anticipated, so opted for a short hike before heading back to Phoenix. After getting gas at the Chevron on Hwy 89–they have ethanol free, I was happy—we headed over to the Landfill trailhead for Old Caves Crater. Nobody else there on a weekday, but I imagine weekends fill up.

The lower part of the trail was soft cinders, kind of like walking in sand, but the trail surface hardened as we climbed up the small cinder hill. Some nice views of the Peaks to the west. The high point seemed to be the north summit, but the south summit is the main point of the hike. A short spur led us to the “caves”, more like alcoves, but interesting to poke around. There are a few levels on the south facing side with small caves. I commented one area looked like old walls, and then a few minutes later we noticed half a metate and tons of pot sherds. I guess those were old walls.

After that, we headed down the trail on the south side of the hill, then took the East Loop back to our starting point. A bit warm, but the breeze was nice.

Cute network of urban trails for the locals. Not a hike I’d go out of my way to do, but given the close proximity to the highway, certainly worth a quick visit while in the area with spare time. Nice day, and the traffic on the 17 wasn’t too bad, even got some rain.
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Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Aug 08 2023
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 Guides 41
 Routes 1,626
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,760

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Old Caves Crater Short Loop, AZ 
Old Caves Crater Short Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 08 2023
The_EagleTriplogs 2,760
Hiking3.91 Miles 629 AEG
Hiking3.91 Miles   1 Hour   26 Mns   2.79 mph
629 ft AEG      2 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
With some bonus time on our hands and a desire to prolong our return to the Death Star, we decided to try something new on our way back. First, we made a pit stop at the Chevron station. Linda was on the verge of excitement when she discovered they offered Ethanol-free gas... albeit with a $2.00 per gallon surcharge.

The trail complex consists of a decent set of urban tracks that includes a 500-foot climb to the peak. True to its name, the trail features some caves and alcoves at the summit. While they didn't seem to go very deep or far, we took our time exploring them. Wearing her junior archaeologist's hat, Linda astutely observed at the top that there were traces of what appeared to be old "rooms." Armed with her magnifying glass and deductive reasoning, she unearthed some shards and a metate.

We continued our descent along the southern side and completed the short eastern portion of the loop, which brought us back to the trailhead.

This trail is definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. Remarkably, we managed to evade all the storms that loomed throughout the day, allowing us to enjoy intermittent moments of cloud cover.
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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Jul 05 2023
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 Guides 21
 Routes 1,182
 Photos 36,858
 Triplogs 1,570

69 female
 Joined Feb 26 2004
 Phoenix, AZ
Old Caves Crater TrailFlagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 05 2023
tibberTriplogs 1,570
Hiking2.69 Miles 517 AEG
Hiking2.69 Miles   1 Hour   8 Mns   2.48 mph
517 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Im trying to do this on my phone so we'll see. My first hike on my way to Montana. This has some elevation and I can adjust it based on time. From Phoenix, I got started 20 minutes later than I wanted and I had to backtrack to a Q-T for my frozen cappucino AND THEN it seems they changed the cup size and it confused me :? .

At Flagstaff, before my turn, I stopped by Subway on the 89 to pick up a sandwich for the trip; I was surprised it was open this early, plus I got great service.

Oh ya, the hike. I headed east for the slow warm-up before the switchbacks started. I did get distracted by some flora and that would continue for the entire hike. I saw about 4 hikers on my way up and one with her dogs on the way down.

As I continued up, my views opened up toward the SF Peaks and even on a cloudless day, it really is spectacular. I tried working with Pro mode on my phone lowering the EV to -01 to see if I can tackle the overblown photos on bright days.

The last climb to the saddle is a quick little workout. This time I turned right to check out the hike's namesake. I had seen pictures but not closely so I wasn't sure what to expect. The caves are pretty sizable holes in the ground. The view from here is so awesome.

I started back and decided to go to the NE side of the summit so I got a little more elevation. The trail is pretty rocky. I took a photo and circled back. Shortly, as I was saying, "Self, I really like this hike, it would be a wonderful sunset hike." And down I went, extending my knee and crashing on my left elbow and tush.

Needless to say, I was a little more careful on this rolly poly lava rock and still had a smile on my face. Of course, I hope my knee won't be an issue. It did start to bother me a little on the drive so every time I got out of the car, I'd walk around.

I tried to make decent time on the way down, still enjoying the views and more flora. Anyway, you should do this little hike as part of your Flagstaff hiking, it's a good one.

I ate part of my sandwich and then started my drive ending up here at Bryce. On the drive north of The Gap, the clouds looked funny and as I ascended 89, I stopped at the scenic pullout to observe the billowing of smoke on the North Rim.

Watch 10:04-11:11AM, 2.33 miles, 7063-7623 elevation. 131 avg bpm/159 max burning 436 calories. Starting temp 80.9 sunny and windy, 18% humidity.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
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For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled.
 
Jun 02 2013
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 Photos 29
 Triplogs 5

55 male
 Joined Aug 05 2006
 Flagstaff, AZ
Old Caves Crater - Landfill Road THFlagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 02 2013
dlippy1Triplogs 5
Hiking2.25 Miles 948 AEG
Hiking2.25 Miles      57 Mns   3.21 mph
948 ft AEG      15 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This is a quick and relatively easy (except for some footing) trail that is very close to town (Flagstaff). I hiked to the summit and just beyond to the "caves", then back down the same trail. The "caves" are more or less small holes on the side, just beyond the summit. This was my first hike of the season and first real activity after being laid up for 6+ weeks, and it was not overly difficult. All times, distances and elevation marked by the Trimble Outdoors Backpacker GPS Trails Lite for Android:
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Feb 16 2011
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 Guides 25
 Routes 36
 Photos 2,890
 Triplogs 658

39 male
 Joined May 30 2008
 Peoria, AZ
Old Caves Crater - Landfill Road THFlagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 16 2011
hippiepunkpirateTriplogs 658
Hiking2.00 Miles 500 AEG
Hiking2.00 Miles      38 Mns   3.16 mph
500 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Windy. Storm clouds blocked visibility of the tops of Doyle and Fremont.
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My blog: Mountain Tripper
My book: Arizona: A Photographic Journey
  1 archive
Jun 26 2010
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 Guides 25
 Routes 36
 Photos 2,890
 Triplogs 658

39 male
 Joined May 30 2008
 Peoria, AZ
Old Caves Crater - Landfill Road THFlagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 26 2010
hippiepunkpirateTriplogs 658
Hiking2.00 Miles 500 AEG
Hiking2.00 Miles      45 Mns   2.67 mph
500 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Fat Man's Loop alternative due to the Schultz Fire closure.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
_____________________
My blog: Mountain Tripper
My book: Arizona: A Photographic Journey
 
May 13 2009
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 Guides 25
 Routes 36
 Photos 2,890
 Triplogs 658

39 male
 Joined May 30 2008
 Peoria, AZ
Old Caves Crater - Landfill Road THFlagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar May 13 2009
hippiepunkpirateTriplogs 658
Hiking2.00 Miles 500 AEG
Hiking2.00 Miles   1 Hour      2.00 mph
500 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Sunset hike! Nice weather and I didn't see another soul!
 Geology
 Geology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Volcanic Bomb
_____________________
My blog: Mountain Tripper
My book: Arizona: A Photographic Journey
 
average hiking speed 2.54 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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