Old Caves Crater Trail • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		Jul 18 2025
		tibber • Triplogs 1,570

Hiking	2.13 Miles	361 AEG

Hiking	2.13 Miles	1 Hour 4 Mns	2.24 mph
	361 ft AEG	7 Mns Break

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slowandsteady

writelots

Posting 8-15-2025
and so it begins. We all met at my house in the AM and headed north after getting some coffee to go. I always like to do a hike on the way and this was my choice. We picked up some lunch at Safeway for afterward before heading to what I kept calling "Old Man" Crater. This would be somewhat of a lingering issue for me while the team (Wendy and Angela) and guest (Kathy - we offered her team or guest and she chose guest) were touring.

It was a little warmer than I like. The trail, per usual, is in great shape and the switchbacks are right up my alley. The views really are worth the hike as you make your way up the crater. I knew I wouldn't make it to the caves as I just wanted to hike. The girls found the caves as I waited for them under a tree.

We stopped at a little store in the 76 station on the way out of town that has lots of fun stuff. We planned to stop there on our way back, but we didn't come back that way. And now it was off to Cedar Breaks; our stop for the first day.

and wait for it... my minute and a half video [ youtube video ] , but I'll make up for it

_____________________

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.

Aug 08 2023

The_Eagle

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

Hiking		Aug 08 2023
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	3.91 Miles	629 AEG

Hiking	3.91 Miles	1 Hour 26 Mns		2.79 mph
	629 ft AEG	2 Mns Break	10 LBS Pack

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LindaAnn

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.

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

Aug 08 2023

LindaAnn

Guides 110
Routes 2,246
Photos 8,982
Triplogs 2,600

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		Aug 08 2023
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,600

Hiking	3.59 Miles	646 AEG

Hiking	3.59 Miles	1 Hour 26 Mns	2.76 mph
	646 ft AEG	8 Mns Break

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The_Eagle

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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.

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

Jul 05 2023

tibber

Guides 21
Routes 1,182
Photos 36,858
Triplogs 1,570

69 female

Joined Feb 26 2004
Phoenix, AZ

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		Jul 05 2023
		tibber • Triplogs 1,570

Hiking	2.69 Miles	517 AEG

Hiking	2.69 Miles	1 Hour 8 Mns	2.48 mph
	517 ft AEG	3 Mns Break

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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.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Horehound Skunkbush Spreading Fleabane Wire Lettuce

Wildflowers Observation Light

_____________________

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.

May 29 2022

Guides 27
Routes 518
Photos 5,861
Triplogs 883

72 female

Joined Jan 21 2006
Eagar AZ

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		May 29 2022
		azbackpackr • Triplogs 883

Hiking	2.38 Miles	558 AEG

Hiking	2.38 Miles	1 Hour 6 Mns	2.23 mph
	558 ft AEG	2 Mns Break

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A quick afternoon hike. Although I notice my wind is getting a lot better, my right knee started twinging a little, and it still hurts now, as I type this, the following morning. I did not use hiking poles. Maybe I need to go back to using those.

It was very windy and a bit chilly, but clouds were coming in, and as I reached the car, a few drops of rain were splattering about. But that was all we got.

_____________________

There is a point of no return unremarked at the time in most lives. Graham Greene The Comedians
A clean house is a sign of a misspent life.

May 26 2022

jrc28

Routes 11
Photos 25
Triplogs 11

35 female

Joined Sep 28 2018

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		May 26 2022
		jrc28 • Triplogs 11

Hiking	2.40 Miles	500 AEG

Hiking	2.40 Miles	51 Mns	3.35 mph
	500 ft AEG	8 Mns Break

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I’m spending a large portion of my summer vacation in Flagstaff this year. After about a week of my body fighting off some unknown virus causing swollen lymph nodes and general fatigue, I finally felt well enough to attempt an easy hike.
The Old Caves Crater trailhead is a mile from where I am staying, so off I went. It was a nice little jaunt up to the top. Nothing remarkable, but not disappointing. Started around 9 am and had an appointment at 11, so I rushed through it a bit.

May 15 2022

Guides 27
Routes 518
Photos 5,861
Triplogs 883

72 female

Joined Jan 21 2006
Eagar AZ

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		May 15 2022
		azbackpackr • Triplogs 883

Hiking	2.55 Miles	582 AEG

Hiking	2.55 Miles	1 Hour 43 Mns	1.82 mph
	582 ft AEG	19 Mns Break

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Just getting started hiking since moving back to Flagstaff. I can see my RV from the summit. I can see the summit from my RV. Wowza! Although it was Sunday, it wasn't crowded at all.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

_____________________

There is a point of no return unremarked at the time in most lives. Graham Greene The Comedians
A clean house is a sign of a misspent life.

Aug 03 2020

tibber

Guides 21
Routes 1,182
Photos 36,858
Triplogs 1,570

69 female

Joined Feb 26 2004
Phoenix, AZ

Old Caves Crater and Half Loop, AZ

Hiking		Aug 03 2020
		tibber • Triplogs 1,570

Hiking	3.66 Miles	626 AEG

Hiking	3.66 Miles	2 Hrs 7 Mns	1.91 mph
	626 ft AEG	12 Mns Break

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bigfoot

desertgirl

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Monday, This was the last hike of our cooler time in Flagstaff. After Ambika found a "sub" for her as she wasn't coming into work we headed out for the Silver Saddle TH. On the way I noticed a three mile back up for road construction on the other side of the road. Sadly, I would have to wade through that after our hike. I don't know how long they are planning that road work but beware of it on 89a coming west into Flagstaff on weekdays.

The guide for the Old Caves Crater hike is somewhat discouraging so I actually had to do a little convincing. I found an article online that I think discusses this trail a lot more accurately as it turns out. I sent it to Ambika and she agreed. The TH is not that big as is indicated so you can use the Landfill TH as an alternate. However, hiking up from that side (north) is a little steeper and narrower as we would see when we hiked down.

This trail from Silver Saddle is a delight. Nice and wide and the switchbacks are at a very leisurely grade. It's a well-maintained trail on this side. Before our ascent we saw a HUGE fallen tree that had been split down the middle; I assume by lightning. We headed up the hill via off and on shade. As you near what you think is the top, the trail contours alongside this part and then turns to the east and then up a bit before the trail comes to a bit of a junction. If you go right, you can see the caves.... I didn't realize that so we just stayed on the main trail which goes left (north) to the summit. And the reason we know we missed the caves is we visited with a hiker up there.

The 360 views are pretty amazing and it was a clear day so we could see SE all the way to the Rim. I think I filmed a 360 when I was on top. We took some pics before heading down the north side. This trail is more like a regular trail. It is a little steep and slippery so you have to hang on. We got to the bottom and took the circumference around to the right (clockwise). We saw a squirrel but he was a fast little guy so I just basically got the moooned shot. The ground once again changes to the lava dirt/sand as we made our way around. There are scattered houses just to the east of where you hike. We did have a horseback rider go by and would see a few more at the TH. I think there is a stable over here for public riding.

It did warm up by the time we got back to the junction of the summit and circumference trail. We saw about 1/2 dozen hikers. We grabbed some snacks and a beer from our vehicles and went under the shade of a ponderosa before going our separate ways. This hike would be a great work-out hike as you can vary it up. Anyway, it was fun to climb a crater; how often can you say you've done that

. Here is my video: [ youtube video ]

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Apache Plume Skyrocket Unidentified Flora

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

_____________________

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.

May 22 2020

Guides 27
Routes 518
Photos 5,861
Triplogs 883

72 female

Joined Jan 21 2006
Eagar AZ

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		May 22 2020
		azbackpackr • Triplogs 883

Hiking	3.46 Miles	940 AEG

Hiking	3.46 Miles
	940 ft AEG

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I hiked up to the summit, down the back side (Landfill side) trail, and back up to summit again. Gorgeous day! It being Friday of Memorial Day weekend, I saw several people who may have not been my Doney Park neighbors, but it still was not crowded.

I was not able to upload GPS route, because it needed to be split, (because I forgot to turn off the GPS when I drove away). When I split it, the half I needed simply disappeared. I saw the notice that something is being worked on right now, but it didn't say this specific thing. So I used my data from a previous similar hike.

_____________________

There is a point of no return unremarked at the time in most lives. Graham Greene The Comedians
A clean house is a sign of a misspent life.

2 archives

May 21 2020

Guides 27
Routes 518
Photos 5,861
Triplogs 883

72 female

Joined Jan 21 2006
Eagar AZ

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		May 21 2020
		azbackpackr • Triplogs 883

Hiking	2.51 Miles	527 AEG

Hiking	2.51 Miles	1 Hour 21 Mns	1.96 mph
	527 ft AEG	4 Mns Break

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Quick hike midday. Nice day, not windy!

_____________________

There is a point of no return unremarked at the time in most lives. Graham Greene The Comedians
A clean house is a sign of a misspent life.

May 18 2020

Guides 27
Routes 518
Photos 5,861
Triplogs 883

72 female

Joined Jan 21 2006
Eagar AZ

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		May 18 2020
		azbackpackr • Triplogs 883

Hiking	3.79 Miles	693 AEG

Hiking	3.79 Miles	1 Hour 42 Mns	2.53 mph
	693 ft AEG	12 Mns Break

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This time, after climbing to the summit, and down the other side, I caught the east part of the circumference loop, just to do something different. At some point I will probably hike to the summit, then do the entire circumference loop, and then hike back the other way over the summit. After that, I will probably be pretty tired of this trail!

It's an extremely windy day, but it wasn't bad at all in the woods. Wasn't even particularly bad on the top.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Cliff roses. This other thing is starting to bloom, on sort of a vine with red stems. Going to look it up. Flowers are magenta.

_____________________

There is a point of no return unremarked at the time in most lives. Graham Greene The Comedians
A clean house is a sign of a misspent life.

May 17 2020

Guides 27
Routes 518
Photos 5,861
Triplogs 883

72 female

Joined Jan 21 2006
Eagar AZ

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		May 17 2020
		azbackpackr • Triplogs 883

Hiking	3.46 Miles	940 AEG

Hiking	3.46 Miles	1 Hour 48 Mns	2.12 mph
	940 ft AEG	10 Mns Break

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First time I've hiked up, then down the north side, then back up again. I'm getting slightly fitter than I was last week, although I'm in the process of moving, and have skipped several days of exercise.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Cliff roses have started blooming.

_____________________

There is a point of no return unremarked at the time in most lives. Graham Greene The Comedians
A clean house is a sign of a misspent life.

May 10 2020

Guides 27
Routes 518
Photos 5,861
Triplogs 883

72 female

Joined Jan 21 2006
Eagar AZ

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		May 10 2020
		azbackpackr • Triplogs 883

Hiking	2.62 Miles	529 AEG

Hiking	2.62 Miles	1 Hour 23 Mns	2.04 mph
	529 ft AEG	6 Mns Break

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This was my first hike in the high country this season. I'll be living up here all summer, so I will eventually get used to the altitude. In my current state of waddlesome sloth, this trail is perfect. My legs, accustomed to pedaling a bike, were somewhat surprised to be asked to climb a small hill.

I started at 7 a.m. No cars in the lot. By the time I returned there were 12 cars, and I'd had to avoid some family groups by walking through the trees.

I was pleased I had no aches or pains (foot, knee, hip, back, etc.) which tend to happen while hiking downhill. The plan is to continue doing small hikes for a couple of weeks, then add a wee bit bigger one, etc. You know the drill.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Indian paintbrush, occasional.

_____________________

There is a point of no return unremarked at the time in most lives. Graham Greene The Comedians
A clean house is a sign of a misspent life.

2 archives

Sep 02 2019

fricknaley

Guides 93
Routes 397
Photos 4,984
Triplogs 4,124

49 male

Joined Jun 20 2003
Tucson, AZ

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		Sep 02 2019
		fricknaley • Triplogs 4,124

Hiking	3.70 Miles	665 AEG

Hiking	3.70 Miles
	665 ft AEG

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waiting out some storms, found this little trail network late in the day. pretty cool little place with some nice views at the top and nice trail tread

_____________________

hi

3 archives

Sep 09 2017

leonesiegel

Photos 1,345
Triplogs 298

67 male

Joined Jan 15 2010
Avondale

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		Sep 09 2017
		leonesiegel • Triplogs 298

Hiking	2.40 Miles	500 AEG

Hiking	2.40 Miles	1 Hour 45 Mns	1.60 mph
	500 ft AEG	15 Mns Break

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Fun little trail, like to do it again. Cool temps in the 60s.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] HAZ - Selfie

_____________________

Jan 19 2017

Stoic

Routes 297
Photos 6,928
Triplogs 552

49 male

Joined Dec 30 2007
Avondale,Az

Crystal Point Trail

Elden Pueblo Ruins Loop Trail

Crystal Point Trail

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		Jan 19 2017
		Stoic • Triplogs 552

Hiking	7.20 Miles	1,065 AEG

Hiking	7.20 Miles	8 Hrs	1.80 mph
	1,065 ft AEG	4 Hrs Break

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Took the pups up to Flagstaff last Thursday. We did a couple hikes around town.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Crystal Point 7190 Grand Falls

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Nov 25 2016

MountainMatt

Guides 3
Routes 202
Photos 3,513
Triplogs 530

male

Joined Jan 24 2016
Arizona

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		Nov 25 2016
		MountainMatt • Triplogs 530

Hiking	2.82 Miles	522 AEG

Hiking	2.82 Miles	1 Hour 53 Mns		2.17 mph
	522 ft AEG	35 Mns Break	10 LBS Pack

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Went back home to see the family for Turkey Day so I went to my backyard and hiked "Cave Hill" as I grew up calling it.
For 18 years this was my stomping grounds, although I've only actually hiked the trail maybe 3 times because as a kid we just came up from the backside of the hill from the nearby neighborhoods.
So many memories and so much mischief was caused up here when I was younger.

Dislocated my collar bone and broke my mo-ped jumping off a ramp down the slopes, countless epic sledding tournaments and so many more foolish acts were done on this little hill.
Good memories growing up in Doney Park.

_____________________

2 archives

Jun 13 2016

Guides 27
Routes 518
Photos 5,861
Triplogs 883

72 female

Joined Jan 21 2006
Eagar AZ

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		Jun 13 2016
		azbackpackr • Triplogs 883

Hiking	2.63 Miles	535 AEG

Hiking	2.63 Miles	1 Hour 15 Mns	2.43 mph
	535 ft AEG	10 Mns Break

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This was a nice hike to do on my errand day in Flagstaff. I climbed O'Leary yesterday, which I could see from the top of this hill. Met some nice folks from a local DTA having a cheery good time with their instructor.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Fremont Barberry

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] O'Leary Peak

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

_____________________

There is a point of no return unremarked at the time in most lives. Graham Greene The Comedians
A clean house is a sign of a misspent life.

1 archive

May 22 2014

Pmalone6

Triplogs 4

35 male

Joined Apr 29 2014
Flagstaff, AZ

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		May 22 2014
		Pmalone6 • Triplogs 4

Hiking	2.40 Miles	500 AEG

Hiking	2.40 Miles	1 Hour 15 Mns	2.40 mph
	500 ft AEG	15 Mns Break

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Very smooth and accessible trail just East of Flag on the 89. Very close to town but still quiet enough on the trek up to feel like you're in your own world. Huge, very old Ponderosas line the trail before coming to the switchbacks which are still relatively easy. There's some really nice views of the surrounding area on the way up before coming to a T where the right leads to caves and the left to the summit. I went left and came to a clearing at the very top facing the East slope of Mt. Elden with Humphreys just off to the right - really spectacular views! I chatted with other hikers at the top for 15-20 minutes before heading back down. All in all an easy hike about an hour round trip. I didn't bring water or need it but would have enjoyed having a bottle on the way up.

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Nov 02 2013

nikorock28

Routes 18
Photos 580
Triplogs 1,081

42 male

Joined Nov 16 2010
Kingman, AZ