O'Leary Peak Trail
O'Leary Peak is a lava dome volcano, not a cinder cone like Sunset Crater Volcano.
The hike is along a roadbed, which is rough with pot holes, rocks and eroded sections. You may take your pet on this road on a leash. Summer temperatures can be fatal to pets left in vehicles.
The route up is a blocked off forest service road. Initially, one could drive up to the pass between O'Leary and Darton Dome, but the entrance has been pushed back. Now there is about another mile you have to hike to even reach the base of the peak. However, during this part of the hike you'll walk along Sunset Crater's impressive lava flow. It's worth getting off the trail and checking out.
There are a total of six switchbacks to the tower, which is not on the Peak. The peak is O'Leary's western summit. To hike it, get off the road between the two summits and hike up until you reach the top. This is the most difficult part of the climb. The tower sits at 8,911 feet and offers fantastic views. You can see into the Inner Basin of the San Francisco Peaks, into the crater of Sunset Crater and to the north you can see the Painted Desert. The photo above is of the San Francisco Peaks from the lookout tower at O'Leary Peak.
General Information
- Difficulty: Strenuous.
- Trailhead Elevation: 6,951 ft.
- Elevation Gain: 1,961 ft.
- Length: 7.7 miles one way.
- Time: 4-5 hours roundtrip.
- Weather Warning: Be prepared for abrupt weather changes; weather extremes are not uncommon. Although spring is usually mild, heavy snowfall can occur. Summer days are warm with temperatures in the 80s. Expect short afternoon thunderstorms July through September.
Address: 5075 N. Highway 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: 928-526-0866
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Cof_Webmail@usda.gov
Getting There
Directions
Location: Northwest of Sunset Crater
Access: From Flagstaff take U.S. Highway 89 north. Turn right on Forest Road 545 to Sunset Crater National Park. Just before entering the park, take a left on Forest Road 545A. Drive this road about 1/4 of a mile, which is paved. Park here and hike the rest of the way to the top.
GPS (Map): 35°22'19.9"N 111°32'28.7"W
