O'Leary Group Campground

O’Leary Group Campground was constructed in 2001 and is named for O’Leary Peak, which overlooks this camp. The campground is designed to accommodate the special needs of large groups with everything from large armadas with tables for gatherings and meals cooked on super-sized grills, to lots of level ground covered in native volcanic cinders, making the perfect place to set up tents.

This area of volcanic activity is so unique that much of it has been set aside as the Sunset Crater National Monument. Wupatki National Monument is also nearby and features an ancient four-story pueblo, a masterpiece of Ancient Puebloan stone masonry. Construction of that prehistoric condominium began around A.D. 1120, and at one time it contained as many as 100 rooms housing as many as 125 people. Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monuments have visitor centers and feature self-guided and interpreter guided tours.

Another popular activity is to hike up O'Leary Peak Trail to the O’Leary Lookout Tower where the Forest Service spots wildfires. Hiking 4.9 miles one way, on an old forest road with a steady, steep climb will reward visitors with a vast panoramic view of Flagstaff, the San Francisco Peaks and the Painted Desert which was carved out by the Little Colorado River.
 

At a Glance