Phoenix, AZ: Valley of the Sun Chapter, O’Leary Lookout hike – Flagstaff

Jun 28, 2025 9:00AM—2:00PM

Location

From Flagstaff take US 89 north. Turn right on the road 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

Cost $0

Event Contact Darryl Toupkin 602.284.1765 | Email

Categories

Register

This is a wonderful opportunity to train for your fall Camino (or relive it) and beat the heat! The out and back hike to O’Leary Peak Lookout begins on a forest road with gradual elevation gain. The trail is open and surrounded by lava field. We will get off the forest road between two summits and hike 6 switchbacks to the tower on the Peak. The peak is O’Leary’s western summit. This is the most difficult part of the climb. The tower sits at 8,916, 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. You will be amazed by the number of cinder cones in the area. For more information read about it in Arizona Highways. You can make a day of it and visit Sunset Crater after the hike. While no fee is required for parking at the trailhead, there is a park fee if you choose to visit Sunset Crater.

Meeting place: O’Leary Lookout trailhead which is just before you enter Sunset Crater Monuments. The drive to the trailhead is a quarter mile. Plenty of time to join us for the day if you drive up from Phoenix. Check Bonito Campground adjacent to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument if inclined to camp.