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Weekend Warriors Arizona Hiking Guide
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If a short climb to a mountain with great views of Northern Arizona appeals to you, this is your hike. This hike is located near Flagstaff, AZ. To the Trailhead start: From the Flagstaff area, take HWY 180 North West towards the south rim of the Grand Canyon. From the junction with HWY-64, turn North (staying on HWY 180) for another 10.4 miles. At the signed road junction for FR320, turn right (FR320 is also about 13.5 miles South of the Grand Canyon south entrance gate). Go about 1.5 miles on this well graded dirt road and turn left onto FR340. After 0.8 miles, turn right onto FR340A and head for the signed Red Mountain trailhead. You will reach the trailhead parking area after 0.3 miles. Be Aware of: FR320 can be closed in the winter. 30 yr old Recommendation: Easy climbs to great views are rare, so this is a good one to take advantage of. This is an Easy hike. Elevation change: about 1000 ft gain
From trailhead to the top of Red Butte Distance: 3.0 miles round trip Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes to the top (with some time enjoying the views) and back Time of year: Summer Solitude: Excellent. On an overcast day in May I had this trail all to myself. Map: Click here for map On the drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, you'll notice a lone mountain keeping a solitary watch over the area. This mountain is known as Red Butte and there is a very pleasant trail up to the top of it. The Havasupai tribe consider this a sacred mountain, so please treat it accordingly. From the well marked trailhead, simply follow the trail as it heads up. The elevation grade is consistent and the trail is easy to follow. As you climb, you're treated to increasingly enjoyable views of the surrounding area. Since Red Butte is all alone in this area, it makes for a unique perspective. At the top there is a fire lookout, along with an outhouse and lots of great views. The San Francisco peaks are easily visible. Be sure to walk around the different sides of the butte to enjoy all of the different views. When you've finished enjoying the top of Red Butte, return the way you came.
[View of Red Butte on an overcast day]
[Views from the top of Red Butte (looking towards the cloud shrouded San Francisco peaks)]
[The forest lookout at the top of Red Butte] This hike was taken in March 2009
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