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. During this part of the hike, you walk along Sunset Crater's lava flow, which is very impressive. It's worth getting off the trail and checking out.

There are a total of 6 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 8,916. The view is excellent. 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.

Length: 7 miles (round-trip)

Rating: Strenuous

Use: Light

Season: April to November

Hiking time: Allow 4 to 5 hours round-trip

Notes: 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.

USGS Map(s): O'Leary Peak

Location: Just northwest of Sunset Crater

GPS: N35° 22' 18.264", W-111° 32' 29.0754"

Access: 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 service rd 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.

For more information contact:
Peaks Ranger Station, 5075 N. Highway 89, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, (928) 526-0866