With midterm tests, group projects, work, and the semester nearing an end I've been pretty busy and haven't had much time to get out of town. Luckily Flagstaff has a lot of nice trails not too far away. Last Saturday, I decided to check out Old Caves Crater. It's just outside of town on US-84 in Doney Park.
The trail is very popular with runners and dog walkers. There is a larger loop trail with minimal elevation change and the summit trail, which I took up and reversed the same way back down.
The path up the hill is about 7 or 8 switchbacks. I was warned about them online, but the grade on this trail is no joke. At times I felt like I was pulling myself up as much as I was pulling myself forward. It doesn't go on for long, and there's plenty of shade to take breaks, but I suggest bringing poles.
The views at the top were spectacular. It was very quiet, breezy, and you could see for miles. I could just make out some of the flatter desert on I-40 to the east.
The eponymous caves were a nice sight, about five or six dug into the volcanic rock. Considering housing costs in Flagstaff, not a bad plan B.
It's not often I see this side of Humphrey's. At some point I'd like to take the 84 up to Page to see the Hoover Dam and North Rim, when it gets rebuilt.
Much shorter post than usual, but I just haven't had the time to do much lately. I think sometime soon I might take a weekend in Lake Havasu, although as for a larger trip I'm still not sure what I want to do for winter break.