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 SP Crater
by:
Honza
Location:
Flagstaff,
AZ
Longitude:
-111.6331
Latitude:
35.5771This is a short but VERY steep hike up a perfect cinder cone volcano!
Features and Interests:
Known to be one of the best examples of a cynder cone volcano (symmetrical cone). Has a large lava field from its eruption to the north of the volcano. It's an 800 ft high cone, with a 400 ft deep crater; last eruption approximately 71,000 years ago. Amazing geological formations, especially on the top of the cone!
Flora/Fauna on this Trail:
5/20 AM  45°/82°
5/20 AM  48°/87°
5/20 PM 53°/86°
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There are 2 ways to ascend this cone: 1) head straight up from the southern side - bad idea or 2) head to the small right/ascend to the west of the crater and then ascend the cone - best idea! Main reason for this deduction is the ascend of the cone. Since this is a volcano with loose rock, every 3 steps you take up will slide you back down 1 step. Combine this with the high altitude of the area, you will be puffing pretty quick!
So, start making your way around the cone to the west via a gradual incline/slope to the western rise (save you good 200+ ft of elevation). Once there, you will see a trail leading up the volcano in a wide zigzag pattern. Be careful, this is lose rock so stay as close to the *path* as you can and look for firm/less loose grounds. Once you summit to the ridge of the volcano, you will have great 360 degree views and see many interesting geologic formations, including the very deep crater.
So, start making your way around the cone to the west via a gradual incline/slope to the western rise (save you good 200+ ft of elevation). Once there, you will see a trail leading up the volcano in a wide zigzag pattern. Be careful, this is lose rock so stay as close to the *path* as you can and look for firm/less loose grounds. Once you summit to the ridge of the volcano, you will have great 360 degree views and see many interesting geologic formations, including the very deep crater.
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