This is a trip into the heart of an old volcano, close to the size of  Mt. Saint Helens. If you pay close attention you can see the ancient lava flows that are still visible. It is located 8600’ to 10,000’ foot in the San Francisco peak’s area near Flagstaff. The hike up the trail is rated moderate and is 2 miles one way. There is no permit required, bikes are not allowed on the trail, horses are, but not in the inner basin. There is no camping in the inner basin or above the tree line. If you hike above the tree line you must stay on existing trails. Pets are not allowed in the inner basin and must remain on a leash. There are no firearms restrictions.

How to get there

From flagstaff take U.S 89 north for about 12.5 miles to forest road 552, take FR 552 for about a mile and turn to the left of the sign for Lockett meadow. Continue on till you reach the trailhead. You will have plenty of space to park and lots of places to camp at Lockett meadow. From here you will find several different trails leading up to the inner basin.  The trip will take about 6 hours round trip so you should take plenty of water, snacks, a rain poncho, and a map of the area (use Humphrey’s peak quadrangle 7.5 minute topographical map of Coconino county), a small first aid kit and by all means a camera. I forgot mine or we would have some photo’s to show you.  It is truly an awesome experience to hike into an old volcano. I hope you have a wonderful experience if you take some pictures and please shoot some over to AZOD. Let us know how your trip was and we will post your pictures for everyone’s pleasure.

> REMEMBER IF YOU PACK IT IN PACK IT OUT. LETS KEEP THE OUTDOORS CLEAN FOR FUTURE GENARATIONS.

R.L. Gray

Team AZOD