Arizona · Hiking · Near Kachina Village

Cinders

CindersPhoto: deborah.soltesz, Public Domain Dedication (CC0) (via Flickr)
1.2 mi
round trip
60 ft
climb
6,706 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
best months

Is Cinders open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 5 alerts for Coconino National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · Coconino National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Cinders is a short, easy out-and-back hike in the Flagstaff Ranger District of Coconino National Forest in Arizona, managed by the Forest Service. The route is about 1.2 miles long, with a low point of 6,656 feet and a high of 6,706 feet, so the climb is only about 60 feet of elevation gain. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Walnut Canyon run to highs around 71°F in May and 67°F in October, while July and August bring highs in the mid-80s and the most wet days of the year. The trail starts at the Old Caves Crater (South) parking area, and the Old Caves hike lies just 0.1 mile away. Little Elden Springs Horsecamp is about 2.9 miles off, and the Mt. Elden Crags climbing area is about 3.2 miles away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    RV Park Flagstaff

    Campground

    Campground · 1.6 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Mary's Cafe

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 3 mi · Open after 6
  • If it rains

    Museum of Northern Arizona Research Center

    Museum

    On your way back · 8 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Kachina Village

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct

    Best time to visit Cinders

    Best months: April–June and September–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      45° / 20°

      6 wet

    2. Feb

      49° / 23°

      6 wet

    3. Mar

      56° / 28°

      5 wet

    4. Apr

      62° / 34°

      4 wet

    5. May

      71° / 40°

      4 wet

    6. Jun

      82° / 51°

      3 wet

    7. Jul

      86° / 57°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      82° / 55°

      13 wet

    9. Sep

      78° / 46°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      67° / 34°

      5 wet

    11. Nov

      55° / 28°

      4 wet

    12. Dec

      45° / 21°

      5 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Walnut Canyon Nm, AZ, 6.9 mi away at 6,695 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive

Old CavesPhoto: deborah.soltesz, Public Domain Dedication (CC0) (via Flickr)

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Old Caves South AccessPhoto: deborah.soltesz, Public Domain Dedication (CC0) (via Flickr)

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Christmas TreePhoto: Coconino NF Photography, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

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Sunset TrailPhoto: Coconino NF Photography, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

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Heart TrailPhoto: Coconino NF Photography, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

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