Hiking to O’Leary Lookout | Flagstaff, AZ

Just north of Flagstaff is a super interesting landscape shaped by volcanic activity. These features can be seen by way of the towering San Fransisco Peaks which are a result of a volcanic explosion. Or there’s Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument that provides up close encounters with lava flows and craters. But for an excellent vast view of this volcanic landscape and to get a glimpse into the top of Sunset Crater itself, hiking to O’Leary Lookout is a must.

O’Leary Lookout is just outside of the national monument so there is no entrance fee and the trail is lightly trafficked. Besides the great panoramic views and steep workout, visiting the fire lookout tower at the top is a rewarding perk of the climb!

Unfortunately, our experience hiking to O’Leary Lookout coincided with COVID-19. But under non-pandemic circumstances, the tower operator is happy to invite hikers up into the fire lookout tower! We weren’t able to climb up the tower, but the tower operator was very friendly and greeted us as we approached. She was also happy to answer any questions.

Quick Info: Hiking to O’Leary Lookout

Distance: 10 miles roundtrip

Difficulty: Moderately strenuous; trail conditions were very defined and obstacle free but steep!

Directions: From Flagstaff, follow the AZ-89 N for about 12 miles. Turn right onto Loop Road/FR 545 at the sign for Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Continue for 1.8 miles and then turn left onto FR 545A. After about 0.3 miles there is a small trailhead and a sign for O’Leary Lookout Trail.

Elevation: O’Leary Lookout Trailhead: 6,956 — O’Leary Lookout Tower: 8,916 feet

Our Experience Hiking to O’Leary Lookout

The trail begins as a wide, relatively level cinder trail through the pines and aspens. This section of O’Leary Trail was very enjoyable. Both sides of the trail has tall pines with small aspens in the mix. And on the right, the jagged black lava flow parallels the trail. These huge lava boulders covering such a large area are a pretty fascinating site.

The trail to O’Leary Lookout is also used as an access road to the fire lookout tower. And actually, the entire trail to O’Leary lookout is on this access road. But it is only used by the Forest Service and we didn’t encounter any vehicles as we were hiking to O’Leary Lookout.

Although hiking on a road is not very alluring, this road starts off very pretty and once it begins climbing via switchbacks it grants amazing vast views.

And the Climb Begins!

After about 1.5 miles, the trail begins to climb and the switchbacks begin! As we were climbing the switchbacks, the views kept getting better and better. We were able to look down and see the black of the lava flow that we were just walking near.

As we were hiking to O’Leary Lookout we were able to see Sunset Crater and the San Fransisco Peaks across the way.

And once we got a little higher, not only could we see Humphrey’s Peak but we could also see our dispersed campsite! Humphrey’s Peak is the highest peak in Arizona and we had an amazing time hiking to the summit via Inner Basin Trail. You can read about our hike to the summit here or check out our article about free camping near Flagstaff to learn more about the camp site pictured below!

The rest of the hike is literally following the access road up to the lookout tower. And the switchbacks are pretty steep and exposed – not much shade. As we were climbing, we kept an eye on the fire lookout tower, watching as it got closer and closer.

The final ascent up to the lookout tower is a real steep grade.

Hike it Later – Pin it Now!

But we made it! The tower operator greeted us and apologized for not inviting us up due to COVID-19. We told her we understood then we walked under the tower to see the view from the edge. The views from the end of the trail were great. We were glad that we brought our binoculars to take in the sprawling vast landscape.

There weren’t many options for shade so we ate our lunch under the fire tower with literally thousands of ladybugs. It was kind of creepy just how many ladybugs there were!

After we refueled, we took in the views again. And got our glimpse into the top of the Sunset Crater. We signed the log book and headed back down. Luckily the clouds rolled in so we got some relief from the sun and even got sprinkled on.

All in all, hiking to O’Leary Lookout was a pretty neat hike in the Flagstaff area. After having gone on numerous hikes in the area and getting to know the lay of the land, seeing it from the O’Leary Lookout was pretty cool.

Thanks for Keeping Up with The Lost Longboarder!

If you’d like to see some more of our adventures, check out the articles below:

• Hiking in Badlands National Park
• Hilton Lakes Hike
• Ashdown Gorge Adventure
• Point Trail in West Clear Creek Wilderness

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