Hike and Camp at Arizona's A1 Mountain
Chillin, Camping, Photography, Running
Beginner
Year Round
Multiple views of the San Francisco Peaks. Scenic. Solitude. Easily accessible hiking. Great trail running. Camping. No fees. Close driving distance to downtown Flagstaff.
6.6 miles west of downtown Flagstaff off the I-40 West is the A1 Mountain Road. Continue over the cattle guards and enter into the A1 Mountain Area—perfect for hiking, camping, and trail running.
The main road is well established for a dirt road, and many of the hiking trails branch off from it. There are amazing views of The San Francisco Peaks from almost any of the medium hills, which are accessible off the main road. A car with AWD or 4WD is preferable, but a normal non-off road car can make the drive.
If camping, check for fire bans and be sure not to wander onto private property.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
Nearby Lodging
Big Sky Retreat Campsite
Williams, Arizona
Reviews
Overall rating:
Peaceful
This is honestly one of my favorite sites in Flagstaff. The campsites are across from a totally peaceful pastoral scene. Rolling grassy hills spotted with wildflowers. You can see the observatory in the distance as well. There is an Arizona State Parks Observatory Mesa section of the road where camping is prohibited. It is clearly marked with a sign so don't camp there! Hiking is allowed and is a great view of Mount Humphreys Peak.
May 2017
The campsite was beautiful with open space to choose our own spot. However the directions were wrong. Right when you get to Flagstaff, you take the I-40 West and get off at Exit 190 for A1 Mountain. There is a well kept up dirt road that was good for the Honda Fit we took. We were able to set up our camp and collect enough rocks and wood to make a campfire before nightfall.
