OLEARY GROUP SITE

The campground sits on a bed of soft, flat volcanic soil amidst Arizona's ponderosa pine country. This area of volcanic activity is so unique that much of it has been set aside as Sunset Crater National Monument. The camping area offers incredible views of dark cinder cone peaks, thick forests and open grassy meadows that burst with wildflowers in spring and early summer. Wupatki National Monument is also nearby and features an ancient four-story pueblo, a masterpiece of Ancient Pueblo stone masonry circa A.D. 1120.

Recreation: Most visitors spend time hiking, exploring and learning at the national monuments. Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monuments have visitor centers and feature self-guided and ranger-guided tours. Another popular activity is hiking to O'Leary Lookout Tower. The trail is 4.9 miles one way on an old forest road with a steady, steep climb that rewards visitors with a vast panoramic view of Flagstaff, the San Francisco Peaks and the Painted Desert which was carved out by the Little Colorado River.

Nearby: The nearby town of Flagstaff, Arizona, has shopping, restaurants and other conveniences. Visitors also frequent the must-see Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument .