Location and surroundings
Hog Hill rises in the Sedona Area of the Flagstaff Area, within the Central Arizona Highlands on the Colorado Plateau in Arizona, United States. Administratively it is in Coconino County. At 2,209 m, it is the highest of the 57 named peaks in its area, and the summit lies in or near Coconino National Forest. The landscape around it is a mix of forested slopes, open ridges, and dry uplands shaped by the plateau climate.
Neighbouring peaks
Hog Hill sits among a cluster of nearby summits, but most are lower than its 2,209 m height. The nearest higher peak is Red Hill, only 2.3 km to the northeast, so Hog Hill is close to higher ground in that direction. Other nearby peaks include:
- Red Hill — 2,222 m, 2.3 km NE
- Turkey Butte — 2,245 m, 2.4 km SE
- Colcord Hill — 2,025 m, 4.5 km NW
- Bunker Hill — 2,047 m, 6.9 km S
- Rattlesnake Mesa — 2,124 m, 8.0 km SE
- Ruin Mountain — 2,045 m, 9.4 km NW
- Secret Mountain — 2,014 m, 9.4 km S
- Mooney Mountain — 2,256 m, 10.5 km N
Compared with these neighbours, Hog Hill is higher than most nearby hills, but it is not the tallest point in the immediate area.
The view from the summit
From Hog Hill, the highest peaks within 25 km give a sense of the broader Sedona uplands. To the north are Volunteer Mountain at 2,453 m, 19.0 km away, and Fortynine Hill at 2,396 m, 24.2 km away. To the northeast lie Woody Mountain at 2,452 m, 18.6 km away, Le Barron Hill at 2,340 m, 15.1 km away, and Dutton Hill at 2,330 m, 11.6 km away. To the northwest is Summit Mountain at 2,373 m, 21.4 km away.
These peaks show that Hog Hill is part of a high, broken landscape rather than an isolated summit. In clear weather, the surrounding ridges and higher mountains would dominate the horizon.
The range
Hog Hill belongs to the Sedona Area, which is the high-point area for this mountain. The Sedona Area is part of a wider hierarchy that runs from the North American Cordillera through the Intermountain West, the Colorado Plateau, the Central Arizona Highlands, and the Flagstaff Area. Within the Sedona Area, Hog Hill ranks first by elevation among 57 named peaks.
The range high point is therefore Hog Hill itself, and that makes it the reference summit for the area. Its position at the top of the local list is useful for hikers and peak-baggers who want the highest named summit in this part of Arizona.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER for 2001–2020 suggest that the summit is cool to mild for much of the year. The warmest month is July, at about 21 °C on average at the summit, while January is the coldest month, at about 0 °C. Mean temperatures above freezing are expected from February through November. Around the mountain, annual precipitation is about 450 mm, with the wettest month in July at about 70 mm and the driest in June at about 5 mm.
In this part of Arizona, weather can change quickly in summer, with thunderstorms and brief heavy rain, while winter brings colder nights and occasional snow or ice at higher elevations. Dry air, strong sun, and exposed ridges are common hazards.
Best time to visit
For Hog Hill, the most comfortable months are usually the ones with temperatures above freezing at the summit and less intense summer heat. Based on the climate figures, that means February to November are the months when the summit average stays above 0 °C. The drier period is around June, while July is the wettest month, so early summer can be less predictable because of storms.
Spring and autumn are often the easiest seasons for a visit in this kind of high-desert mountain country. Summer can be hot in the lower terrain and storm-prone on exposed ground, while winter may bring cold mornings and icy patches.
Nature and wildlife
The slopes around Hog Hill are typical of the Colorado Plateau and the high country of northern Arizona: open forest, scrub, rocky ground, and dry ridges with patches of grass and shrubs. At this elevation, vegetation usually shifts between woodland and more open mountain terrain, depending on aspect and exposure. Wildlife in the region commonly includes deer, small mammals, birds of prey, and reptiles in the warmer months.
The summit area is within or near Coconino National Forest, so land management and access are shaped by a protected-forest setting rather than a developed alpine zone. Visitors should expect natural terrain, not marked summit facilities.
Guides and organised ascents
For a mountain like Hog Hill, a certified guide is usually not essential for a straightforward day outing, but it can be useful if you are unfamiliar with desert navigation, winter conditions, or remote forest terrain. In the United States, the national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club or federation is the American Alpine Club. Examples of established guiding companies in the country include RMI Expeditions and Exum Mountain Guides.
Guided trips in the United States usually include route planning, local judgement on weather and terrain, and equipment advice. Costs depend on trip length, group size, and whether extra logistics or overnight stays are involved. Some peaks in the country require registration or permits from the land agency, so it is wise to check the rules for the area before setting out.
Safety and preparation
Hog Hill is not extremely high, but it still demands respect for sun, heat, dehydration, and changing weather. The terrain in this part of Arizona can be dry and exposed, with loose ground, rocky sections, and limited shade. In summer, thunderstorms can build quickly; in colder months, early starts may mean frost or icy patches. Carry enough water, wear sun protection, and plan for a route that may take longer than expected.
For mountain rescue in the United States, the emergency number is 911. Dispatchers can alert the local search and rescue team, usually run by the county sheriff or a national park authority.
Interesting facts
Hog Hill is the highest of 57 named peaks in the Sedona Area, which makes it the local high point. Its nearest higher neighbour is Red Hill, 2.3 km to the northeast, so the summit is close to higher terrain even though it leads its own area. The mountain also sits within the broader Colorado Plateau system, linking it to a much larger upland landscape.
Because the summit is the high point of its range area, Hog Hill is a useful reference peak for understanding the local topography of the Sedona uplands.
FAQ
How high is Hog Hill? Hog Hill rises to 2,209 m.
Where is Hog Hill located? It is in Coconino County, Arizona, in the United States, within the Sedona Area of the Flagstaff Area.
What is Hog Hill the highest point of? It is the highest mountain in the Sedona Area.
What are the nearest peaks to Hog Hill? The closest are Red Hill 2.3 km NE, Turkey Butte 2.4 km SE, and Colcord Hill 4.5 km NW.
Is there water on the way to Hog Hill? In this dry high-desert terrain, plan to carry your own water. For a day outing, about 1.5 to 3 litres per person is a sensible range, more in hot weather or on a longer route.
Is mobile phone coverage reliable on Hog Hill? Coverage in the hills is often patchy and depends on the operator. On open ground a signal is more likely, while ridges and valleys can block it. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before you go.
What is the nearest higher peak? The nearest higher peak is Red Hill, 2.3 km to the northeast, at 2,222 m.