Would recommend at least poles and good boots, but spikes and poles would be best. If high-pointing Arizona is on your bucket list, then Humphreys Peak is the trail for you! As always, please pick-up after your dog. It was noon. I didn’t have trekking poles. Because of the elevation gain and altitude, this hike can be categorized as moderately strenuous. I was very happy I had my spikes and poles with me. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Ownership: Land: Coconino National Forest (Highest Point) Wilderness/Special Area: Kachina Peaks Wilderness Area (Highest Point) Topo Map: Humphreys Peak O35111c6 1:24,000: Route #1 : Maintained Hiking Trail: Data Source: 1:25,000 (or larger) Topographic Survey Map As of 2020 there are a handful of porta potties at the TH. Discover Humphreys Peak B-24 Wreckage in Flagstaff, Arizona: The wreckage of a deadly bomber plane crash can still be found near an Arizona peak. It is relentless. Camping: The best areas to camp are on the road along to the trailhead. At the top there are several false summits and a decent amount of loose rock. Was grateful for micro spikes on the way down and using hiking poles throughout. If you wanted to add more hiking there are some other trails at the start of the hike that could be added on. 2) Take breaks! In general though, this is not the GREATEST area to camp, but you can certainly make it work. The wind was brutal and cold once we got up over the saddle and we ended up turning around about 0.5 mile from the peak. The route is 99% trail (smooth to rugged) and 100% beautiful. You could certainly tell by the unique rocks that almost looked like lava. Took almost 5 hours to descent. The hike does start with a lot of exposed roots so be cautious. 1) the trail is very icy. The trek to Humphreys Peak is about five miles each way and most of that time is spent in the forest. Humphreys Peak is the highest of a group of dormant volcanic peaks known as the San Francisco Peaks. It’s one of the easiest summits to reach among the highest peaks in the western states. Parking: Humphreys Peak has a large parking lot that can fit 30+ cars.As of 2020 there are a handful of porta potties at the TH. Then, follow the Humphreys Summit Trail for 1.0 miles to Humphreys Peak, which is the tallest point in Arizona at 12,637 feet. After spending a beautiful day hiking at the Grand Canyon, I was ready to explore more of Arizona. It hadn’t been icy on the way up and we were unprepared. Highly recommend carrying micro-spikes. Started at 8 and only passed a few groups on the way up, were the second to summit and got it to ourselves. Sunny, no wind, and I could see Grand Canyon. A bit icy in sections. Best Views: Humphreys Peak has the best views once you crack treeline. Gen. Andrew Atkinson Humphreys, who had been with the Ives Expedition as a captain in 1851. Besides that, the trail would have been really doable considering the elevation gain and altitude. Recommend micro spikes as it’s icy for a good portion of the hike. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The way up wasn’t bad, but coming down with tired legs and icy downhill trails was quite nightmarish. What is the length of the Humphreys Peak Trail? Humphreys Peak is the king of the hills in Arizona. The trailhead is located at the north end of the parking lot. Not too steep of a grade really anywhere besides the rocky section at the top. Check out some pictures from my hike up Humphreys Peak below and then watch the virtual trail guide. Humphreys Peak is the eroded remnant of an ancient volcano that was active more than 400,000 years ago. Climbing Humphreys Peak . The first part of the ascent is pleasant with a steady incline. Humphreys Peak. Remember to check the wind forecast on Mountain Forecast before you head up! Trail Summary:  Humphreys Peak is the highest mountain in Arizona at 12,637ft. To get to the very top, hikers should expect about 10 miles out and back before returning to the parking lot. Getting There Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet and one of the most scenic viewpoints in the San Francisco Peaks. Questions or comments about this hike? Out of all the western states high points it is the easiest summit to hike. Make sure you carefully plan and prepare for your hiking or backpacking trip on the San Francisco Peaks before you take off for your adventure. Dogs: Humphreys Peak is dog friendly however it does enter a wilderness area for the majority of the hike so please keep dogs leashed when you can. On a clear day you will see Humphrey's Peak on your right/East. Great hike, good trail. Hiking Humphreys Peak Start your hike from the trailhead at the northeast corner of the parking lot. Chances are, if you are hiking Humphreys Peak, you might not be used to thin air at high elevation. This epic, out-and-back route starts at Heritage Square (at the heart of historic downtown Flagstaff, AZ) then (about 20.5 miles later and about 6,000 feet higher) goes to Humphreys Peak (highest point in AZ at 12,633 feet in elevation) and then back to Heritage Square. Your lungs may be feeling it at the start, but once you get north of 10,000ft you will really be breathing heavy. We were going half our usual pace the last mile just due to the wind. The trail rises over 3,000 feet in elevation over approximately 4.5 miles, and takes you through alpine forest to alpine sage above treeline. We happened to go with 60mph winds. The summit had beautiful views of the fall colors to the east and west with the Grand Canyon’s south rim veiled in smoke. We hiked with micro spikes and trekking poles. Your hike begins and ends at approximately 8,000 ft elevation and reach over 11,800 feet at the highest point on the trail. Drive 7.4 miles on this paved road to the lower parking lot of the Snow Bowl facility. Hiking consists of a dirt trail with some extremely minor class 2 as you get above treeline. We hiked 12/23/2020 and the wind was BRUTAL. If you are used to high elevation hiking, this one will not be a problem for you as it only tops out in the 12,000 range. Leave a comment below or follow me on Instagram! Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet and one of the most scenic viewpoints in the San Francisco Peaks. Hike On likely one of the hotter Saturday's of the summer I'd guess a hundred hiked Humphreys via the popular summit trail. Like Lockett Meadow and the Inner Basin Trail, these woods are full of beautiful aspens and, if you’re hiking in the fall, golden autumn leaves. Humphreys Peak is the highest peak in Arizona at 12,637 feet(3,852 meters) within the volcanic San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. At the end of the parking lot, closest to the ski lodge, you will see a sign for the Humphreys Peak Trail. Title says it all. Your email address will not be published. This Humphreys Peak trail guide is a warning and an example of why you need to take this hike seriously and be prepared. Unrelenting ~60mph gusts for the last probably mile and a half or so. I wore microspikes. You could manage without, but makes things easier. Only saw 6 people all day. Humphreys Peak – Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering. Fees: There is no fee to hike Humphreys Peak. Hike Tip(s): I would highly recommend hiking Humphreys Peak in the fall. I wish I had spikes cause there is snow/ice covered on most of the trail but even without them I still completed the hike just fine! Not super windy at the top which made the last mile a little easier. Didn’t use microspikes on the way up, but did on the way down and would recommend them. This is not an easy hike by any standards, but if you can make it to the top of Mt. The summit can be most easily reached by hiking the 4.8 miles (7.7 km) long Humphreys Summit Trail that begins at the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort in the Coconino National Forest. I went 11/21 and it was a beautiful day! Chances are if you have been near Flagstaff, Arizona you have seen a portion or the summit of this mountain. Our dog did well on the trail as well. Snow is around three inches for most of the trail. To stand on the roof of the state, take a short trip from Flagstaff up to the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort. There is no additional charge to you. Up on the ridge to the summit, the snow varies between nine and up to two feet. I would highly recommend this hike in the fall when the leaves are changing to add to your views. I arrived to the trailhead on an early October weekday and was greeted with the cool desert temperatures. Photo credit: Nathan Hillman Humphreys Peak. I started hiking about 10 am, and was on the peak by 3 pm, with frequent stops to catch my breath from the altitude. Humphreys Trail is steep and long and extremely rocky in its higher reaches. Humphreys is Arizona’s premier high-altitude hiking experience. Overview 3.7 miles on the Inner Basin Trail #29 to the Weatherford Trail #102.Follow the Weatherford for 2.45 miles to the Humphreys Summit Trail. Great hike, very windy up top. But once we got back into the trees, the sun came out and it was still a beautiful hike and we would do it again on a less windy day. Four stars not because the trail sucked (it doesn’t suck at all! Great view, though. Views don’t start until the saddle. Check wind/ weather conditions before. A moderately difficult, 4.8-mile trail leaves from the resort and leads to the 12,633-foot summit of Humphreys Peak. Make note once you’re out of the forested area and in the barren, mountain top area the trail markers are wooden posts sticking out of the ground. The length of the trail is 5.3 miles (8.5 km) or 12,010 steps. On clear days hikers can see the Grand Canyon from the summit. You'll be hiking the Weatherford, Humphreys Peak and Kachina Trails. Hope this helps, have fun!!! Humphreys Trail is open year round but snow can make the hike difficult during the winter months. Since the snow cover and lack of signage can make navigation difficult, it is recommended that you use the app's recorder feature to avoid getting lost. The highest point in the state. As you gain elevation, the already rock-studded trail (shown above) loses its soil leaving uneven, foot-chewing scree. Directions from Flagstaff: Drive north on US 180 for 7 miles to FR 516, the Snow Bowl Road. After we came out of the forested area I found the hike more challenging because it was a bit more rocky and higher elevation than we’re use to (Midwest folks here). After soaking in the views from the highest point in Arizona, turn around and hike 1.0 mile back to Humphreys Saddle. Quite a bit of snow/ice. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Once you get close to the TH, there will be signs for Humphreys Peak parking. In general though, this is not the GREATEST area to camp, but you can certainly make … It’s quite the experience to be hiking next to yellow and orange aspen trees one hour and then next to cactuses the next. Unless you bring a flashlight. About 4.5 hrs moving, 5.5 hours total. It’s definitely doable without micro spikes but prepare to fall at least 5 times like I did. Humphreys Peak. Required fields are marked *. Humphreys, you are standing on the state’s highest peak and are rewarded with a 360° panoramic view that is unparalleled anywhere in Arizona, taking in hundreds of square miles on a clear day. The view is incredible, the trail was crowded, and she said yes at the top! Typically hiked during the spring, summer and fall but it can also be ascended in the winter months. Start hiking North across the green slope towards the treeline. always windy from the saddle and up. As you can see in the photo at the top of the post, it’s a wide open grassy field leading to a grove of aspen and conifers. Humphreys Peak. Canyonlands National Park Needles District Trail Guide. Making it up and down is certainly something to be proud of, but, despite its stature, the Hump is not the most difficult hike in Arizona. Humphrey's Peak, at 12,633 feet, is the highest point in Arizona. Parking: Humphreys Peak has a large parking lot that can fit 30+ cars. The hike starts just north of 9,000ft and picks up consistent elevation until you arrive at the summit. be prepared for 3 false summits. The trail cuts directly across the green/bunny slope of the ski area. Definitely a doable hike if there wasn’t so much wind. Humphreys Peak and the greater San Francisco Mountain is part of the Kachina Peaks Wilderness Area, which includes 18,960 acres. Highly recommend! The popular 4.75-mile-long trail is moderate but can be strenuous for lowlanders. The hiking was quick and relatively boring until I cracked treeline where I was greeted with fantastic views of the neighboring mountains and foliage in almost all directions.As I got closer to the summit I was intrigued by the cool geology as Humphreys Peak is a dormant volcano. An extinct volcano, Humphreys Peak, is the highest in Arizona. Elevation gain is 3,313 feet. You can also take a side trip and see the remains of a B-24 crash site from 1944. In late summer monsoon storms can set the high country snapping with lightning. I decided to jog down and ended up car to car in just over 4 hours. Humphrey's Peak, Weatherford and Kachina Trail Loop. Was definitely icy on the way down and busier. Make it a Loop: Humphreys Peak is an out and back hike. I was down at the bottom at 5:15pm, and since the ski hill was closed by then, I just walked down the most direct route which was down the middle of a ski run! Cross the open meadow to the forest on the far side, and pass under one of the ski lifts along the way. You do not want to be caught in the trail when the sun goes down! Trail has a decent amount of ice. Camping: The best areas to camp are on the road along to the trailhead. 4) start early. Getting Here: From Flagstaff, take US-180 for 6.6 Miles to reach the entrance of Arizona Snow Bowl. *Links included in this description might be affiliate links. Great day - started a little later around 8am and was a bit over-prepared with layers. Decided to turn around. On a super clear day from the summit you can even see the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Pick a day when it isn’t windy to summit this one during winter conditions. The trail became very icy, very icy! Up past the treeline is usually very windy and exposed, use sunscreen. This is a strenuous rocky trail with over 3,000 feet elevation gain. On clear days hikers can see the Grand Canyon from the summit. I have good hiking boots and poles but micro-spikes probably would have been much more comforting. Hiking Humphreys Peak The Humphreys Peaks Trail begins from the Arizona Snowbowl parking lot at an elevation of 9,300 feet. The Humphreys Trail, starting at 8,800 feet at the Arizona Snow Bowl ski area on the west side of the mountain, is the standard ascent route. The alpine forest trail is located just north of Flagstaff. The trail offers a number of activity options. NF-522 in addition to some limited roadside camping spots. Finally, continue down the Humphreys Summit Trail toward Snowbowl for the final 4.1 miles. In winter this meadow is the beginner’s slope. Pretty quiet on a Friday. There is ice underneath. Didn't realize I was at the peak when I saw a sign-in metal case with Humphreys Peak post laying on the ground after being blown down from daily strong gust. Yes, and it's free! Not only are the temperatures cooler which will make for a much more enjoyable hike but you will also get to enjoy the beautiful aspen trees that cover all sides of the mountain. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. I’ll be completing it again! Hiked the trail a few days ago 11/26. The Narrows Hike Trail Guide Zion National Park, Colorado Trail Segment 11 & CW1 Hike Trail Guide, Protection from Sun – almost entire hike is above tree line. Your email address will not be published. This is an out and back trail to Humphreys Peak in Coconino National Forest. Arizona Office of Tourism, 2702 N. 3rd St., Suite 4015 , Phoenix, AZ, 85004, Phone: 888-520-3434, Fax: 602-240-5432, mfioritt@pni.com. The trail gets harder to follow, more rugged, and lot steeper. It’s the pinnacle. A day hike to Humphreys Peak from the Arizona Snowbowl – stand on top of Arizona at 12,633 feet above sea level and retrace your steps back to the parking area. Difficulty: Moderate Difficulty System Explained, Season: Late June – Late November – Expect snow & SEVERAL more miles outside of this period. You start in a flowery meadow near Arizona Snowbowl and then wind your way above the tree line. Ok so a few tips from someone who is not a pro and just completed this: The descent was a nightmare. Mt. A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 3.5 hours in one direction and in 2.3 hours in the opposite direction. Online it says the trail to the summit is closed due to covid but I’m wondering if anyone has any updated information. Take a right here and continue to the end of the road (about 6.5 Miles). Humphreys Peak Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Humphreys Peak is: Mostly dryTemperatures will be below freezing (max -2°C on Mon afternoon, min -9°C on Wed morning)Winds increasing (light winds from the ESE on Mon afternoon, gales from the W by Tue afternoon). Here, the Weatherford Trail comes in from the south, but the peak trail turns north to skirt the west side of the ridge. Here it may snow during any month of the year. The alpine forest trail is located just north of Flagstaff. Afternoon storms are common in the late summer. On a typical hike you will get a great perspective of the other San Francisco Peaks. Fees: There is no fee to hike Humphreys Peak. Starting at the Arizona Snowbowl ski base, it’s a 4.8 mile climb to the summit and elevation gain of 3,313 feet. 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