The wind continued to blow harder but there is very little threat of slipping and falling on this section. The Hopi call the peaks Nuva’tuk-iya-ovi. We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. My first ascent was in June 2006 with Bart and John. It was a perfect time of day. If you head Northeast keeping the ski slopes to you right, it will be very hard to get lost. Humphreys Peak: Hike Overview. Humphrey’s Peak is the tallest point in the state of Arizona at just over 12,000 feet (3600M). Visibility was only arm length, so spotting a wooden post was considered a blessing. Packera franciscana! 0 Comments. The trail to get here is a tour of the rugged mountainside, and everything about it seems out … 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. The bar offers an Arizona only beer and wine selection. Starting at the Arizona Snowbowl ski base, it’s a 4.8 mile climb to the summit and elevation gain of 3,313 feet. Hiking consists of a dirt trail with some extremely minor class 2 as you get above treeline. We stopped in at The State Bar located on Route 66 right downtown. The alpine forest trail is located just north of Flagstaff. MAP: Flagstaff Trails PERMITS: only required in winter DESIGNATION: Kachina Peaks Wilderness, Coconino National Forest BEST SEASONS: June, September, October Humphreys Peak Weather (Days 0-3): Mostly dry. The rewards are big, with a 360-degree panoramic view across peaks, desert and canyons from the summit. You’ll gain a little over 3,000 feet on foot, on a 10-mile round trip hike. Also keep in mind that even though … Humphreys Peak Hike is a prominent and popular trail to hike in the state of Arizona, due to its massive elevation and picturesque scenery along the hike. Humphreys Peak Trail Guide. This page describes the simplest and most popular way to the summit via the Humphreys Trail (#151). Arizona Trails. Then, follow the Humphreys Summit Trail for 1.0 miles to Humphreys Peak, which is the tallest point in Arizona at 12,637 feet. The trail cuts directly across the green/bunny slope of the ski area. Dispersed car camping is nearest and best at Freidlein Prairie, located partway up the mountain and slightly off the Snowbowl Road. Depending on the winter, climbing Humphreys in March may require snowshoes or traction devices. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Climbing into such a high elevation should not be underestimated (see the Safety section below), but many hikers are unreasonably daunted by the notion of walking up Arizona’s highest peak. Humphreys Peak Hike: An Overview. Catch Humphreys Peak Trail #151 from the parking lot and prepare yourself for a grueling hike up and down Arizona’s largest mountain. Enjoy your time on the summit, take a bunch of pictures and head back down the same way you came up. How to get to Humphreys peak trail head from metro Phoenix Humphreys Peak is the highest peak in Arizona at 12,637 feet(3,852 meters) within the volcanic San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. This hike is strenuous and hiking poles are very useful. Gen. Andrew Atkinson Humphreys, who had been with the Ives Expedition as a captain in 1851. Once you reach the peak, it is big enough to take shelter from the wind no matter which way it is blowing. Click on map thumbnail for larger view. Protest continues regarding today’s high use, especially regarding artificial snow in the ski area. From Flagstaff, take US-180 west towards the Grand Canyon. Hiking times vary, but most people estimate 3-4 hours each way (6-8 hours total). (Days 3-6): Mostly dry. I earn commission with links to other websites, like Amazon. Know the symptoms of altitude sickness, especially if members of your party have never hiked at this elevation. From high atop the barren alpine tundra, you can see the lush Inner Basin, Hart Prairie far below, several other volcanic relics dotting the landscape, the uplifted rim of Oak Creek Canyon, and even gaze all the way into the Grand Canyon on a clear day. Humphreys Peak (Hopi: Aaloosaktukwi, Navajo: Dookʼoʼoosłííd) is the highest natural point in the U.S. state of Arizona, with an elevation of 12,637 feet (3,852 m) and is located within the Kachina Peaks Wilderness in the Coconino National Forest, about 11 miles (17.7 km) north of Flagstaff, Arizona.Humphreys Peak is the highest of a group of extinct volcanic peaks known as the San … Humphreys Peak is less than 30 minutes from Flagstaff Arizona. You could luck out with an unseasonably warm and calm day (though the opposite is equally possible). Finally, continue down the Humphreys Summit Trail toward Snowbowl for the final 4.1 miles. This is a wilderness area. However, I think that is the least attractive time of year to climb the peak. This trail is slightly more hidden on the northern slope of the San Francisco Peaks, but well worth the drive just outside of Flagstaff. The Arizona Snowbowl is located 7 miles northwest of Flagstaff on Highway 180. These cookies do not store any personal information. Agassiz is the most prominent and stunning peak in the range. Humphreys Peak is the eroded remnant of an ancient volcano that was active more than 400,000 years ago. This was the only part of the trail we noticed trail markers. Great atmosphere and great beer to relax after the hike. If you don't have someones old tracks to follow, you may want to download the trail on your GPS. Humphreys peak Hiking trail in Bellemont, Arizona (United States). We switched back to snowshoes for the last mile as it gradually gains the last 600 or so feet. This is only a general schematic, showing the locations of all the maintained trails in the San Francisco Peaks. This hike with winter condition was more like a climb to Mt. More about the winter mountaineering and camping permits can be found here. Humphreys Peak is the highest point in the state of Arizona, at 12,633 feet above sea level. It can be a bit of a pain and takes around 20 minutes. But once conquered we could say that we hiked the tallest mountain in Arizona. Humphreys Peak Hike is a prominent and popular trail to hike in the state of Arizona, due to its massive elevation and picturesque scenery along the hike. Also keep in mind that even though … Temperatures will be below freezing (max -2°C on Mon afternoon, min -9°C on Wed morning). Humphreys Peak is the highest mountain in Arizona and the hardest hike I have done in Arizona. My plan was to be at the summit before Sunrise so that we could watch the sun rise on New Years Day. That is a whole bunch of up. By. The first two miles/1,500 feet of the trail are very easy with gradual elevation gain. People of all ages make the trek, though a certain level of physical fitness is required. What Should You Pack For Humphreys Peak … It’s important to check the weather before deciding to hike here as the winds and inclement weather can turn a nice hike into a scary trip. Make it a Loop: Humphreys Peak is an out and back hike. Winds increasing (light winds from the ESE on Mon afternoon, gales from the W by Tue afternoon). I was on the fence to try it during my visit to AZ in Nov this year but your article has tipped me to go for it. That's right! Humphreys Peak Summit Challenging. Access: From Flagstaff drive north on US 180 for 7 miles to FR 516, the Snowbowl Road. Catch Humphreys Peak Trail #151 from the parking lot and prepare yourself for a grueling hike up and down Arizona’s largest mountain. •A lavish vacati... Overview In winter this meadow is the beginner’s slope. Most hikers will want about 5 or 6 hours to do this hike. From the ski station up to the top and come back down. Andrew Atkinson Humphreys was a General in the Civil War. A quick search tells me that the average temperature in Flagstaff in November is 53 degrees F. The air temperature drops an average of 3.5 degrees for every 1000 feet of elevation gained, so you’re looking at a November average of about 34 degrees on the summit. Humphreys Peak is the penultimate high altitude hike. Be the first to leave a review! Photo credit: Brady Smith. The hike is steep and long, but the outstanding views at the summit make it well worth the difficulty. Hike Welcome to Snow Bowl. If you end up giving it a try, come back and let me know how it goes . And be prepared, much of Arizona may be warm, but cold, windy conditions are the norm up here. 3335 ft gain The first section of the trail crosses winter wonderland. In winter this meadow is the beginner’s slope. Hiking. Just above treeline we came to a saddle with stunning views to the south. Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet and one of the most scenic viewpoints in the San Francisco Peaks. The trail will zigzag through rocky terrain and large boulders. It is actually located right beside Snowbowl with plenty of parking at the bottom as long as it is not a busy ski day. The trail ranges from smooth dirt trails winding through the forest to a rocky path on the ridge to the … The Wheeler Peak hike is a prime way to experience the some of the best hiking trails in Taos, if not the whole state or the entire Southwest! Humphreys gets especially serious in November. Next, you’ll have to take in to account that it’s basically always windy up there, so you’ll be dealing with a mean wind chill, too. Kelly Bastone. © 2020 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. About 15 feet into the tree line you will see two signs designating the Kachina Peaks Wilderness Area. Jhodlof Has posted a really good detailed summery of this route. Like always, i rely on google map to get me everywhere. Peak Summited: 2020 Humphreys Peak: Type of Hike: Day hike: Trailhead: Humphrey's Peak Trail: Encountered: Ripe berries: Hiking Companions: Hiked with a group: Road Conditions: Road suitable for all vehicles: Bug Status: No bugs: Snow Conditions: Snow free: Trail Conditions: Trail in good condition Kelly Bastone. The Humphreys Peaks Trail begins from the Arizona Snowbowl parking lot at an elevation of 9,300 feet. Hiking Humphreys Peak. Temperatures will be below freezing (max -2°C on Mon afternoon, min -9°C on Wed morning). Then, follow the Humphreys Summit Trail for 1.0 miles to Humphreys Peak, which is the tallest point in Arizona at 12,637 feet. You won't encounter crowds on the peak, and visibility is so good you can see well over 150 miles. I started this hike at 7:00am. Hi Jamie, thanks for the excellent article. Exploration Unknown 2,728 views. The only exception is when there is significant snow. Hiking times vary, but most people estimate 3-4 hours each way (6-8 hours total). Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! The rewards are big, with a 360-degree panoramic view across peaks, desert and canyons from the summit. I'm the guy behind DownTheTrail.com. I know I’d not be racing to top and if I take and extra hour to get there, it’ll still be worth it. It's gonna be windy and cold up there, so bring some gloves, winter hut, jacket and spare socks. She was new to Arizona too, and keen on getting out and exploring as much as possible, so we teamed up for the hike. It's about 4.5 miles long (one way) with around 3500 feet of elevation gain. Residents of Flagstaff love their hiking, and they love their dogs too! You’re smart to reach out for outside advice, but it gives me a hunch that you’re reaching beyond your capabilities. The footpath remains visible, and the wooden stakes will continue to guide you. When Morris told his son about the trip, he said he would love to give it a go. Nevada Trails. Winter Climbing: Winter climbing is not unheard of. Arizona Trails. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. There are plenty of open sections to ski, as well as great tree skiing. Humphreys peak is located within the Kachina Peaks in the Coconino Nationa l Forest about 11 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona. The remnants of a dormant volcano, the peaks are home to some of the most spectacular hikes in the state, including a trail that leads you to the summit of Humphreys Peak, with an elevation of 12,633 feet. Even if you totally forget your GPS or there aren't any tracks to follow, the treeline is very wide open making it easy to navigate. The trail switchbacks north and south as it makes its way east uphill. Humphreys Peak Weather (Days 0-3): Mostly dry. Visible throughout most of northern Arizona, the San Francisco Peaks are the state’s only alpine mountains. Winds increasing (light winds from the ESE on Mon afternoon, gales from the W by Tue afternoon). Description From the trailhead in the lower parking lot of the Arizona Snowbowl, the well-signed trail up Humphreys Peak begins by crossing Hart Prairie, passing underneath a … Whilst visitors to Arizona may be preoccupied with the likes of the Grand Canyon, Humphreys Peak is not something to overlook during a trip. The wind also starts to blow during this section, so have something to cover your face. Your email address will not be published. So you must take precautions if you … Take US-180 for 7 miles until you reach Snow Bowl Rd. General Notes: Rating: Strenuous Humphreys Peak Trail Guide. Shasta or … Overview Kendrick Cabin offers groups of up to 10 people the chance to experience spectacular mountain views, numerous hiking and mountai... • TurnKey photo-verifies this home is professionally cleaned with products approved by the EPA for use against COVID-19. Nevada Trails. It’s not that the hike itself is excruciating, it’s the easily changing weather and your level of preparedness that makes this one so hard. Also, the trail gets steep in places but not difficult. 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. Countless others have had “near miss” experiences with lightning up here. Visual proof: the distant Grand Canyon, shimmering like a mirage across the high-desert plateau below. Humphreys Peak Winter Climb 2011 : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering Depending on the winter, climbing Humphreys in March may require snowshoes or traction devices. The summit is above 12,000 feet, so it is a high altitude hike. 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. Below is an example of essential day-hiking gear for Humphreys Peak in September. Despite the thinner air up here, it’s easier than walking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back. Your email address will not be published. Flagstaff, AZ: Humphreys Peak. 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 The mountain is located in Flagstaff which is about 2.5 hours from the … Gen. Andrew Atkinson Humphreys, who had been with the Ives Expedition as a captain in 1851. The warm summer temperatures in July and August can be deceptively ideal for hiking, but don’t get caught in a storm! ... (If hiking this trail during the winter, a permit is required) This trail begins in a fairy tale like meadow, full of tall thick grass and wildflowers surrounding you. Hike Welcome to Snow Bowl. Humphreys Peak in a category 3 hurricane; Humphreys Blows; Humphreys my 25th H.P. Hi Jamie- I would like to climb Mt. Tags terms: Top 10 Hard Hikes. Avalanche Danger: Following winter storms, there may be increased danger of avalanches on steep slopes, ... USGS Map: Humphreys Peak Quad. Avalanche Danger: Following winter storms, there may be increased danger of avalanches on steep slopes, ... USGS Map: Humphreys Peak Quad. White Pinnacle Peak, Nevada. We saw a handful of ultra-runners on this sunny Sunday (It was Father’s Day, in fact), and quite a few other hikers and their dogs. Hiking. If it has recently snowed you will need chains for 2 wheel drive vehicles or 4 wheel drive. Whilst visitors to Arizona may be preoccupied with the likes of the Grand Canyon, Humphreys Peak is not something to overlook during a trip. The peak’s high elevation and cooler temperature makes it a great place to escape the scorching hot summer months in Arizona. It was a hard hike-especially the last 1,000 feet in elevation-but I felt all of my recent hiking was good preparation. Hiking Directions. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your To learn more about what you should pack for a day hike, check out our expert guide - How To Prepare … Jane Olson September 13, 2019. Temperatures will be below freezing (max 0°C on Sat morning, min -7°C on Fri morning). Hiking Humphreys Peak Start your hike from the trailhead at the northeast corner of the parking lot. Off-trail hiking is also prohibited above 11,400. When I consider something that’s potentially over my head, I simply rely on my strong sense of knowing when it’s time to turn around. After hiking 2.5 miles on Weatherford Trail you will reach Humphreys Saddle, where the Weatherford Trail ends at the Humphreys Summit Trail. After soaking in the views from the highest point in Arizona, turn around and hike 1.0 mile back to Humphreys Saddle. Hiking is only allowed in the winter! The path will lead you straight into a dense forest that surrounds the open meadow. If you wanted to add more hiking there are some other trails at the start of the hike that could be added on. Hike to the top of Arizona's highest peak. Humphreys Peak. (Days 3-6): Mostly dry. Lavish Retreat W/ Hot Tub, Game Room Near Skiing, Hike the Aspen Nature Loop at Humphrey's Peak, Hike Aspen Corner to Bismark Lake on the Arizona Trail. Then it was whiteout with ice hail blown over 40+mph. On a clear day you will see Humphrey's Peak on your right/East. Peak Summited: 2019 Humphreys Peak: Type of Hike: Day hike: Trailhead: Humphreys Peak TH: Hiking Companions: Hiked with a group: … During the winter season, expect ice and snow on the trail. Near 10,800 feet, the trail begins to get much steeper and gains about another 1,200 feet in a mile. So, you don’t want to be there when it happens and risk a thunderstorm strike. The trailhead is at the north end of the parking lot. I had never been to Arizona and was eager to get out and hike as much as I could. Humphreys Peak is the highest peak in Arizona at 12,637 feet(3,852 meters) within the volcanic San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. ... Below is an example of essential day-hiking gear for Humphreys Peak in September. ROUTE: well maintained, popular trail, signed junctions GUIDEBOOK: 50 Favorite Hikes. Not that I plan to or have the heart to climb the tallest peak in each state. If you think you might only get one chance to hike Humphreys Peak in your life, I recommend this hike so that you can have a unique view experience of the east and west sides of the Peaks. Rate this Adventure Gone is the need to start early (if you have the ambition to rise before 8am to climb) to avoid monsoon threats. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Gary, an experienced mountaineer, had climbed Humphrey’s Peak in the winter more than 30 times.