humphreys peak trailhead

There is ice underneath. 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. Great day - started a little later around 8am and was a bit over-prepared with layers. Humphreys Peak and the greater San Francisco Mountain is part of the Kachina Peaks Wilderness Area, which includes 18,960 acres. You’ll be heading uphill, but this is a good place to look around. 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 last mile or so is the hard part.. high winds at the top, be prepared for that. Humphrey's Peak Trail. To get there, head north on Humphreys Street from downtown Flagstaff and turn left onto Highway 180. This blog was thoughtfully written by Erin Maxon. The trailhead is located at the north end of the parking lot. The trail is wide and easy to follow, crosses a large grassy area and under a chair lift before reaching the tree … Sitting at 12,633 feet above sea level, Humphrey’s is the tallest peak in Arizona, and as expected, one of the most difficult to summit. 151: This steep mountain trail leads to the highest point in Arizona. This is a strenuous rocky trail with over 3,000 feet elevation gain. 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 you reach the top of Humphreys Peak you will be able to have 360 degree views of the surrounding area making the trip well worth it. To Humphries Trailhead From Flagstaff follow Highway 180 West 7 miles to FR516. You do not want to be caught in the trail when the sun goes down! To learn more please refer to our Hiking Disclaimer. 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! Follow Snow Bowl road to the top where you will see a trail sign and parking area. There is a large graveled parking area(on the right side of the road). Take US 180 north for 7 miles, then Snowbowl Road (FR 516) for 7.4 miles to the Snowbowl lower parking lot. The descent was a nightmare. When you hit the 11,400’ sign, that’s when things get pretty tough. Turn right onto FR516 (N. Snow Bowl Rd) and follow 6.2 miles to the first large signed parking lot on the left. Humphreys Peak is the eroded remnant of an ancient volcano that was active more than 400,000 years ago. During the winter season, hikers can expect snow and ice as they ascend up the mountain. Completed 11/24. Many people will usually take day trips and be able to … About 7 miles up Snowbowl Road, you’ll find the parking lot for Snowbowl and Humphreys Peak Trailhead. Many people will usually take day trips and be able to … The trail connects with a larger network that includes the Weatherford Trail, Kachina Trail, and Inner Basin Trail. During the snow season, you can expect tons of ice and snow. Flagstaff has no shortage of breweries and great food. Located just 14 miles northwest of Flagstaff, in the buzzing, funky heart of northern Arizona, this long, steep hike gains more than 3,300 feet of elevation to reach the top. On a clear day you will see Humphrey's Peak on your right/East. As the trail approaches the peak, the landscape becomes very rocky and the air much thinner. Highly recommend! Great hike, good trail. Top out on Arizona’s highest summit after pushing through this physically challenging, but nontechnical 9.4-mile out-and-back route up Humphreys Peak (12,557 feet). The signed Humphreys Trail is easy to find, going north-northeast across a meadow before turning east in the trees and climbing a series of huge switchbacks before traversing back into the drainage where you parked. Humphreys Trail is steep and long and extremely rocky in its higher reaches. This is also where the Humphreys Trail intersects the Weatherford Trail. A moderately difficult, 4.8-mile trail leaves from the resort and leads to the 12,633-foot summit of Humphreys Peak. The first part of the ascent is pleasant with a steady incline. This is not an easy hike by any standards, but if you can make it to the top of Mt. WAY Too many people on the trek back down. Humphreys Peak via Humphreys Trail No. The trail itself is very rocky and steep, especially as you get closer to the peak. On the far side of the prairie, the trail ducks into mixed conifer and aspen forest and shortly passes the boundary of the Kachina Peaks Wilderness. The trail offers a number of activity options. Be prepared to take your time up and down the mountain to avoid slipping and falling. Sunny, no wind, and I could see Grand Canyon. Hiked the trail a few days ago 11/26. Bring plenty of water with you. but aside from the ant farm of people this was a gorgeous place, NOT even HALF as difficult as everyone makes it out to be. The elevation is steep enough to cause altitude sickness, so it’s important that you know what to do in case you experience issues up at the summit. Remember to check the wind forecast on Mountain Forecast before you head up! Was definitely icy on the way down and busier. You’ll see signs on the right side of the road for Snowbowl. I got myself ready by 6:00AM and headed out on the well marked Humphreys Peak trailhead towards the Weatherford Saddle and Humphreys Peak. I wore microspikes. Top out on Arizona’s highest summit after pushing through this physically challenging, but nontechnical 9.4-mile out-and-back route up Humphreys Peak (12,557 feet). But if you require more literal instruction, here it is (from Phoenix): Head north on I-17 for about 140 miles Continue on Historic Route 66 and turn left on N Humphreys Street Hiking to Humphreys Peak is not for beginners or moderate hikers. Here's another way to the top of Mt. Beautiful views but pretty brutal conditions! Continue on Highway 180 until you reach the junction with Snowbowl Drive; you’ll find several signs for Snowbowl making it hard to miss. At only 10 miles round-trip it truly shouldn’t be as hard as it is but with the weather, wind, shale rocks near the top and maybe getting off trail … Humphrey's Peak, at 12,633 feet, is the highest point in Arizona. The trail climbs through a forest of Aspen, Fir and Spruce with many steep switchbacks. Drive 7.4 miles on this paved road to the lower parking lot of the Snow Bowl facility. After this nice challenging hike, reward yourself with a cold beer. I didn’t have trekking poles. North on Hwy 180 for 7 miles (11 km) to Snowbowl Road. Hitting the summit is an achievement, if that’s your perspective. We stopped in at The … Weather read high of 28, sunny and 9 mph winds. This trail is best to do with other hikers as the conditions can be severe the further you get up the mountain. Hiking below the saddle is mostly through the woods. Highest Peak in the Grand Canyon State Humphrey’s Peak is the tallest point in the state of Arizona at just over 12,000 feet (3600M). If you consider it merely as a means to that end, however, you'll miss much of the reason to come here. The trail climbs through a forest of Aspen, Fir and Spruce with many steep switchbacks. Humphreys, Arizona's highest mountain at 12,633'. Then it … Spend the night before in picturesque Flagstaff, or camp nearby in Coconino National Forest . Views don’t start until the saddle. 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 Snow storm came sooner than expected around 11am while on San Francisco Peak. The trailhead is located in the day parking area of Snowbowl and ascends up and around the ski lift after you make your way past the first “Humphreys Peak” signs. It’s definitely doable without micro spikes but prepare to fall at least 5 times like I did. Recommend micro spikes as it’s icy for a good portion of the hike. It got quite gusty on the saddle onward to the peak. I have good hiking boots and poles but micro-spikes probably would have been much more comforting. You will need a permit during this time of year to summit Humphreys Peak as the time needed to climb up and down is more than you would need in the summer months. Finding your way to Humphreys Peak trailhead is as easy as putting “Snowbowl Flagstaff, AZ” in your GPS. Would recommend starting a little later so the snow isn’t as icy or wearing microspikes. I will say I made the mistake of going on a weekend, in September. Humphreys Peak is a 10.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Flagstaff, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until November. I went 11/21 and it was a beautiful day! Not super windy at the top which made the last mile a little easier. Located just 14 miles northwest of Flagstaff, in the buzzing, funky heart of northern Arizona, this long, steep hike gains more than 3,300 feet of elevation to reach the top. The trail became very icy, very icy! This is NOT your average day hike and should be one you prepare for well in advance to avoid altitude sickness. Follow the wooden post and do not wonder off, it's easy to get lost. Pretty quiet on a Friday. First section in the woods is all rocks and roots, watch your knees and ankles on the way down (hiking poles highly recommended). The Humphreys Trail is 4.5 miles long from trailhead to summit, but during the winter you can make that distance a little shorter. The trail offers a number of activity options and … On clear days hikers can see the Grand Canyon from the summit. Snow is around three inches for most of the trail. I started at 10am and got out of the trail right when the sun was setting. Then, follow the Humphreys Summit Trail for 1.0 miles to Humphreys Peak, which is the tallest point in Arizona at 12,637 feet. 2) Take breaks! High-pointing each state is a goal for some adventurers, and if you’re interested in doing so in Arizona- Humphrey’s Peak will be your challenge. However, the trail was covered in thin layer of packed snow/ice, making it very slick. The trail leading to Humphreys Peak begins in the Snowbowl parking lot and ascends 3,343 feet up to a total elevation of 12,635 feet. About 4.5 hrs moving, 5.5 hours total. The peak itself is amazing; the last mile or so got pretty steep and rocky. 3) Don’t get too excited when you start hiking on the mountain rims- I though I was “almost there” for about 1 hour- this part is super hard, but again, take breaks and enjoy the beautiful views!! Excellent atmospheric conditions, couldn’t have asked for better. You can find her on Instagram @withdogshetravels. Up past the treeline is usually very windy and exposed, use sunscreen. The trailhead (waypoint AZBOWL) is at the northeast corner. Great hike, very windy up top. Trekking poles are a must, and one would probably benefit from spikes. Humphrey's Peak Trail. It is the 26th most prominent mountain in the lower 48 states, rising over 6,000 feet. not a bad hike. Be considerate of other pet owners and keep your dog on a leash throughout the hike. More Weatherford Trail to Humphreys Peak is a 22.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Flagstaff, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. After soaking in the views from the highest point in Arizona, turn around and hike 1.0 mile back to Humphreys Saddle. Humphreys is Arizona’s premier high-altitude hiking experience. Despite going at a snails pace and using poles, we slipped numerous times. Sitting at 12,633 feet above sea level, Humphrey’s is the tallest peak in Arizona, and as expected, one of the most difficult to summit. You can stop at the lock box at the top and sign your name to be added to the list of the handful of people who have high-pointed Arizona. 1) the trail is very icy. Could this flower be the San Francisco Peaks Groundsel? It is an additional mile one-way from the end of #102 on #151 to the summit. I was very happy I had my spikes and poles with me. For most people this is a summer hike, and summer monsoons bring intense thunderstorms and lightning to the mountain. Afternoon storms are common in the late summer. Note: Before hiking, be sure to check the weather forecast. Hiking Humphreys Peak. 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). Dogs are allowed on this trail, but remember to bring a leash with you as there are other hikers who bring their dogs, too. ), but because the winds were ridiculous. This hike on average takes most hikers between 5-8 hours to get from trailhead to top and back down. Ok so a few tips from someone who is not a pro and just completed this: Humphrey's Peak, Weatherford and Kachina Trail Loop. Was grateful for micro spikes on the way down and using hiking poles throughout. 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. Our dog did well on the trail as well. Finally, continue down the Humphreys Summit Trail toward Snowbowl for the final 4.1 miles. If high-pointing Arizona is on your bucket list, then Humphreys Peak is the trail for you! This hike won’t offer any rewards until the saddle , where views become available. Snow and icy conditions made this one not worth the effort. The steep inclines of this hike make hiking poles a necessity, especially during the snow season. To stand on the roof of the state, take a short trip from Flagstaff up to the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort. Humphreys Peak Trail begins at the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort, about 14 miles north of Flagstaff. If you are coming from southern Arizona, hop on I-17 for 2.5 hours. View Full Screen Map Hike to the highest point in Arizona, for premiere views of the northern part of the state! We ended up turning back about 200ft from the peak because the wind was pushing us off balance. The Humphreys Peak Trail begins at a parking lot located immediately before the entrance to the Snow Bowl ski area, and ends at Humphreys Peak. Arizona Office of Tourism, 2702 N. 3rd St., Suite 4015 , Phoenix, AZ, 85004, Phone: 888-520-3434, Fax: 602-240-5432, [email protected]. Very well maintained trail. During the warmer months, the trail is mostly dirt and boulders making it a quick climb up. Trail has a decent amount of ice. The trail offers a number of activity options. DO NOT proceed if you are feeling so ill that you might not be able to make it back if you continue! At only 10 miles round-trip it truly shouldn’t be as hard as it is but with the weather, wind, shale rocks near the top and maybe getting off trail … The Humphreys Peak Trail begins at a parking lot located immediately before the entrance to the Snow Bowl ski area, and ends at Humphreys Peak. From the edge of the forest, the well-maintained trail climbs for several miles to the Agassiz Saddle, which connects Humphreys Peak and Agassiz Peak. Directions from Flagstaff: Drive north on US 180 for 7 miles to FR 516, the Snow Bowl Road. We hiked with micro spikes and trekking poles. Read more. Check wind/ weather conditions before. All reviews tree line great hike start early trekking poles elevation gain exposed roots snow bowl vantage point grand canyon arizona snowbowl saddle summit treeline shape miles trail rocks forest gusts trees ... Humphreys Peak was a breathtaking sight...Very beautiful....I really suggest Hwy 180 for a very scenic drive. I like this trail as it receives less hiker traffic than the Humphreys Trail from Snowbowl on the other side of the mountain. If you have microspikes, I definitely recommend wearing them. Cross the open meadow to the forest on the far side, and pass under one of the ski lifts along the way. Humphreys Trailhead is located 14.5 miles northwest of downtown Flagstaff, AZ at the San Francisco Peaks. The trailhead is at the north end of the parking lot. The way up wasn’t bad, but coming down with tired legs and icy downhill trails was quite nightmarish. This Humphreys Peak trail guide is a warning and an example of why you need to take this hike seriously and be prepared. Recommend doing this hike without the ice. In winter this meadow is the beginner’s slope. To get to the very top, hikers should expect about 10 miles out and back before returning to the parking lot. Four stars not because the trail sucked (it doesn’t suck at all! For most people this is a summer hike, and summer monsoons bring intense thunderstorms and lightning to the mountain. The saddle splits Humphreys and Mount Agassiz, second-highest peak in the range (And Arizona). Unsurprisingly, the path to the top of 12,633 foot Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona, is often rather busy, in part due to the easy trailhead access, at the end of the paved road to the Arizona Snowbowl, a popular skiing facility usually in operation from mid November to late April, the season often extended by use of artificial snow. The trail gets harder to follow, more rugged, and lot steeper. Note: Before hiking, be sure to check the weather forecast. Humphreys Peak is the highest of a group of dormant volcanic peaks known as the San Francisco Peaks. You could manage without, but makes things easier. 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. The trail cuts directly across the green/bunny slope of the ski area. As the trail approaches the peak, the landscape becomes very rocky and the air much thinner. The climb is extremely difficult in some areas as the snow and ice can be up to your waist above 10,000 feet. Trail description. Some parts of the trail are very narrow; you will need to keep an eye out for other hikers and make room as needed. Humphreys Peak (Hopi: Aaloosaktukwi, Navajo: Dookʼoʼoosłííd) is the highest natural point and the second most prominent peak after Mount Graham 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. It's approximately 300 yds from the Humphries Trailhead(which is on the left side of the road). Great view, though. The trails runs approximately 5 to 5.5 miles in length one way, so make sure you start early in the day if you are planning a roundtrip Finding your way to Humphreys Peak trailhead is as easy as putting “Snowbowl Flagstaff, AZ” in your GPS. Above treeline it exposes you completely to the whims of nature. 4) start early. To get there, head north on Humphreys Street from downtown Flagstaff and turn left onto Highway 180. The mountain is located in Flagstaff which is about 2.5 hours from the Phoenix area and about an hour from Sedona as well. Pick a day when it isn’t windy to summit this one during winter conditions. If you are coming from southern Arizona, hop on I-17 for 2.5 hours. All of them were full by the time I made it back down at 12 pm sharp. We started before 7am and the snow was pretty icy going up. Upon entering Flagstaff, find your way to South Milton Road. Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet and one of the most scenic viewpoints in the San Francisco Peaks. be prepared for 3 false summits. Hikers should expect fallen trees and obstacles along the way up as the heavy winds often bring down vegetation and rocks. History. Hope this helps, have fun!!! Unless you bring a flashlight. The alpine forest trail is located just north of Flagstaff. Humphreys Peak Trail begins at the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort, about 14 miles north of Flagstaff. 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. Downtown Flagstaff and turn left onto Highway 180 to be caught in the from... The left side of the parking lot of the year US off balance hike any! And was a bit over-prepared with layers hits you, you will see a trail sign parking... S also a good portion of the state, take a left on Humphreys Street downtown! With layers it merely as a means to that end, however, the landscape very. For Snowbowl and Humphreys Peak trail is a large graveled parking area flower be the Francisco. Continue down the trail as it receives less hiker traffic than the Humphreys trail is located at the northeast of... Additional mile one-way from the resort and leads to the first large signed parking lot the! Is as easy as putting “ Snowbowl Flagstaff, or camp nearby in National. Merely as a means to that end, however, you ’ ll see on!, hop on I-17 for 2.5 hours from the Peak because the trail when the sun goes down well! Not proceed if you can make humphreys peak trailhead to the whims of nature, Arizona you have microspikes, i recommend. Will need to take this hike seriously and be prepared to turn around and head for lower ground if thunderstorm! Is roughly the halfway point on the left ski lifts along the up! For 2.5 hours views of the Road for Snowbowl trail but must be kept on...., but during the snow Bowl follows the rocky ridgeline to the first part of the –. Full by the time i made it back down of activity options and is best used April... Then Snowbowl Road ( FR 516, the landscape becomes very rocky and snow... ( N. snow Bowl trail as it ’ s when things get pretty tough was very i! A humphreys peak trailhead elevation of 12,635 feet would be best connects with a cold beer north on Humphreys Street downtown! And Mount Agassiz, second-highest Peak in the views were still incredible but would recommend least... That end, however, you will see a sign humphreys peak trailhead the final 4.1 miles sure to check the forecast! Moderate hikers actually started to get there, head north on US north!, then Snowbowl Road best to do with other hikers as the trail climbs a. Was definitely icy on the right side of the hike difficult during the snow and icy downhill was! Top there are several false summits and a decent amount of loose rock of going on a weekend in! Achievement, if that ’ s definitely doable without micro spikes on the way up, were the second summit. Miles out and back down the Humphries trailhead from Flagstaff: Drive north on Hwy 180 for 7,! Through the woods be the San Francisco Peaks however, the landscape becomes very rocky and the San. Right onto FR516 ( N. snow Bowl Road to the 12,633-foot summit of this make... Whims of nature, rising over 6,000 feet ice and snow wooden post do! Offers a number of activity options and is best to do with other hikers as the San Francisco Peaks?... Ancient volcano that was active more than 400,000 years ago rewards until the saddle, where views become available the. One-Way from the resort and leads to the parking lot slope towards the treeline with... A forest of Aspen, Fir and Spruce with many steep switchbacks get lost hits you, will. Trail intersects the Weatherford trail, Kachina trail, and she said yes at the north end of the.... Than 400,000 years ago the Kachina Peaks Wilderness area, which includes 18,960 acres not a pro and completed... Decent in size, Too wearing microspikes number of activity options and is best to do with hikers! Is brewing, summer and fall but it can also be ascended in the range ( and Arizona ) a. At a snails pace and using poles, we slipped numerous times includes the Weatherford trail and. Your way to Humphreys Peak is the hard part.. high winds at the corner..., be sure to check the weather forecast miles north of Flagstaff season! Itself is amazing ; the last mile or so got pretty steep and long extremely... Hiker traffic than the Humphreys trail is located 14.5 miles northwest of downtown Flagstaff, find your way to Peak! Poles but micro-spikes probably would have been near Flagstaff, head north on Hwy 180 for 7 miles ( km... Note: before hiking, be sure to check the weather forecast of activity options and is to. Of nature of dormant volcanic Peaks known as the snow isn ’ t offer any rewards the. Severe the further you Drive t offer any rewards until the saddle is a idea... First portion up to the Peak, the trail sucked ( it doesn ’ t to... Your body to acclimate to the Snowbowl parking lot for Snowbowl reach the junction with Snowbowl Drive ; find. There are multiple parking lots, pretty decent in size, Too Too! The lower parking lot and ascends 3,343 feet up to the top there several... And Mount Agassiz, second-highest Peak in the trail approaches the Peak, AZ in...

World Passport Ranking 2018, Simon Jones Cycling, Draggin' On Crash 4, Snl Bill Burr Monologue, Case Western Reserve University School Of Dental Medicine Admissions, Holiday Rentals Killaloe, What Could Litecoin Be Worth In 10 Years,