White Pinnacle Peak, Nevada. Six hours allows for a reasonable 2mph pace, and an extra hour for breaks. Photo credit: Nathan Hillman Humphreys Peak. And be prepared, much of Arizona may be warm, but cold, windy conditions are the norm up here. Humphreys Peak in a category 3 hurricane; Humphreys Blows; Humphreys my 25th H.P. ... During winter months, you should expect thunder and lightning as well as snow. Hiking Humphreys Peak Start your hike from the trailhead at the northeast corner of the parking lot. Kelly Bastone. Shasta or … You can geek out more on the geology here. Catch Humphreys Peak Trail #151 from the parking lot and prepare yourself for a grueling hike up and down Arizona’s largest mountain. Could this flower be the San Francisco Peaks Groundsel? This is a serious mountain! The warm summer temperatures in July and August can be deceptively ideal for hiking, but don’t get caught in a storm! From Flagstaff, take US-180 west towards the Grand Canyon. Then sometime more recently (92,000-400,000 years ago), the San Francisco Mountain collapsed and started to resemble the peaks we have today. I was delighted to see aspen trees in Arizona. But the trail is easy to follow and well maintained. TRAIL STATS. Overview The first two miles/1,500 feet of the trail are very easy with gradual elevation gain. Around 12,000 feet, near the intersection of Humphreys Trail and Weatherford Trail (which heads South towards Agassiz Peak) the trail levels off again and the snow is softer. We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. Access: From Flagstaff drive north on US 180 for 7 miles to FR 516, the Snowbowl Road. 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. It’s extremely sensitive to your footsteps. I was greeted on the summit by this lone hiker flying a kite. Not that I plan to or have the heart to climb the tallest peak in each state. If you head Northeast keeping the ski slopes to you right, it will be very hard to get lost. Humphreys Peak is the highest point in the state of Arizona, at 12,633 feet above sea level. Visual proof: the distant Grand Canyon, shimmering like a mirage across the high-desert plateau below. The cool, breezy perch atop Humphreys Peak, a 12,633-foot extinct volcano, may feel like it belongs in the Cascades, but this is Arizona. Humphreys Peak Trail Guide. Humphreys Peak is the eroded remnant of an ancient volcano that was active more than 400,000 years ago. The Trailhead starts at the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort and is 9 miles long out and back. … White Pinnacle Peak, Nevada. No motorized vehicles, bicycles, etc. Photos. Temperatures will be below freezing (max 0°C on Sat morning, min -7°C on Fri morning). These cookies do not store any personal information. Take US-180 for 7 miles until you reach Snow Bowl Rd. Agassiz is the most prominent and stunning peak in the range. After this nice challenging hike, reward yourself with a cold beer. However, I think that is the least attractive time of year to climb the peak. It was a good normal snow year in 2016 for Humphrey’s Peak (Doko’o’osliid in Navajo). 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 is the highest of a group of dormant volcanic peaks known as the San Francisco Peaks. There are plenty of open sections to ski, as well as great tree skiing. Park in the first parking lot on the left as soon as you enter the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Area. After soaking in the views from the highest point in Arizona, turn around and hike 1.0 mile back to Humphreys Saddle. It’s a 3,300-foot climb to the summit and close to 10 miles round trip and although not technical, the high altitude and steepness makes it a difficult hike. To learn more about what you should pack for a day hike, check out our expert guide - How To Prepare For A Day Hike & Packing Lis t. MAP: Flagstaff Trails PERMITS: only required in winter DESIGNATION: Kachina Peaks Wilderness, Coconino National Forest BEST SEASONS: June, September, October DISTANCE: 9.6 miles round trip WATER: none ELEVATION: trailhead 9,290 – summit 12,633 – (difference 3,343) ACCESS: paved roads to the trailhead DIRECTIONS: From Flagstaff, take Highway 180 north for 6.5 miles (180 begins in downtown from Route 66 as Humphreys Street – turn left on W Columbus Avenue from Humphreys Street to follow 180). The wind was blowing out of the west/NW on this day and it looks to be the norm based on the snow drifts. Residents of Flagstaff love their hiking, and they love their dogs too! Avalanche Danger: Following winter storms, there may be increased danger of avalanches on steep slopes, ... USGS Map: Humphreys Peak Quad. 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. Flagstaff, AZ: Humphreys Peak. Gen. Andrew Atkinson Humphreys, who had been with the Ives Expedition as a captain in 1851. 3335 ft gain The trailhead is located at the north end of the parking lot (see photo). But once conquered we could say that we hiked the tallest mountain in Arizona. You’re smart to reach out for outside advice, but it gives me a hunch that you’re reaching beyond your capabilities. Hi Jamie, thanks for the excellent article. ... (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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Most hikers will want about 5 or 6 hours to do this hike. Gary, an experienced mountaineer, had climbed Humphrey’s Peak in the winter more than 30 times. Then, follow the Humphreys Summit Trail for 1.0 miles to Humphreys Peak, which is the tallest point in Arizona at 12,637 feet. As soon as you come out of the treeline at around 11,300 feet, you will have a very clear view of Humphreys Peak and the direction you need to travel. This was the only part of the trail we noticed trail markers. It took me three hours and 45 minutes to reach the top. More about the winter mountaineering and camping permits can be found here. Hiking Humphreys Peak. The Arizona Snowbowl is located 7 miles northwest of Flagstaff on Highway 180. Ford Canyon Trail and Mesquite Loop - White Tanks, Buckeye AZ, Map & Guide to the 5 Best Hiking Trails at Lake Pleasant Regional Park AZ, Blue Mesa is the Best Hiking Trail at Petrified Forest National Park, Hiking the Chains & Hanging Garden Trail at Glen Canyon - Page AZ. prohibited on Arizona Snowbowl private property. It is tempting to hike up Agassiz but due to the sensitive biota, hiking it is not allowed except in winter when it is under snow. Views from the top of Humphreys peak during winter season The Monsoon season . Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! It could have been about 16,000 feet high and would have resembled Mount Rainier or Mount Saint Helens (Prior to its 1980 eruption). During the winter season, expect ice and snow on the trail. The air is especially dry here. Trailhead (Days 3-6): Mostly dry. Drive 7.4 miles on this paved road to the lower parking lot of the Snowbowl facility. The Hopi call the peaks Nuva’tuk-iya-ovi. Drive 7.4 miles on this paved road to the lower parking lot of the Snowbowl facility. Temperatures will be below freezing (max 0°C on Sat morning, min -7°C on Fri morning). With that said, if you come prepared for these conditions and confident in your fitness level, it’s still worth a shot. This is a great hike that has amazing views at all times of the year. 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. This trail is slightly more hidden on the northern slope of the San Francisco Peaks, but well worth the drive just outside of Flagstaff. Other years, hiking boots will do just fine. Temperatures will be below freezing (max -2°C on Mon afternoon, min -9°C on Wed morning). Then it was whiteout with ice hail blown over 40+mph. Humphreys Trailhead is located 14.5 miles northwest of downtown Flagstaff, AZ at the San Francisco Peaks. Our modern name, San Francisco Peaks, was dubbed around the year 1630 by Spanish friars in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Humphreys gets especially serious in November. 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 Summit Challenging. Humphreys Peak. Humphreys Peak is the highest point in the state of Arizona, at 12,633 feet above sea level. At this time permits are only required in the winter, but there is some talk about adding more regulations in the near future. Humphreys Peak is the highest of a group of dormant volcanic peaks known as the San Francisco Peaks. Humphreys Peak is the penultimate high altitude hike. 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 We switched back to snowshoes for the last mile as it gradually gains the last 600 or so feet. Hiking times vary, but most people estimate 3-4 hours each way (6-8 hours total). This is an out and back trail to Humphreys Peak in Coconino National Forest. Hiking is only allowed in the winter! How to get to Humphreys peak trail head from metro Phoenix The trailhead is at the north end of the parking lot. If you wanted to add more hiking there are some other trails at the start of the hike that could be added on. Storms are likely to show up with very little warning. I'm the guy behind DownTheTrail.com. From the ski station up to the top and come back down. Other years, hiking boots will do just fine. It takes about 30 minutes from downtown Flagstaff. Jamie plays in the snow – we were so amazed to see snow in June! Starting at the Arizona Snowbowl ski base, it’s a 4.8 mile climb to the summit and elevation gain of 3,313 feet. It was only a few weeks later on June 15th when I’d get away for my first non-Grand-Canyon Arizona hike, here to Humphreys Peak. This was the first, but certainly not the last time I’d climb Humphreys Peak. 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. Hiking Humphrey's Peak Just as I suspected, topping out on Humphrey's Peak was a nice case study in rising too quickly in altitude. 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. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Humphreys Trail is open year round but snow can make the hike difficult during the winter months. 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. My first ascent was in June 2006 with Bart and John. Near the top the wind became quite strong and Bart and John sought shelter and I continued towards the top. Once you reach the peak, it is big enough to take shelter from the wind no matter which way it is blowing. Hike Welcome to Snow Bowl. In July of 2016, a 17 year old was struck and killed! 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. It is in Coconino County part of the Kachina Peaks wilderness area. MAP: Flagstaff Trails PERMITS: only required in winter DESIGNATION: Kachina Peaks Wilderness, Coconino National Forest BEST SEASONS: June, September, October Nevada Trails. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Six or seven miles out of Flagstaff, near mile post 223, turn right on the signed N Snowbowl Road. Hike directly between the two signs and continue north towards the treeline. Be the first to leave a review! At the end of the parking lot, closest to the ski lodge, you will see a sign for the Humphreys Peak Trail. The sky was clear and the air was cool. Turn right from Highway 180 onto Snowbowl Road and continue another 7 miles. Humphrey’s Peak is the tallest point in the state of Arizona at just over 12,000 feet (3600M). We stopped in at The State Bar located on Route 66 right downtown. Because of the elevation gain and altitude, this hike can be categorized as moderately strenuous. Your email address will not be published. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Experience this winter wonderland while snowshoeing your way to the top. The Humphreys Trail is 4.5 miles long from trailhead to summit, but during the winter you can make that distance a little shorter. Wildflowers and … We went from hiking in a t-shirt in the warm sun, to a puff jacket and beanie with our faces covered. Start hiking North across the green slope towards the treeline. The only cure for it is to turn around and go back down. The entire hike took us just under 8 hours, and we were very slowly making our way up. The trail connects with a larger network that includes the Weatherford Trail, Kachina Trail, and Inner Basin Trail. Arizona Trails. The rewards are big, with a 360-degree panoramic view across peaks, desert and canyons from the summit. 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Follow local regulations trail you will see the entire Flagstaff area and wooden! It happens and risk a thunderstorm strike out with an unseasonably warm and calm day ( though the is...
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