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Humphreys Peak

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.6 (65)
  1. Areas
  2. AZ
  3. …Flagstaff and Northern AZ
  4. Arizona Snowbowl
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“Outstanding alpine scenery on a climb of Arizona's highest peak. ”

Almonzo Wilder
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Map Key

9.6

Miles

15.4

KM

Out and Back

12,584' 3,836 m

High

9,314' 2,839 m

Low

3,270' 997 m

Up

3,268' 996 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (7°)

22%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

No off-trail travel is permitted above treeline to protect the rare San Francisco Peaks' groundsel - a plant found nowhere else in the world.

Overview

Humphreys Peak is one of the easiest of the western state highpoints to climb and has outstanding views from its summit. This deservedly popular hike offers a chance to experience the only true alpine environment in Arizona.

Need to Know

During monsoon season, roughly July to September, Humphreys Peak is a lightning magnet. Plan to be below treeline by noon when a monsoonal pattern is active. At any time, be ready for windy and cold conditions in alpine areas.

In the winter, a backcountry permit from Coconino National Forest is needed for any travel in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness.

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 ski lift along the way. 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. A series of long switchbacks gradually ascends the west-facing mountain slope, with limited views on the trail. On a crowded day in the dry season, it can get a bit dusty and congested, but the route is straightforward and easy to follow. Eventually, the trees begin to thin as you approach treeline just below the saddle between Humphreys and Agassiz Peaks. A short push up to the saddle itself offers the first great views of the trail, including the country to the west and the Inner Basin of the now-extinct volcano that comprises the San Francisco Peaks.

At the saddle is the intersection of the Weatherford Trail, while the Humphreys Peak trail ascends the ridge to the north. It's a good idea to assess the weather before heading above the saddle, as the route is exposed and fully above treeline from here on out. The alpine walking roughly follows the main ridgeline, with a few steeper climbs and false summits adding to the difficulty. Eventually, the rounded true peak is reached, where tremendous views extend in all directions. On a clear day, the rim of the Grand Canyon stands out to the north, the Painted Desert to the northeast, the Mogollon Rim to the south. Once you've had your fill of the summit, head back down the way you came.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Coconino National Forest Office

Shared By:

Almonzo Wilder with improvements by Jake Fendt
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 65 votes

#1

in Arizona Snowbowl

#134

Overall
  4.6 from 65 votes
5 Star
63%
4 Star
31%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Arizona Snowbowl

#8

in Arizona

#134

Overall
37 Views Last Month
21,890 Since Mar 24, 2015
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Photos

View from summit of Humphrey's Peak, towards the inner basin.
Oct 4, 2016 near Flagstaff, AZ
High above treeline on Humphreys Peak
Mar 24, 2015 near Flagstaff, AZ
View from Humphrey's Peak Trail and Weatherford Trail intersection.
Jun 21, 2016 near Flagstaff, AZ
Terrific views on the upper ridge of Humphreys Peak
Mar 24, 2015 near Flagstaff, AZ
The view of Humphrey's from the trailhead.
Oct 7, 2021 near Flagstaff, AZ
About 20ft down from the summit.
Oct 7, 2021 near Flagstaff, AZ

1 Comment

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Check-Ins

Nov 2, 2024
Anonymous
Oct 28, 2023
Dan Shemon
Did not summit, turned at treeline passing 11,000 ft elevation. 7mi — 4h 30m
May 26, 2023
Theodore Kalthoff
Oct 16, 2022
Danielle Skrip
Raining at the bottom, snowing at the top! Well worth it! — 6h 00m
Sep 18, 2022
Christie Orona
very challenging for a novice, but no regrets. 9.6mi — 7h 00m
May 22, 2022
Gerald Murphy
Hiked solo. Easy for a high point.
May 19, 2022
Liam Jackson
12mi — 8h 30m
Oct 25, 2021
Atsuko Ohtake

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