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. This is not an easy hike by any standards, but if you can make it to the top of Mt. Below is a screenshot of my track from Humphrey’s Peak! The hike along the ridgeline is considered strenuous. It is a strenuous hike and I want to be sure you are well prepared before tackling this one! This is an out and back trail to Humphreys Peak in Coconino National Forest. Soak in the views, eat some snacks, reflect on how small we are in this world, etc. It rises to an elevation of 12,637 feet (3,852 meters). To get to the very top, hikers should expect about 10 miles out and back before returning to the parking lot. Your lungs may be feeling it at the start, but once you get north of 10,000ft you will really be breathing heavy. The switchbacks end at the saddle which is a nice place to take a break. The hike starts just north of 9,000ft and picks up consistent elevation until you arrive at the summit. The best and most popular time to hike Humphrey’s Peak would be in the fall right after the summer monsoon season and right before winter hits. There will be large dirt parking lots on your left where you’ll park. Many people will usually take day trips and be able to see You’ll want to start very early and be extremely cautious of mid-afternoon spontaneous weather changes and thunderstorms. The life zones were described by elevation, climate, precipitation, and latitude. The first two miles/1,500 feet of the trail are very easy with gradual elevation gain. Arizona, United States, North America. 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. There is a path that leads you across an open meadow and under the ski lifts to the trailhead within the forest. Don Pike Humphreys Peak is the highest peak in Arizona at 12,637 feet (3,852 meters) within the volcanic San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. You’ll want to take it slow, be sure of your footing, and probably layer up! The distance part of the hike wasn't the hard part, the hard part was the elevation gain. Humphrey’s Peak was challenging yet rewarding- exactly something you’d expect from the tallest peak of any western state. It is also the 26th most prominent mountain in the lower 48 states with an elevation rise of 6,053 feet. The summit is above 12,000 feet, so it is a high altitude hike. I’m just another 26 year old solo traveler here living life on her own terms. The trail begins climbing elevation almost immediately. *Disclaimer: the below links may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through my links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Native Americans are believed to have made the first ascent of the mountain. Catch Humphreys Peak Trail #151 from the parking lot and prepare yourself for a grueling hike up and down Arizona’s largest mountain. Hi there! Depending on the shape you’re in, you might have to take it slow. Clinton Hart Merriam, a pioneering biologist, studied Arizona's geography and plant and animal communities, including those on the San Francisco Peaks, in 1889. On the San Francisco Peaks, there is no off-trail hiking to protect the endemic and endangered plant, the San Francisco Peaks Groundsel. Stewart M. Green is a lifelong climber from Colorado who has written more than 20 books about hiking and rock climbing. Trail X Factors: Elevation Chances are, if you are hiking Humphreys Peak, you might not be used to thin air at high elevation. Humphreys Peak and the San Francisco Peaks are sacred and holy mountains to Native American tribes, including the Hopi, Zuni, Havasupai, and Navajo. Although it is a bit of a drive to the other side of the mountain, Lockett Meadow Campground is another option for camping. You’ve probably read mixed reviews about what it’s like to climb Humphreys Peak. The views span for miles in each direction. The peaks are the home of the Katsinas or Kachinas, special beings that bring rain to the Hopi's parched fields in summer. As a regular state high pointer, I found Humphreys Peak to be a refreshingly straightforward hike. There are no services available but there are 14 camping sites which are free! Humphreys Peak Hike: An Overview. Climbing Humphreys Peak . The resident highest point in Arizona, Humphrey’s Peak, looms over the picturesque mountain town of Flagstaff, Arizona (which is worth a visit all on its own due to many other superb Flagstaff hikes), at an impressive elevation of 12,633 feet. Starting from Flagstaff you’ll head North on Hwy 180 and turn right onto N Snow Bowl Rd. The San Francisco Peaks were named in the 17th century by Franciscan priests at a mission at the Hopi village of Oraibi. 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. Humphrey’s Peak Stats. Humphrey’s Peak Hike: The Peak of Flagstaff Hikes . If you choose to hike in the winter you can expect a lot less people but have to deal with cold temperatures, snow, ice, and wind. The mountain is located in Flagstaff which is about 2.5 hours from the Phoenix area and about an hour from Sedona as well. If you hang a right it’ll lead you towards Agassiz Peak. Keep reading) Elevation: 12,635 feet Vertical gain: 3,500 feet Bathrooms: Port-a-johns near the trailhead Time: 8 hours, including 30 minutes at the summit Humphreys’ Reputation. Humphreys Peak lies within 18,960-acre Kachina Peaks Wilderness Area. The popular 4.75-mile-long trail is moderate but can be strenuous for lowlanders. Merriam's six life zones, still used today, are Lower Sonoran Zone, Upper Sonoran Zone, Transition Zone (also called Montane Zone), Canadian Zone, Hudsonian Zone, and Arctic-Alpine Zone. It is the 26th most prominent mountain in the lower 48 states, rising over 6,000 feet. Mt. The 4.8 mile trail is generally wide and easy to follow, and although it has a significant elevation gain, 3,360 feet, much of the hike is not particularly steep, ascending via long, comparatively gentle switchbacks, though one section, up to a saddle linking Humphreys Peak with Agassiz Peak to the south, is rather more strenuous. In summer conditions this trail is readily visible and well groomed. My body may have been hurting near the end of this hike, but looking back on the experience and remembering that “oh, wow!” moment while looking out at the epic views, I’d have to say it was worth every step. This iteration includes a chance to snag the state high point Humphreys Peak at 12,633ft. Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet and one of the most scenic viewpoints in the San Francisco Peaks. You can also hike to Humphrey’s Peak from here, but it is more strenuous and will total roughly 14 miles round trip. Facts About Kilimanjaro, the Highest Mountain in Africa, Mount Whitney: Highest Mountain in California, Mount Everest: The Highest Mountain in the World, Ship Rock: Sacred Navajo Peak in New Mexico, Mount Kenya Is Africa's Second Highest Mountain, Mount Fuji: the Most Famous Mountain in Japan, Climb Mount Rainier: Highest Mountain in Washington, All About Makalu: 5th Highest Mountain in the World, Mount Vinson: The Tallest Mountain in Antarctica, Learn How to Climb Mount Kahtadin, Maine's Highest Mountain. Please see my disclosure for more info. At 12,633 feet with an elevation gain of 3,313 feet, it’s considered a moderate to difficult climb. I always recommend tracking yourself or following an already made track so you can check in and be sure you’re on the right path. After that, the mountain blew itself up in a similar fashion to Mount Saint Helens in 1980 when it had a massive sideways eruption that left a gaping hole in the side of the mountain. Deep in the Aspens, this area is an autumn lover’s dream! Together we embrace the nomad lifestyle for it has allowed us to live our life the way we want by traveling and hiking the places we’ve dreamed of! Humphrey’s Peak Trail begins from the Arizona Snow Bowl Ski Resort! Know where you are going ahead of time and always have a way to keep yourself on trail. For the Navajo or Diné, the San Francisco Peaks are the sacred mountains of the west, Dook'o'ooslííd. 15.8 mi RT + 4400 ft accumulated elev gain. Humphreys Peak and the greater San Francisco Mountain is part of the Kachina Peaks Wilderness Area, which includes 18,960 acres. 1.0 mile to the peak on the Summit Trail. Go ahead and get your Snaps and ‘Grams at the summit sign — you’ve earned it. Once you’ve gotten your fill of views and your picture with the sign you’ll head back down the way you came. One way to do this is with a GPS system or app. If you plan on camping in the area definitely consider Freidlein Prairie Dispersed Camping. You did it. Humphreys Peak Hiking & Trail Info This scenic San Francisco summit is the highest point in Arizona at 12, 633 ft. A strenuous 4.5 miles to the top, this hike is not for beginners. There's nothing technical about it. A seventh zone not described in Arizona is the Tropical Zone. The hike begins about 11 miles north of Flagstaff from the Arizona Snowbowl ski area. Humphreys Peak is the highest mountain in Arizona and resides in Coconino County, in the northern part of the state. It's about 4.5 miles long (one way) with around 3500 feet of elevation gain. Welcome to the tallest peak in Arizona! Once downloaded, you can load it into your own trusty devise for ease of mind! He loved war and always led his troops into battle on his horse. 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