Arizona’s highest point at 12,633 feet, Humphreys Peak is a challenging uphill climb that rewards you with stunning 360 degree views that extend all the way to the Grand Canyon!
The Humphreys Peak Trail is about 10.7 miles out and back and is considered difficult. The elevation gain alone is over 3,300 feet, not to mention you’ll be hiking above 10,000 feet for the majority of this hike. The exposure, heat, distance and altitude are all challenging so be prepared. This took us about 7 hours even though we’re normally faster than average. You can choose to relax at the peak, which many people do since there is a large plateau with a wooden plaque and areas to lay down or eat snacks. Dogs can use this trail as well.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Humphreys Peak trail, search for the Humphreys Peak Trail in Flagstaff, AZ or click here.
Directions (old school maps): From Flagstaff, take Highway 180 north for about 6.5 miles. Take the N Snow Bowl Road exit and turn right. After 6.5 miles you’ll arrive at the parking lots for the various trailheads and ski lifts.
Driving Info: This is an easy and accessible drive the whole way. Be careful on the windy roads up the mountain. Even when the sun is out the roads can be slippery or icy depending on weather. There are also a lot of animals on the road.
Time & Weather: We did this hike in the end of April. The weather was sunny and cold at the start. The higher we got, the harsher the sun, but the weather also stayed cool as you ascend past 10,000 feet.
Gear: Since it’s a lot of uphill, and you’re likely to have snow or ice for a good portion of the year, hiking poles and good hiking boots are highly recommended. Don’t forget plenty of water and snacks since this can take a long time. Bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses for sure.
Trail Navigation: The trail is easy to follow the entire way as you switchback up the mountain. Beware when it snows it can be much harder to follow the trail so an offline map is recommended.
Water & Food: For this hike, it is critical you bring plenty of water and food. This is a long arduous hike where you’ll sweat and burn calories.
Trailhead Info: Use an offline map to find the specific trailhead. Since this is a ski area there’s a few other areas near the trailhead.
Pictures of Humphreys Peak:
From the parking lot and trailhead, it’s a wide open path before you enter the forested mountain. Start early since high altitude peaks like this tend to have variable weather that gets riskier in the afternoon.
You’ll enter the forested mountain and start a series of long and winding switchbacks. Watch your footing for roots and downed sticks.
At one of the switchback turns, you can look out to see the enormous rockfall that runs down a large portion of the mountain.
On the other side of the switchbacks you can view some of the ski runs on the other mountains in the San Francisco range.
Ascend from the treeline to the reach the ‘saddle’, a beautiful dip in between two peaks that offers this spectacular view.
At the top of the saddle you’ll find this directional sign where you can choose to go on other trails.
After the saddle, continue on and it’ll feel like you’re walking on another planet. All of this portion is at high altitude, and there are a few false summits to mentally prepare for. And as always, pay attention to your footing since there are plenty of loose rocks on the trail.
Looking down from the peak, these are the final few steps to the summit. In April there was a fair amount of snow, which was slippery and also blinding from the reflection of the sunlight.
At the peak, you have incredible views that run for 100+ miles in either direction. Believe it or not, somewhere in the distance you can see the Grand Canyon.
Also from the peak, the views extend forever on a clear day.
Some of the other mountains in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness still have a bit of snow at the end of April.
Before you descend, grab a hold of the wooden sign to memorialize your achievement. 12,633 feet!
Take your time hiking down since it’s easy to lose your footing on the loose rock, snow/ice or tree roots that span the entire trail. Continue to stay hydrated as you can enjoy the descent from Arizona’s highest peak!
Flagstaff has plenty more hikes to enjoy, many of which we have yet to experience ourselves. And not too far away is Sedona where you can be surrounded by 100's of world-class hikes. Check out our list of the best hikes in Sedona to help plan your next adventure in that area. If you want to bag another peak in Arizona, Wilson Mountain is the highest peak in Sedona and offers similarly stunning views from the top!
