There were a few times when the force of the wind almost caused me to lose my balance. If you click on the image below you will be taken to an interactive map that you can further explore. Subsequent periods of glaciation have morphed the mountain into its present state. The entire mountain is crisscrossed by trails, and the Humphreys Peak trail is the most popular. | shedreamsofalpine.com, The Clouds Rest Hike – Ultimate Trail Guide to one of Yosemite’s Best Hikes | The Clouds Rest trail is one of the best hikes in Yosemite and offers you epic views of Half Dome once you reach the summit. I’ve hiked it twice in my three years living in Flagstaff. | shedreamsofalpine.com, 25 Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Men | Get the outdoorsman in your life a birthday or Christmas gift that they’ll truly love to use in the backcountry by using this specially curated list of outdoorsy gifts for him. I own the Garmin inReach mini now and I pair it with my Garmin 64st, but you can save weight by getting this all-in-one solution. Fees: There is no fee to hike Humphreys Peak. Sign is not visible especially with deeper snow cover. He swears by them too, particularly for going downhill since he sometimes has knee problems. I can't wait to try this one out for myself and report back! A final uphill push will gain you the summit. In general though, this is not the GREATEST area to camp, but you can certainly make … The wind can be very fast, and it is cold at nearly any time of year. The peak’s high elevation and cooler temperature makes it a great place to escape the scorching hot summer months in Arizona. DIRECTIONS TO HUMPHREYS PEAK: Humphreys Trailhead is located 14.5 miles northwest of downtown Flagstaff, AZ at the San Francisco Peaks. The way to the summit is marked by wooden sign posts every few hundred yards. At the end of the parking lot, closest to the ski lodge, you will see a sign for the Humphreys Peak Trail. From the saddle, it is only one mile of hiking to the Humphreys summit. To me, the saddle marks a clear demarcation between the lush, thick forest below, and the harsh, windswept tundra above. The final push to the summit can feel harsh. As you come to the end of a switchback, you are afforded stunning views of Northern Arizona. Click on map thumbnail for larger view. The summit is above 12,000 feet, so it is a high altitude hike. Here’s what I recommend: 1) GAIA GPS Phone App: At a bare minimum, consider getting a premium subscription to GAIA GPS App. Then, follow the Humphreys Summit Trail for 1.0 miles to Humphreys Peak, which is the tallest point in Arizona at 12,637 feet. The remnants of a dormant volcano, the peaks are home to some of the most spectacular hikes in the state, including a trail that leads you to the summit of Humphreys Peak, with an elevation of 12,633 feet. Outdoorsy women are badass. The highest peak in Arizona, Humphreys Peak, stands 12,635 feet tall and sits just 11 miles north of Flagstaff. But even if you don’t use my link... please, at a minimum get a GPS phone app to help you navigate outdoors! Fortunately, Flagstaff is never too far away, so supplies can easily be had. Though a little further afield, I would suggest finding a spot at the Lockett Meadow Campground. Humphreys lot is day use only. Hiking. Below you are the chutes and runs of the Arizona Snowbowl. Mt. Soon, the trail enters a portion of long and steep switchbacks. If you wish to camp at an established campsite, there is no shortage of options. Buy Pro for the ones you love Buy Pro I was glad to have the poles on the way down. This is easily the largest view for miles around. Finally, continue down the Humphreys Summit Trail toward Snowbowl for the final 4.1 miles. 3) Handheld GPS with Satellite Communicator: However, if you have a little bit more money to spend, if I were starting over, I’d get the Garmin inReach Explorer+ which provides not only GPS tracking capabilities, but also an SOS satellite search and rescue communicator. Though Humphreys Peak sees ascents year round, the best and most popular time to go is in the Fall. Humphreys Peak. Each day is full-on and at high altitudes, but it affords you amazing views along the John Muir Trail plus you get to cross over 3 different mountain passes (Kearsarge Pass, Forester Pass, and Trail Crest). Within Coconino National Forest, you will find several established, pay per night campgrounds, as well as nearly endless free primitive camping. | shedreamsofalpine.com, 15 Reasons I’m Excited to Hike the John Muir Trail | Hiking the JMT has been a long-time dream of mine ever since I went on my very first backpacking trip up Half Dome in Yosemite. You might be tempted to buy cheaper "twist" to lock poles, but honestly don't bother... they break super easily. It sits between Humphreys Peak and Agassiz Peak. As a result, expect to see the peaks choked with tourists crowding to see the leaves change. One of my favorites was a 3am start with a sunrise. At its zenith, this volcano is estimated to have risen to nearly 16,000 feet in elevation. It is common to accidentally hike off the trail in this section, so be cognizant of the path that you are using. But all dogs are required to be kept on a leash. They may save you from falling on your butt, or twisting an ankle. The “top” of Yavapai County is cool, but not cool enough. Each time allowed a different experience. The Lockett Meadow campground is located in the Inner Basin of the peaks, and is easily the most picturesque campground in the Flagstaff region. These gifts are perfect for the avid hiker in your life, or even for yourself. Park your car at the Hart Prairie lot, and follow the trail across the ski run. While the views may be more impressive, the wind is more aggressive in this section. The total travel time from the South Rim to the start of the Mt. We will be on the trail by 6:15 AM sharp. The San Francisco Peaks, often referred to as a mountain range, are actually the exploded remains of a large Stratovolcano that once towered over the Colorado Plateau. Without further ado: The Humphreys Peak Trail, located just north of the city of Flagstaff, Arizona, is one of the most popular hiking trails in the entire state. This post is a guest post from another awesome outdoor blogger, Timmothy, so if you enjoyed this post be sure to check out his bio at the bottom of this post to learn more about him and see where you can connect with him further. Soon though, the switchbacks end, as the trail turns east into a glacial carved valley. You can record your tracks, upload tracks from online to follow (like the one I have above), and so much more with this phone app, and GAIA is offering a special discount to those who subscribe online through my link above, 20% off their normal prices. Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona’s San Francisco Peaks. Start hiking North across the green slope towards the treeline. 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. Parking: Humphreys Peak has a large parking lot that can fit 30+ cars.As of 2020 there are a handful of porta potties at the TH. Here, at roughly 11,200 feet in elevation, the alpine transition zone begins. The view beyond the Inner Basin reveals many recognizable natural features, including Sunset Crater, and the red cliffs of the painted desert. You won't go wrong with any of these gifts, I love them! Trail was still walkable with fair amount of new snow on top of old from the night before. The trailhead is located at the north end of the parking lot (see photo). Humphreys Peak trailhead and beginnings of the forest hike. At the junction with Highway 180, and Arizona Route 64, turn left to stay on Highway 180. Drive uphill 7 miles and turn left into the Upper Lodge parking lot (a.k.a. The views from this location are good and it is a good place to stop and rest before pushing on to the summit. If you do lose your way, it shouldn’t be too hard to find your way back to the trail. These are my favorite trekking poles, and they definitely come in hand for the really steep portion of this hike. DAY 3: JULY 7, Hike: AZ Snow Bowl to Humphrey's Peak, ... hikes South Rim to North Rim, spends the night at North Rim Lodge, and hikes back to the South Rim the next day; a great tradition. 2) Handheld GPS: If you hike often or go backpacking, then I highly recommend you investing in a handheld GPS. Catch the trail in early October to see the Aspen groves in full Autumn regalia. So, whether this is your first time visiting Mammoth Lakes, or you’re a regular weekend warrior looking for new ideas and activities, I hope you enjoy this list of 101 best things to do in Mammoth Lakes in the summer. Humphreys Peak: Hike Overview. For more info on camping, visit the camping page on the Coconino National Forest website. We hope you enjoyed this guest post from Timmothy. Spend the night before in picturesque Flagstaff, or camp nearby in Coconino National Forest. Along the way, the hiker will climb more than 3,000 feet, and travel through several different ecological zones, including Arizona’s only region of Alpine Tundra. From down jackets to gear patches, these are all great products that we can personally vouch for. Today's post is all about day hiking Humphrey's Peak Trail in Arizona. Humphreys Peak is the highest peak in Arizona at 12,637 feet(3,852 meters) within the volcanic San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. Keep a light jacket handy during summer as the mild 80 degree days cool off to the 50s at night. Today, Humphrey’s Peak marks the highest point of what remains of the ancient caldera. The city of Flagstaff offers plenty of lodging options as well. Due to its high elevation, the Humphreys Peak Trail sees itself winding through scattered aspen groves. This would be a good time to get out your windbreaker, and maybe another layer. Are you up to the challenge? As a regular state high pointer, I found Humphreys Peak to be a refreshingly straightforward hike. 9,300' (trailhead) to 12,633' (Humphreys Peak), "A" (top, this is a very strenuous hike) or "B" (Agassiz Saddle). Turn Left onto Snowbowl Road, and park at Snowbowl. Definitely just invest in a good pair that will last you a long time to come. 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). It's about 4.5 miles long (one way) with around 3500 feet of elevation gain. The thick conifer forest that characterized the lower portion of the trail gives way to smaller, hardscrabble, high elevation flora. The full trail is more than 9 miles (There and back) and gains over 3000 feet. Recommend you stay in Flagstaff the night before to help acclimate and to be on time at the trailhead. The San Francisco Peaks, though marred by a violent geologic past, are today an outdoor lover’s playground. During its peak hiking season, the hiker traffic on the Humphreys Peak Trail likely rivals that of nearby well known trails such as Havasu Falls, and the Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel and Kaibab trails. Grab my complete day hiking packing checklist: Of all the trails in a region filled with beautiful trails, the Humphreys Peak Trail stands as the quintessential Flagstaff hike. In reality, it’s less of a trail, and more of a light scramble across a talus field. Hiking Mt. This Humphreys Peak trail guide is a warning and an example of why you need to take this hike seriously and be prepared. For a full detailed list on the gear I recommend for day hiking, check out my post on Essential Day Hiking Gear. Hiking the Humphreys Peak Trail is like getting on a StairMaster, setting it to the highest setting and handcuffing yourself to the handles. From Flagstaff, take US 180 about seven miles to the signed Arizona Snowbowl Road and turn right. If you know what to look for, you can spot unmistakable glacial features, such as moraines, and striations. From downtown Flagstaff, drive North on Humphreys street, and turn left onto Highway 180. Hike to the top of Arizona on this trail that scales the state’s tallest mountain. As you climb higher, you’ll find that the wind just gets faster, and the temperature drops further. | shedreamsofalpine.com, 45 of the Best Gifts for Hikers | The holidays are fast approaching and so we put together a gift guide based on products that we love for hiking. Finding the coolest hiking destination in Arizona means going even higher, all the way to the top of Arizona, Humphrey’s Peak … A side trip to Humphreys Peaks at over 12,000 feet is possible. If you're looking for another adventure out in Arizona, check out our complete guide to hiking the Havasu Falls Trail in Arizona. Humphreys can be accessed via the Weatherford Trail, although not by the classic Mt. Camping: The best areas to camp are on the road along to the trailhead. Trailhead elevation: 9,300 feet, if starting at the Arizona Snowbowl, Highest Point on the trail: Humphreys Peak, 12,633 feet. General Notes: Rating: Strenuous As you approach the saddle between Humphreys Peak, and Agassiz Peak, the trail begins to steepen, and the path becomes less obvious. | shedreamsofalpine.com, Backpacking Onion Valley to Whitney Portal – John Muir Trail Section Hike | This backpacking trail is one of the most amazing and challenging trails in the Sierra Nevada. Near the trailhead, there is camping available at the Arizona Nordic Center, which offers Yurts, as well as toilets. 6:00 AM in the Snowbowl lower parking lot. The real summit will be marked by a wooden sign and a small wind shelter. The trailhead is at the Snow Bowl ski resort, at an elevation of 9,300 feet. This trail report will be a blend of the two experiences. You are traveling on long switchbacks, and the view is blocked by thick forest cover. The Weatherford Saddle is a worthy goal for the hike in its own right. Humphreys Peak Trail. Load this puppy into your trusted GPS and rest easy knowing you have tracks to follow on your next hike or backpacking trip. | shedreamsofalpine.com, 101 Best Things to Do in Mammoth Lakes, California in the Summer | Mammoth Lakes is one of the coolest mountain towns in California, and there’s quite literally something for everyone here. The trail cuts directly across the green/bunny slope of the ski area. No permit is required to hike on the Mt. Drive 7.4 miles on this paved road to the lower parking lot of the Snowbowl facility. The path to the summit heads north, and follows barely visible path to the summit. Humphreys Hike is no longer than 1.5 hours. It is the highest dormant volcano of the San Francisco peaks. Right now it's not my focus, because I'm trying to grab more of the California Fourteeners, but if I ever find myself in Arizona, I will definitely put this on the plan! Humphreys Peak Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Humphreys Peak is: Mostly dryTemperatures will be below freezing (max -2°C on Mon afternoon, min -9°C on Wed morning)Winds increasing (light winds from the ESE on Mon afternoon, gales from the W by Tue afternoon). Taking pictures at the summit will feel like a priority, but it can prove surprisingly difficult if not crouched beneath the wind break. The trailhead is at … From here, take gentle switchbacks through mixed conifer forest. Humphreys Trail detailed in this post. Look, I believe every hiker and backpacker should be self-sufficient, and that includes knowing how to practice smart navigational skills in the outdoors. Clear demarcation between the lush, thick forest below, and I 'm a who. 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