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 Reporter |
Summary: Humphreys trail takes you to the summit of Mount Humphreys, the highest point in Arizona, at 12,633 feet. The trail starts out in a nice flat meadow, but quickly gains elevation as it ascends in a series of long switchbacks. After about 3 miles, the trail reaches a saddle at 11,800 feet. This saddle connects Humphreys Peak with Agassiz Peak to the south. From the saddle, the Humphreys Trail continues north for another mile as it passes several false summits. The trail follows the rocky treeless ridge to the main summit. The final mile to the to the summit should not be attempted if thunderstorms threaten. Mount Humphreys is the highest point for hundreds of miles around and a large portion of Arizona is visible from the summit. As you stand on the summit you will gain a real sense of standing on top of the world. Hikers are required to stay on the trail above 11,400 feet due to fragile nature of this alpine environment. Trailhead: Drive 7 miles north of Flagstaff, on US Highway 180, to Forest Road 516. Turn right and follow this paved road 7.4 miles to the Snow Bowl Ski Area lodge. The trailhead begins at north end of the parking lot just below the lodge, you should see a sign. (Lat:35.33047 Lon:-111.70978) Trail Guides for Mt Humphreys: Humphreys Trail: Hiking Arizona by Bruce Grubbs and Stewart Aitchision (The Globe Pequot Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Coconino National Forest, Peaks Ranger District Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Rob Brinkerhoff, who has posted 33 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 6 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Bob on 6/21/2009 Hiked up to the summit on June 8th. Was overall an overcast day until I was half way down. Started off before 6:00 AM and coming from St. Louis did take a little longer going up then I would have wanted but never really felt bad just a little winded. Going up ran into only three people but coming down 43 and 2 dogs. Great view although it was hazy. Was windy from the saddle up and only a little snow left on the trail Not quite a 14er in Colorado but beats what I have in Saint Louis hands down.
Reviewed by Neil Shapiro on 6/18/2009 Hiked to the summit on June 3, 2009 with my wife and 2 boys, ages 16 and 13. After hiking the Grand Canyon every year for the last 10 years, this hike seemed strenuous at times because of the high elevation. It does kick ones gluteus maximus if you are not prepared well. Bring plenty of water, food, and a camera since the view from the top is worth the trip. Only bad thing was the multitude of gnats at the sumnmit: why are they there?
Reviewed by C. Whealton on 6/18/2009 I'll tell you what. I've hiked a number of lower altitude desert hikes with very hot temperatures. I never expected that hiking at this altitude would kick my butt the way it did, but it did. We made it to the saddle. We'll go back again, next time a bit more prepared, and attempt to make it to the top. The relative lack of oxygen just seemed to suck the life right out of us! Be prepared for this.
Reviewed by Tracy Laura on 6/2/2009 My girlfriend, who became my fiancé after we reached the saddle, (yes, I proposed to my wife when we reached the saddle) and I did this hike on July 27th, 2002. I would have proposed at the summit but the weather was turning for the worse. We loved the hike and the weather for the most part until the monsoon started was great, especially when coming from 114 degrees in the valley. Word of advice, do not begin your hike at noon in the monsoon season start in the early morning. The hike for the most part is easy but it begins to get a little difficult when you reach the 11000 foot mark. If you are not in any shape, I do not recommend going that high, for oxygen deprivation will wreck havoc on your body.
Reviewed by TW&LW on 5/28/2009 Error: Reserved Word Found: ;
Reviewed by Dr. Why on 5/4/2009 I did this hike back in about 1979 during a semester break from school in St. Louis. August must definitely be the easiest time of year to do this in light of some other reports I've read about different times of the year. The weather was mild and I didn't encounter another soul the entire day. Just hiked to the top, took some photos and came back down. Great view, plus the satisfaction of having gotten to the highest point in the state. Didn't take anything with me, no food or water or anything other than a camera. Figured it would only be a few hours and didn't want to be weighed down with a lot of gear. Things worked out fine, though I wouldn't recommend this tactic for most folks and would at least carry a water bottle if I did it
Reviewed by Drew on 2/21/2009 A buddy and I summitted Mount Humphreys today. The trailhead is easy to find from the top ski lodge at Snowbowl. We lost the trail at some point and decided to go vertical with the hike. Somehow, we managed to come upon the airplane wreckage. Very cool spot. The summitt was gorgeous, with the sun out and the wind no more than 5 mph. I would highly suggest snowshoes for the climb. I am glad we had them today. We did the entire hike in about 6.5 hours.
Reviewed by g.v. on 10/6/2008 great trail. It's actually the easiest mountain I've ever summit, so I wouldn't rate it as strenuous. Definitely one to hike again and again. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Arizona Hiking, Arizona Trails, Arizona Hikes, Coconino County Hiking, Coconino County Trails, Coconino County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
