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Mt Humphreys: Humphreys Trail

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Highlights:

Strenuous hike to the highest point in Arizona, spectacular 360 degree views
Near:Flagstaff, AZ
Scenery:
Distance:8.25 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:3272 ft
Hike Time:5 hours
Difficulty:Strenuous
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Out and Back



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 8   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Todd on 9/24/2011
Did the summit yesterday. The forest service was clearing the fallen trees and by the time i came down the trail was clear. Thanks to those guys and gals, that's hard work! Total trip time was 9hours. I'm not sure about the 5 hour estimates I've seen. I can't imagine anyone doing the summit and back that quickly except the most fit.

Reviewed by SM on 9/17/2011
Just hiked this one yesterday. Due to a ridiculous amount of fallen trees we lost the trail on the way up and down (you'd think it would've been easier on the way down...). Didn't get to finish due to time restraints and lost time searching for trail. Beautiful hike, especially once you make into the clouds. Hiked with my friends active dog who gives it an enthusiastic two paws up, she couldn't get enough.

Reviewed by Mbt on 8/28/2011
Very fun hike and worthwhile. We hiked this in about 4.5 hours RT today. Getting ready for a R2R2R hike at the canyon in 2 weeks. Good training. Only downside was trail was pretty rocky w lots of tree roots, loose rock, and loose gravel.

Reviewed by JA on 8/12/2011
I love this hike...great challenge as it's always windy and never boring. Once at the top...beautiful and just makes you so grateful you stuck it out. The secret for me is to start slow to acclimate to altitude...no hurry. Also go prepared for any type of weather. If you do these things the hike will be much more enjoyable and great fun! Enjoy the journey.

Reviewed by hkrgrl on 7/18/2011
Snowbowl hasn't closed off access to this trail. They provide a parking lot and porta-potties. Hiked it twice in the last two weeks. Great trail. Easy to follow. Yes, you need to be ready for a 3000 ft climb starting at 9000 ft. Well worth the effort. Watch the weather. Go early before any rain. Beautiful flowers. The summit can be windy and cold especially in the spring and fall.

Reviewed by ESE on 6/20/2011
Took my daughter on the hike starting in the early morning. After some misreading of the trail we got to the second false summit before turning around and heading back down as the wind (60+ MPH according to a hiker who made it to the top) was a bit too much. Would like to do again with calmer winds.

Reviewed by coffee on 6/18/2011
Snowbowl has cut off all there hiking trails to the public, so if your wanting to hike, any of there trails your waisting your time. I am not sure when they will re-open there hiking trails doubt they wil anytime soon. been already two years scents they closed there trails down. there are no words!!!!, for the hiking trails they do have. just beautiful.

Reviewed by mk on 6/8/2011
We hiked this mountain on 5/16/2011. We were prepared for snow, but was surprised to see so much snow on the trail, especially switchback areas. We were glad we had micro spikes and used it for hiking. We were not so energetic from the beginning of the hike, did not understand why at that time, but now I know it was the altitude. We live in Northern England. It was very strenuous hike. We hiked up to saddle back,at 11,800 feet, took a rest, and took some pictures. The peaks right in front of us, and 1 mile away. We had to make the decision either to go up or down. I said "yes". If we get a chance to hike Humpreys Peak again, we will try to acclimate before hike.


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


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