The top of Arizona is a long, very strenuous day from Flagstaff: 5 to 5.5 miles each way from Arizona Snowbowl, about 3 to 4 hours up, with 3,420 feet of climbing to 12,633 feet and a view to the Grand Canyon.
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Trail factsHumphreys Peak summit trail · Photo: Hoplophile / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Credits
The Humphreys Trail starts at the north end of the lower Snowbowl lot and climbs 3,420 feet to the summit. The round trip takes a full day.
The climb takes you through every life zone on the mountain. The forest thins as you rise, the last trees are ancient bristlecone pines, and the final stretch to the summit ridge is open rock and tundra.
The peaks are part of the Kachina Peaks Wilderness, 18,960 acres protected since 1984 and sacred to the Indigenous peoples of northern Arizona. The Hopi say the katsinam fly from the peaks to the Hopi mesas each summer, bringing the monsoon rains.
A pleasant morning at the trailhead can turn cold and windy on the ridge. Bring a warm, windproof layer, and turn around if a storm is building.
Summer storms build over the Peaks on July, August and September afternoons, so summit hikers start early and head down when the clouds stack up.
Downtown and Milton Road hotels are about 14 miles from Snowbowl. For the view without the climb, the summer gondola at Snowbowl takes visitors up the mountain.
Photo: ExpediaIndoor pool, downtown on footMilton Road and NAU 9.0/10 on Expedia
Parking $8 a nightPets: dogs only, up to 2, up to 50 lb eachBreakfast extra
About 14 miles from the Humphreys trailhead at Snowbowl, with an indoor pool open until 10 pm after the climb.
Bespoke Inn FlagstaffDowntown and Southside 9.8/10 on Expedia · 426 reviewsFree parkingPets: dogs only, up to 2Check prices
Hotel Monte VistaDowntown and Southside 8.0/10 on Expedia · 1,057 reviewsParking $50 a day in a nearby lot; limited spaces at the hotelNo petsBreakfast extraCheck prices
Residence Inn by Marriott FlagstaffDowntown and Southside 9.6/10 on Expedia · 1,002 reviewsParking $10 a dayPets: up to 2 petsCheck prices5 to 5.5 miles each way, so 10 to 11 miles round trip, with 3,420 feet of climbing.
Only if you're fit and well prepared. The Forest Service rates it very strenuous: 10 to 11 miles round trip, 3,420 feet of climbing, thin air and loose rock on the ridge. Start early, turn back at the saddle if storms build, and try a shorter trail first if you've just arrived from low elevation.
Above the saddle, the ridge climbs over several bumps that look like the top from below. The real summit comes after them; expect loose rock and a little scrambling.
12,633 feet, the highest point in Arizona.
At the north end of the lower parking lot at Arizona Snowbowl, about 14 miles from downtown Flagstaff.
In winter the upper trail is avalanche terrain: slides can run on steep slopes near and above tree line. Snow is possible in any month.
About 3 to 4 hours one way, so the round trip fills a full day.
Very strenuous: 3,420 feet of climbing over 5 to 5.5 miles, starting above 9,000 feet, and extremely rocky in the upper part.
On a clear day, the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert, the Hopi mesas, the Verde Valley and Oak Creek Canyon.
Yes, on a leash. Pack out what your dog leaves.
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