Humphreys Peak Hike

9.6 miles - Hard Effort
5-8 Hours (Total)
Expect to See Some Other Hikers
3,360 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 12,633 feet
No Dogs Allowed

Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona, is a classic hike. From the summit, you can see all the way to the Grand Canyon. The trail takes you through pine forests and above the treeline, providing a truly unique Arizona experience. In this guide I'll make the hike easy.

In this Guide:

Video & Turn-by-Turn Directions
Planning Your Hike
Insider Tips & Recommendations

Quick Links:
Park Website - Weather Forecast - My Sep 2024 Gear

Where is Humphreys Peak Hike?

Humphreys Peak Hike Location — Humphreys Peak is located about 30 minutes outside of Flagstaff, in the northern part of Arizona.

The hike starts at the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Area. The ski area leases the area from Coconino National Forest. Use this trailhead address:
9300 N Snow Bowl Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Humphreys Peak Hike Parking 1 — As you approach the ski area, look for signs for Humphreys Peak hiker parking, which is at the start of the ski area.

Humphreys Peak Hike Parking 2 — The parking lot is massive and you shouldn't have any problem finding a spot.

Humphreys Peak Hike Parking 3 — The hike starts at the far end of the parking lot.

The hike starts at over 9200 feet. Expect the air to be thin. This area is known as "Arizona's little Colorado."

Gear Recommendations

This is a high-altitude hike in the mountains and you need to prepare accordingly. Bring the 10 essentials and prepare for the worst.
The weather in the mountains is changeable. At the very least prepare for cooler and windier conditions above the tree-line.
Most people have cell phone reception for the whole hike, but I choose to bring a satellite communicator as well.
1-2 liters of water do the job most of the time unless it's very hot. There are no water sources along the hike.
Trekking poles can be helpful on the steep slopes.
If you're hiking in the early season, you may need micro-spikes for snowy sections.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.

Garmin InReach Mini 2Hit SOS or just tell loved ones that you're running late where your cell phone has no service. Review here.

Topo Pursuit 2The best hiking footwear I've ever owned. No blisters. Get them wet, they dry quickly. Lots of cushion and comfort.

Garmin Epix ProHiking maps, route info, and fitness stats on my wrist. Review here.

Osprey Hikelite 26Lightweight, carries all your gear, and your back doesn't get sweaty. Oh yea, it's also one of the most inexpensive packs you can get.

Check out the complete list here. ( Updated September 2024)

Humphreys Peak Trail Maps

Humphreys Peak Hike Trail Sign — The trail is popular and well marked with signs. The last stretch above the tree-line can be hard to follow at points.

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

How Will You Navigate?

Using the Apple Watch for Hiking

Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers

How To Read a Topographic Map

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

Elevation Profile

Humphreys Peak Hike Elevation — The hike is pretty straightforward, you go up, and then you come down. The first half of the climb is in the trees, and then the final mile or so is completely exposed.

Humphreys Peak Hike Tips

Humphreys Peak Hike In Snow — Humphreys Peak is usually covered in snow in the winter and spring. When it's covered in snow it's not a "normal" hike and requires experience hiking in the mountains during the winter.

The peak is over 12000 feet, and you can feel the effects of altitude sickness. Staying in Flagstaff or at altitude beforehand can help you acclimatize. If you get a severe headache, get disoriented, or nauseous, you are suffering from the effects of altitude. Stop and rest until the symptoms subside. If they get worse, descend until you feel better.
The trail is generally snow-free from June to October.
During hiking season the area above the tree-line is completely exposed and at risk from thunderstorms. If you hear thunder, be prepared to turn around and boogie back down. Start at sunrise to maximize your chance of avoiding afternoon storms. The area above the tree-line can be very windy as well.
There are no official campsites along the hike, but dispersed camping is allowed below 11,400 feet and away from the ski area.

Humphreys Peak Hike Directions

Humphreys Peak Hike Directions 1 — Follow the trail up the ski slopes.

Humphreys Peak Hike Directions 5 — At about 0.5 miles you leave the ski slope and enter the trees.

Humphreys Peak Hike Directions 6 — And shortly after that you'll enter the Kachina Peaks Wilderness.

The area is named for the Hopi spirit beings, or Kachinas, some of whom according to Hopi mythology live here from July to December. Humphreys Peak is considered sacred by many Native Peoples including the Hopi, Navajo, and Apache.

Humphreys Peak Hike Directions 7 — This is a proper trail that winds its way uphill through the pine forest.

Humphreys Peak Hike Directions 8 — At around 2 miles you get a view out from the trees at the scree field.

If you look up from the scree field, you may see some shiny objects in the distance—pieces of wreckage from a B-24 bomber that crashed here in 1944. After the crash, many visitors, not knowing it had been there for a while, kept reporting a new plane crash on the mountain, so the Forest Service blew up the wreckage in 1950. Some pieces still remain.

Humphreys Peak Hike Directions 9 — At about 3.5 miles you reach the junction with the Weatherford Trail. Make the right.

Humphreys Peak Hike Directions 10 — The junction is at the saddle, with views to the east.

Humphreys Peak Hike Directions 11 — There's also a trail sign at the junction.

Humphreys Peak Hike Directions 12 — Looking toward Humphreys Peak from the saddle, you'll see the false summits along the way.

From here to the summit, it's exposed. If you see bad weather coming in, it makes sense to turn around and head back.

Humphreys Peak Hike Directions 14 — This part of the hike goes along the left side of the ridge. As long as you are left, you're good.

Humphreys Peak Hike Directions 13 — Look for these trail posts along the way. They are especially helpful when the trail is rocky.

Humphreys Peak Hike Directions 15 — The start of this exposed section is very steep, and then gets a little easier as you approach the true summit.

Humphreys Peak Hike Directions 16 — And here it is, the summit! From here just turn around and go back the way you came up.

50 State Highpoint VLog Video

Need More Info?

Have a question about the guide? Join my Patreon and ask me a question.
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.
Do you have an update to this guide? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to update the guide.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.