Humphreys Peak Hike
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Hiking Trails

Humphreys Peak Hike

Distance: 9.6 miles
Time: 5-8 Hours
Total Climbing: 3360 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Crowds: Moderate
Dogs: No Dogs
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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.

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.

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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.
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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 2
The hike starts at the end of the parking lot. Bear right to head uphill. Don't take the downhill trail to the left.
Humphreys Peak Hike Directions 3
Follow the signs through the ski resort area.
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

Last updated May 2025