Ready to explore this trail?
View Trail Map in AppNo permit is required for summer hiking. Parking is free at Arizona Snowbowl, but lots fill early on weekends. Off-trail travel is prohibited above treeline to protect the rare San Francisco Peaks' groundsel - a plant found nowhere else in the world.
Path Type
There and Back
<p>This route starts at the Humphreys Trailhead in the lower parking lot of the Arizona Snowbowl ski area and ends at the summit of Humphreys Peak.<p>
<p>From the trailhead, follow the Humphreys Trail (#151) east across Hart Prairie, passing under a ski lift to enter the Kachina Peaks Wilderness. Climb approximately 2,520 vertical feet through a conifer forest on a series of switchbacks. At 3.8 miles from the trailhead, reach the saddle junction between Agassiz Peak and Humphreys Peak. Turn left (north) to stay on the Humphreys Trail, while the Weatherford Trail branches to the right. Follow the rocky, exposed ridge trail north for 1.0 mile, traversing three false summits and climbing 833 vertical feet to reach the summit of Humphreys Peak. Retrace your steps to return to the trailhead.<p>
Some Issues
Snowy on the way up in the morning, good with microspikes only. Once you get to the “11’300” wooden sign, watch the trees for large icicles falling. Once in alpine make sure you use ice axes to prevent a slide, and crampons would be recommended, partner had to self arrest on the decent. Would also recommend roping up to your partner. Do not underestimate the changes in conditions the mountain can have, we were at the summit for about 20 minutes and by our descent the trail had entirely blown / iced over and was much more difficult. Overall decent hike, just be safe.
All Clear
Parking was empty when I got there, around 7am but was full when I finished the hike around 11am. Only ran into 2 other people on the trail. Trail is mostly covered in snow and I would recommend micro-spikes or crampons. Parts of the trail became pretty slick as the sun came out during the day but overall was pretty smooth with crampons.
Looking for more condition reports?
Contributors
