Humphrey’s Peak The Highest Peak in Arizona

Humphreys peak is the highest peak in the state of Arizona and the 12th highest point in the United States standing at an elevation of 12, 633 feet (3851m). It is the highest dormant volcano of the San Francisco peaks.

My newest, detailed and most up to date article about Humphrey’s Peak is this one https://www.highonpeaks.com/peaks/humphreys-peak-the-highest-peak-in-arizona 

How to get to Humphreys peak?

By car

Humphrey’s peak is located within the Kachina Peaks in the Coconino National Forest about 11 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona.

The Trailhead starts at the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort and is 9 miles long out and back.

Google Maps does a good job of getting you there. 

By bus

When I first did Humphrey’s peak, I took a shuttle from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport that costs me $90. A month later, I learned about https://www.flixbus.com/ and it happens to be way cheaper.

A one way ticket from Phoenix to Flagstaff costs less than $10.

What’s the best time to hike Humphreys peak?

Humphreys peak is a tricky mountain, it is very important to understand the mountain and the weather in the area. There are two things to keep in mind.

The cold season

This season typically starts from late November through May.

During this time of the year, one can expect a lot of snow on the mountain bellow and above the tree line. One should definitely have experience hiking in snow, know how to use crampons and ice axe. You also want to make sure that you are comfortable finding your way around as the trail might be buried under the snow. 

Avalanche occurrence was reported this year, so it is also necessary to know the basics of crevasse rescue. 

The Monsoon season

Arizona is famous for its monsoon season that starts around June 15th and ends around September 30th. This season is known for storms that peak between mid-July and mid-August. So, you don’t want to be there when  the risk of thunderstorms is high.

With that being said, the end of may, the beginning of June, September and October are your best months to take this adventure in with minimal risk. 

At all times, it is crucial to check weather conditions, I recommend the following:

• Call flagstaff’s visitor center to inquire about the conditions in Flagstaff and the roads condition Phone: (928) 213-2951
•  It is not sufficient to check the forecast in Flagstaff as it is only located at an elevation of 6,909 feet. I use this website to learn about the weather at high elevation https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Humphreys-Peak/forecasts/3851

Do I need a permit to summit Mount Humphreys?

Permits are only needed in winter to help with search and rescue when necessary. This permit is free and can be obtained during the weekend at the Agassiz lodge at the Arizona Snow bowl.

How to prepare for the hike?

First of all, you need to inquire about the weather conditions prior to getting to Flagstaff. You also want to spend a day in Flagstaff prior to your hike in order to acclimatize and adjust to the elevation especially if you are traveling from low elevation

I live in Scottsdale, AZ at an elevation of 1,257 feet above sea level, Flagstaff is about 6 times more  (6,909 feet). Giving yourself some time to adjust to the elevation will make your time on the mountain a lot more pleasant and will help to reduce risks of High altitude sickness. 

This is not an easy hike and requires a decent level of physical fitness. Stepping up your cardio and strength game before your hike will come in handy.

In order to find your way around, especially when the trail is buried under  snow, you will need a GPS or a Map. I used the map on  All Trails and it was accurate to follow (Make sure that you have the pro version, this way you can download an offline map that you can use even when there is no service) 

To sum it up, this is what you need to prepare prior to your hike:

• Inquire about weather conditions
• Adjust to the elevation prior to your hike
• Be physically prepared
• Bring a GPS or download a map

San Francisco peaks view from the summit of Humphreys peak

Where to stay in Flagstaff prior to your hike? 

I am sure there are plenty of lodges, hotels and airbnbs to accommodate your stay, but from my experience I recommend these two places if you are looking for a cheap option:

• Enough water ( I took 3.5 litters of water and I easily went through all of it by the time my hike came to an end)
• Snacks (Salty snacks, energy bars, trailmix…)
• Hiking poles
• Sunscreen
• flash light (In case you get stuck in the mountain after the sun is down)
• GPS and or a map
• Phone or Camera to take photos with
• Gloves (For cold season)
• sunglasses
• Fire starter (At all times in case you get stuck in the mountain for any reason)
• An emergency blanket (They are cheap but can save your life
• Ice axe for winter season
• Crampons when there is snow in the mountain
• sunhat
• Good Hiking shoes 
• Layers 

Safety tips to climb Humphrey’s peak

• Start your hike early, the earliest the better
• Let your family and friends know that you are headed to the wilderness
• Inquire about weather conditions
• Register yourself at the start of the hike (There is a little box one mile into the hike to write down your name, phone and the time you took off)
• Drink water before you feel thirsty
• Be aware of changing conditions
• Be safe