Humphreys Peak Trail,
Coconino National Forest
Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona, located within the Kachina Peaks Wilderness Area of the Coconino National Forest. The Humphreys Peak Trail begins at a parking lot located immediately before the entrance to the Snow Bowl ski area, and ends at Humphreys Peak. The trail climbs through a forest of Aspen, Fir and Spruce with many steep switchbacks. As the trail approaches the peak, the landscape becomes very rocky and the air much thinner. The weather can also become unpredictable at this elevation — beware of lightning. The views are magnificent from the top — when you reach the peak, take time to sit down, relax, enjoy the view and be proud of having climbed Arizona's tallest peak.
Elevation
The Humphreys Peak Trail has a maximum elevation of 12,627 ft., a minimum elevation of 9,291 ft. and an elevation range of 3,336 ft.
Metrics
| [ A to B ] or [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Length 2 | Min Ele 3 | Max Ele 4 | Range 5 |
| 5.3 mi | 9,291 ft | 12,627 ft | 3,336 ft |
| [ A to B ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time 6 | Floors 7 | Gain 8 | Loss 9 |
| 3.5 hrs | 277.8 | 3,333 ft | 0 ft |
| [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Floors | Gain | Loss |
| 2.3 hrs | 0.0 | 0 ft | 3,333 ft |
Calories
The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.
Topo Maps
Download the PDF Humphreys Peak Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.
Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend
- Northwest Topo Map: Kendrick Peak, AZ
- North Topo Map: White Horse Hills, AZ
- Northeast Topo Map: O'Leary Peak, AZ
- West Topo Map: Wing Mountain, AZ
- Topo Map: Humphreys Peak, AZ
- East Topo Map: Sunset Crater West, AZ
- Southwest Topo Map: Bellemont, AZ
- South Topo Map: Flagstaff West, AZ
- Southeast Topo Map: Flagstaff East, AZ
Difficulty
The following chart illustrates the difficulty of hiking the Humphreys Peak Trail compared to two other trails. The x-axis is cumulative elevation gain and the y-axis is maximum elevation. The length of the trail is reflected in the size of the bubble.
FAQ
Is this trail known by any other names?
Yes, this trail is also known as Humphreys Peak Trail #151, Humphreys Trail.
What is the length of the Humphreys Peak Trail?
The length of the trail is 5.3 miles (8.5 km) or 12,010 steps.
How long does it take to hike the Humphreys Peak Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 3.5 hours in one direction and in 2.3 hours in the opposite direction.
Warnings
Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
(cdc.gov)
- The Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) may be present in this area. The Brown dog tick transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Footnotes
- Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
- Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
- Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
- Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
- Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
- Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
- Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
- Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
- Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.