Hiking Directions for Humphreys Peak

    The climb of Humphreys Peak begins at the end of a parking lot at the Arizona Ski Bowl. You should begin your climb before dawn. Humphreys Peak is prone to afternoon thunderstorms. Once above the treeline, just above 11,000 feet, there is no cover from the early afternoon thunderstorms.

    The first few hundred yards of the climb switches back and forth on a ski slope at the Arizona Snow Bowl. This trail was not easy to follow, so we found it easier to just follow the ski lift to the place where the trail enters the woods. Once inside the woods, the trail is ery easy to follow. There is also a trail register. Sign in and continue up the well marked and easy to follow trail.

    At 11,750 feet, you will reach the saddle between Agassiz Peak and Humphreys Peak. Follow the trail to the left. Along the way you will encounter “Stay on Trail” signs. Please heed this advice, as by doing so you will help protect the fragile alpine environment. It’s also easier to walk on the trail than walking off-trail.

    Once you reach the summit, you will find a few wind shelters and a Humphreys Peak summit sign. There is no USGS marker on the summit.

Approximate round trip hiking time: Five hours

Approximate hiking distance:    9 miles

Approximate Elevation Gain:    3200 feet