Your Ultimate Guide to Hiking Humphreys Peak in Flagstaff, Arizona

Want to learn about hiking Humphreys Peak just outside Flagstaff, Arizona?

Humphreys Peak is the highest peak in Arizona and an epic running or hiking trek for outdoor enthusiasts.

To learn more about summiting the highest peak in Arizona, watch the video below about our guide to hiking Humphreys Peak.

Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona and is located near Flagstaff in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness within the Coconino National Forest. It is part of the San Francisco Peaks, a volcanic mountain range with several prominent peaks. Humphreys Peak stands at an elevation of 12,633 feet (3,851 meters) above sea level, making it a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking Trail: The most common route to the summit of Humphreys Peak is the Humphreys Peak Trail, which is a well-marked and maintained trail. The trailhead is located at the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort, approximately 14 miles northwest of Flagstaff.

Difficulty: The hike to Humphreys Peak is challenging, as it involves a significant elevation gain and can be steep and rocky in some sections. Hikers should be prepared for changing weather conditions, including sudden temperature drops, even in the summer months.

Distance and Time: The round-trip distance for the Humphreys Peak hike is approximately 9 miles (14.5 kilometers). Depending on your pace and hiking experience, the hike can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours to complete.

Scenic Views: The hike offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Coconino Plateau, the town of Flagstaff, and the expansive ponderosa pine forests. On clear days, you might even be able to see the Grand Canyon in the distance.

Season: The best time to hike Humphreys Peak is generally from late spring to early fall (May to September). Winter conditions can be harsh and snow-covered, making the trail more difficult and potentially dangerous.

Permits and Regulations: While a permit is not required to hike Humphreys Peak, it’s important to adhere to Leave No Trace principles and follow all posted regulations within the Kachina Peaks Wilderness.

Altitude Considerations: Because of the high elevation, some hikers may experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or headache. It’s recommended to acclimate to the altitude if you are coming from lower elevations.

Wildlife: The area around Humphreys Peak is home to various wildlife, including mule deer, elk, squirrels, and a variety of bird species. Visitors are advised to respect wildlife and their habitats.

Before attempting the hike to Humphreys Peak, it’s important to be well-prepared. Make sure to bring appropriate clothing, plenty of water, nutrition and other essentials for a safe and enjoyable experience. It’s also a good idea to check the current trail conditions and weather forecast before heading out.

• Mileage: 9.9 miles
• Elevation Gain: 3,328 ft
• Time: 4.0 hrs to 8.0 hours depending ability
• Type of Hike: Peak Summit, out and back, climb, and decent
• Things To Consider: Expect wind and a big temperature drop when getting to the summit
• Notes: Bring a wind jacket and layers to be prepared for a 20 to 30-degree temperature drop as you reach the summit

Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie is our favorite sun hoodie and was perfect for the hike up to the summit of Humphreys Peak.

We love our Black Diamond Trekking poles. They are lightweight and compact, and they are perfect for hiking up to the summit of Humphreys Peak.

Hoka Stinson’s are our favorite trail running and hiking shoes, and they were perfect for the hike up to the summit of Humphreys Peak.

When using trekking poles, the tops of your hands will get beat up by the sun. Furthermore, it is nice to have gloves on when using trekking poles. Outdoor Research Activeice Sun Gloves are our favorite sun gloves and were perfect for the hike up to the summit of Humphreys Peak.

The Osprey Talon 11L is the perfect day hiking pack for carrying a water bladder, a hand-held water bottle, clothing, food, trekking poles, and camera gear. It was also the perfect backpack for the hike up to the summit of Humphreys Peak.

Fuel and hydration are key to a successful hike to the summit of Humphreys Peak. Tailwinds Endurance Fuel is our go-to drink for hydration, electrolytes, and fuel to keep us going while on the trail. It was the perfect drink for the hike up to the summit of Humphreys Peak.

Capturing the moment is a must while on an epic adventure. The GoPro is our go-to video camera. It is easy to use for video and pictures with its voice command while on the trail. The GoPro was the perfect setup for the hike up to the summit of Humphreys Peak.

Having a quality camera helps capture epic pictures. Although not inexpensive, the Sony RX100 is worth the cost. It is compact and lightweight, and it beats carrying a full-body camera for a long hike. The Sony RX100 is our go-to camera and was the perfect setup for the hike up to the summit of Humphreys Peak.

Heading out for an ultra run or a hike takes planning and the proper clothes, equipment, and nutrition.

There is nothing worse than finding out you forgot something.

Having a checklist of your essential items is very helpful for setting yourself up for success when hitting the trail.

Below is a link to our essential hiking and ultra-running gear checklist. We print out and check off the items for each hiking and ultra-running adventure before heading out the door.

If you liked Hiking Humphreys Peak check out the links below to some other hikes in the area you may enjoy as well.

SIMPLY CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW