Location: Arizona
Peak: Humphreys Peak 12,633 ft.
Trailhead: Snow Bowl Ski Parking Lot 9,279 ft.
Elevation Gain: 3354 ft.
Distance (Round Trip): 9.0 miles
Difficulty: 6
Route Conditions: Maintained trail with some scrambling at the top.
Total Time: 8 hours
As scheduled, we carefully summited Arizona’s tallest peak marking our second state completion.
We hit the trail at 6:00 AM (Arizona Time). The trail started off in the aspen trees. There were lots of rocks and roots throughout the forested part of the trail.
As you can see, the trail was intensely rocky at times.
This was our first view when leaving the tree line.
Now that we’re above the tree line, the temperatures are colder and we’re exposed to very windy conditions. I removed my sweaty short sleeve silk weight shirt and replaced it with a dry merino wool long sleeve shirt and fleece vest. I also put on my hat for sun protection and to hold as much heat as possible. I’m guessing it was near freezing temperatures towards the top.
Sarah was previously hiking in a short sleeve capilene shirt. She covered herself with a lightweight fleece jacket and put on lightweight capiline gloves. Since her hands were ice-cold, she initially needed the gloves for warmth; however, gloves were recommended towards the summit due to the rocky handholds. Mount Humphreys is a volcano which means the rocks are porous and very sharp. Trust me, those rocks are very unforgiving. The gloves do provide some degree of protection.
The peak that you see in this photo is a false peak. There are a total of three false peaks on this particular summit.
I tried to post these pictures in chronological order. I believe this photo was the completion of the first false peak.
I’m not sure, but I think this photo was taken after completing the second false peak.
This photo was taken at the third false peak which is within 15 minutes of the summit.
We finally summited.
According to the GPS, it took us 4.12 hours to reach the summit.
Here are views from the top. Supposedly you can see the Grand Canyon from here.
We're on our way back down