With Bill Williams Mountain (9,256 ft.) and Kendrick Peak (10,418 ft.) climbed earlier in the week, it was time to attempt to summit the state’s highest point, Humphreys Peak (12,633 ft.). Having taken a rest day with a quick trip to the Grand Canyon, I was ready to finally set a new altitude record for myself. Afternoon rainstorms were not predicted, so I would not have to worry about any weather issues. I pulled into Lot 1 at the Arizona Snowbowl and gathered my gear. A few cars were there when I arrived. Unlike the faster paces I held on the other peaks, I planned to keep myself to a more measured pace.
The trail cut across the ski slope before entering the trees and beginning the climb toward the summit. I made my way along the western slope of Humphreys under the shade of the trees. Unlike Kendrick, the trail had more tree roots to be mindful of. Off to the south, some snow still remained, and the now dormant chairlift was visible. The trail made a steady climb toward the Humphreys-Agassiz saddle, my first real milestone for this hike. After 4.1 miles, I reached it! I stopped for a bit and took in the vista. Humphreys used to be about 4,000-5,000 feet taller, before it explosively blew its top long ago. To my east was the bowl that was created after that eruption. A few patches of snow were scattered about, but from recent trip reports, nothing was still on the trail.
The saddle is almost at the tree line, so for the last mile to the summit, I would be hiking under the Arizona sun. The trail also changed, as I was now hiking across mostly exposed rock. Wooden branches helped serve as trail markers to the summit, which lay to the north of the saddle. As I carefully made my way along the trail, the conditions reminded me of many of my hikes in Anza-Borrego, just not at 11,000+ feet. I passed two small snow fields as I continued my journey upward. Soon, I spotted the summit sign and knew I had made it. There was another hiker there when I arrived. He was getting ready to descend, but before he did, I asked him to snap a few photos of me at the summit. I wished him well on his descent, and he said to enjoy the almost calm summit. I found a nice spot to relax and enjoy some snacks. I marveled at the views from 12,633 feet. I could make out the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (although a nearby fire did make it a bit hazy) and the red rocks around Sedona to the south. Both Bill Williams and Kendrick were easily spotted to my west.
After a bit, another hiker reached the summit. Since I was almost ready to descend, I hurried up to allow him to also enjoy the solitude. The route down to the saddle went fairly well. As I neared the saddle, I started to encounter a few more folks making the push to the summit.
I saw that the two state high-pointers I passed during my ascent were still pushing along. I gave them a quick trail report before parting ways. The rest of the descent was uneventful, and I soon found myself crossing back across the ski slope and to my car. I know spending time in Flagstaff and doing those two other peaks helped me prepare for this ascent, but I was really happy at how well the entire hike went. After tossing my gear into the car and putting on a dry shirt, I drove back to Flagstaff and headed to Lumberyard Brewery for some well-earned food and drink. I tracked this hike at 10.2 miles in 6:07 (excluding time at the summit) and 3,369 feet of gain.
I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. In 2019, I became the third person to complete the San Diego 100 Peak Challenge. Not stopping with that accomplishment, I set my sights on the harder San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list, which I completed in 2021. In addition, I have conquered several Six-Pack of Peaks challenges (SoCal, San Diego, Central Coast, and Arizona-Winter). Beyond attempting the San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list a second time, I am looking forward to exploring new summits and new adventures across the southwest.