Humphreys Peak Hike
12,637 ft | Arizona
10 mi round trip
3,420 ft
4.5 hr
Strenuous
Humphreys Peak Hike at a Glance
The Humphreys Peak hike is 10 mi round trip with 3,420 ft of elevation gain, about 4.5 hr of hiking.
| Summit elevation | 12,637 ft |
|---|---|
| Distance | 10 mi round trip |
| Elevation gain | 3,420 ft |
| Hiking time | About 4.5 hr |
| Difficulty | Strenuous |
| Route last checked | October 25, 2026 |
Your time: about 5 h 5 min of moving time at Naismith pace (3 mph plus 1 hour per 2,000 ft climbed); about 6 h 20 min at a relaxed pace. A 160 lb hiker with a daypack burns roughly 2,850 kcal.
Adjust for your pace and breaks →Route line not shown. The 10 mi distance and 3,420 ft of gain for this hike are verified (fs.usda.gov), but we don't yet have a trail track we trust, so the map shows only the destination. Carry an official map.
About Humphreys Peak
Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona, at 12,637 feet, on land managed by Coconino National Forest (USDA Forest Service), Kachina Peaks Wilderness.
The Hike
The standard route is the Humphreys Peak Trail: 10 miles round trip with about 3,420 feet of elevation gain, from Arizona Snowbowl lower parking lot. The Forest Service lists the trail at 5 to 5.5 miles and about 3 to 4 hours one way. Distance from fs.usda.gov. By the National Park Service difficulty formula (distance against climb) that puts it at Strenuous.
Before You Go
- In winter, a backcountry permit from Coconino National Forest is needed for any travel in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness. (hikingproject.com)
- The trail starts at about 9,200 feet, so the air is much thinner than most hikers are used to. (fs.usda.gov)
- From July to September, monsoon storms with heavy rain, wind and lightning can appear quickly. (fs.usda.gov)
- During winter months there may be increased danger of avalanches on steep slopes. (fs.usda.gov)
- The Snowbowl Road gets closed before the ski season. (summitpost.org)
- Dogs must always be on a leash, and owners must pick up after their pets. (fs.usda.gov)
- Above the posted point on the fragile tundra, hikers must stay on the trail, with no camping or off-trail hiking. (fs.usda.gov)
- Check Coconino National Forest (USDA Forest Service), Kachina Peaks Wilderness for current conditions, closures and rules before you go.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the hike to the top of Humphreys Peak?
The Humphreys Peak Trail is 10 miles round trip with about 3,420 feet of elevation gain. The Forest Service lists the trail at 5 to 5.5 miles and about 3 to 4 hours one way.
How tall is Humphreys Peak?
Humphreys Peak rises to 12,637 feet, the highest point in Arizona.
Where does the Humphreys Peak hike start?
It starts from Arizona Snowbowl lower parking lot.
Do you need a permit or fee for Humphreys Peak?
In winter, a backcountry permit from Coconino National Forest is needed for any travel in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness.
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- Rapidly changing weather
- Ice possible on summit
- Wet leaves on trails
Turn-Around Time
1:00 PM (2:00 PM summer)
Plan to reach the summit by this time to allow safe descent before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Emergency / Search & Rescue
911Summit Forecast
NWS Point Forecast →In most of the US, backcountry search and rescue is dispatched through 911 — tell the operator you have a hiker emergency and your GPS coordinates.
Downloads
Sources for The Humphreys Peak Guide
Route last checked October 25, 2026.
- Verified against
- fs.usda.gov
- Distance
- fs.usda.gov
- Elevation
- NAVD 88 summit elevation (List of U.S. states and territories by elevation)
Conditions change. Check the land manager for closures, fees and weather before you go.