I followed her to confront the Inner Basin splashed with the golden aspen of Lockett Meadow – its stunning beauty literally took my breath away. These peaks are sacred to several Native American tribes including the Havasupai, Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni. Humphreys Saddle, which connects trails to Arizona Snow Bowl and Lockett Meadow. Lots of cars will start parking along the road about 1-2 miles out from the actual start of the trail. After about a mile, the trail smooths out. To get there, head north on Humphreys Street from downtown Flagstaff and turn left onto Highway 180. It’s easy mainly going down. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but must be kept on leash. General Information General Notes: Attractions: Camping, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife watching, fall colors, photography.. Facilities: 17 single unit sites, fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilet (no drinking water available- bring your own water).. Map of Lockett Meadow Campground sites. The trees are tall with thick white trunks and on the first weekend in October were approaching peak color. The trek to Humphreys Peak is about five miles each way and most of that time is spent in the forest. She enjoys all-day mountain trail runs, the uphill part of backcountry skiing, and copious amounts of coffee. Better color and you can see down. I recommend going weekday if you can or before 8:30 am on weekends—-unless you want to be disappointed, lol. The Route: From the trailhead at Locket Meadow, go 1.8 miles to the junction at Waterline Road. Turn left onto FR 552 and follow the signs to Lockett Meadow Campground. From there, the final, and most challenging mile leads to the summit. I finally bought a truck and drove over 2.5 hrs only to be turned away! A series of endless switchbacks steadily climbs the west-facing slope of the mountain and the trail is well-marked. The forest service was turning people away and said it was closed all the way until 4:30 pm. They also have restrooms right by the start of the trail. Eventually you have another option to go up (right) or down (left). It’s a 3,300-foot climb to the summit and close to 10 miles round trip and although not technical, the high altitude and steepness makes it a difficult hike. According to Hopi mythology, the Hopi gods known as Kachinas live on the peaks and clouds around the mountains for half the year inspiring the region’s name, the Kachina Peaks Wilderness. The Inner Basin Trail #29 begins at Lockett Meadow then follows a primitive road into the mountains now quiet Inner Basin. Better to go to the top and back down the same way. From Lockett Meadow, Humphreys Peak can be reached via the Weatherford Trail, an alternative to the classic trail mentioned in this post. As with most popular trails, we recommend going early and wearing layers. 1. Amiee’s based out of Salt Lake City, but spends as must time as possible living out of her Subaru in the Utah desert with her Australian Shepherd co-pilot, Kangaroo the Dog. Got there at ~7:30 and made it up. Easy to get to from East Flagstaff - parking fills up fast on the weekend - road is narrow just take your time and enjoy the incredible views. The first part of this hike winds it's way through a pine forest crowded with dead fall (a result of overzealous fire suppressionists perhaps). From here you can overlook Arizona Snowbowl to the west and the lush inner basin and Lockett Meadow to the east. It’s okay. Got in around 8AM and parked probably 2 miles out along the side of the road from the parking lot since I came in a sedan. We saw some little cars make it up there, but I was nervous for them while driving behind them. Most folks who want to climb to the top follow the signs to the Arizona Snowbowl, but if you'd rather explore the interior of the inner basin, head up FR 522 to Lockett Meadow and the trailheads that lead into the old caldera. With the leaves all fallen it’s hard to say if it’s worth the drive up which is terrifying, Incredible hike. Expect the hike to take anywhere from 5-8 hours depending on fitness levels and how long you linger at the summit. The trail is well marked, but when we were there it hadn't rained in five months so the trail was very dusty. I hiked the Inner Basin Loop trail on Saturday, October 17th and most of the leaves have already fallen. I had to park about 0.5 mile away from the trailhead off to the side of the dirt road. Wow, what an amazing morning!! Length 3.4 mi Elevation gain 839 ft Route type Loop I had already hiked most of the other major trails in the San Francisco Peaks area – Humphreys Peak, Weatherford, Kachina, Abineau, Bearjaw, Bismark Lake Loop and Waterline – I now wanted to hike Inner Basin Trail from Lockett Meadow to Weatherford. We had researched the trail prior and nowhere said it was closed. Humphrey's Peak, Weatherford and Kachina Trail Loop. 3. Trail #29 connects to the Weatherford Trail in 3.9 miles and leads into the Inner Basin on the eastern slopes of the San Francisco Peaks. It was absolutely breath taking!! This is a great spot to rest before pushing the rest of the way to the summit. This guide to Humphrey’s Peak was brought to you by AfterShokz, AfterShokz makes wireless headphones with a mic built in and ready for you to enjoy. Viet Spring Loop via Veit Spring. There are no water sources along the trail, so bring along plenty of water. Best Time to Hike Humphreys Peak Though Humphreys Peak can be hiked anytime of year, late spring through early fall is the best time to go. You may also like: Inner Basin Trail via. The hike is steep and long, but the outstanding views at the summit make it well worth the difficulty. Turn right at the Lockett Meadow sign and continue to the campground. This article about Humphreys Peak was brought to you by AfterShokz, the designers of cordless headphones that make it easy and enjoyable to listen to your favorite tunes while bagging peaks. A permit is required to hike Humpreys in winter, and crampons are necessary to reach the summit. Busy but people are friendly and polite. 99% seem to do it this way and for good reason. Was difficult but worth it!! This gives your body a chance to adjust to the higher altitude ensuring a more pleasant hiking experience. You have to get here before 8:30am to ensure you can get in. The second half of the trail is very rocky and scenery isnt great. Turn right and hike 2.45 miles to Humphreys Saddle, where the Weatherford Trail ends at the Humphreys Summit Trail. Day use fees are $5 per vehicle. [October 2020], 14 Wilderness Survival Tools You Should Always Have in the Backcountry, Warm Up in These Utah Natural Hot Springs, 7 of Jacksonville, Florida’s Most Popular Campgrounds—According to Campers, The 6 Most Sought After Campgrounds Near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Here’s November 2020’s Campground Review Contest Winners, Explore The Outdoors at These 7 Great Campgrounds Near Columbus, Ohio, The 7 Most Popular Campgrounds Near Portland, Oregon—The Dyrt’s Hometown, 7 Awesome Places to Go Camping Near Amarillo, Texas, Top 7 Recommended Campgrounds Around Rockford, Illinois. lots and lots of rough road, bumps and rocks. DIFFICULT 10.4 mi. Lockett Meadow; East Pocket (Edge of the World) Camping Lockett Meadow and Humphreys Peak. Lockett Meadow Inner Basin Loop is a 5.5 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail located near Flagstaff, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. This is especially important if you’re coming from Phoenix, which sits at barely 1,000 feet above sea level. Nice trail, fairly easy, would recommend going in and back on inner basin trail, rather than the loop, would be more scenic. On a clear day, the rim of the Grand Canyon can be seen from the summit. This trail was fun, challenging, and beautiful all the way up to 10,432 feet! The area may be closed during adverse conditions including adverse winter weather or during extreme fire danger. Cave Springs is one of the most popular Flagstaff camping options so arrive early in the day to secure a spot. Humphreys Peak from Lockett Meadow — Flagstaff. The Inner Basin trail heads west from Lockett Meadow and goes through groves of some of the biggest aspens we’ve ever seen. The drive up to Lockett Meadow can be a nail biter and you definitely shouldn't take a low profile vehicle. Also, locals told me that this wasn’t a loop and that you had to come back the same way if you did the basin trail. I’m only giving this a 1 star because we couldn’t hike it. Sitting at 12,633 feet above sea level, Humphrey’s is the tallest peak in Arizona, and as expected, one of the most difficult to summit. ... You could continue on Weatherford Trail, which goes all the way to Humphreys Peak, but that’s a sun up to sundown type of hike. With that being said, it is a VERY trafficked trail. Horses Allowed: No USGS Maps: Humphreys Peak, Sunset Crater West The road up to the trailhead is quite bumpy, narrow, and steep. If you are looking for an easy hike with great views - would recommend Lockett Meadow. Glad we got there early. As we were leaving, the park ranger did have the main road that leads up to the trail blocked off. To get to the very top, hikers should expect about 10 mi Recommend skipping the second half of the loop trail. Vehicle Requirements: A high-clearance vehicle is recommended. During the summer monsoon season, roughly July through mid-September, lightening poses serious risk, so plan on being well below treeline by noon when monsoons are active. False summits seen to the left. Just be very careful if you don’t have a high clearance or off roading vehicle. You can, however, turn this hike into a loop on the way back to the trailhead. Note: This road is generally closed from late fall to early spring, so you have to walk up to 3 miles to get to the trailhead. Overview 3.7 miles on the Inner Basin Trail #29 to the Weatherford Trail #102.Follow the Weatherford for 2.45 miles to the Humphreys Summit Trail. Continued on towards Bear Jaw for a bit to overlook the basin and sights of the Grand Canyon. yes! Such a feeling of accomplishment!! 5. Dogs Allowed: Yes (on a leash), but only below the watershed cabin. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from May until October. Summit dayhike Will do again on next visit to area. It is not uncommon to have snow on the peak well into spring. Take a left and you will see the city views and mountains. As always, please be considerate of the environment so we can keep enjoying it and remember to leave no trace. The Humphreys Peak Trail is a 5-mile, sometimes steep but non-technical walk from near the botton of the Snowbowl ski lifts to the highest point in Arizona. Hike Description: From the signed trailhead, begin by walking across the ski slope, under the lifts into the forest beyond. Difficulty: 5 Route Finding: 1 Round Trip: 14.3 miles Accumulated Elevation Gain: 4,430 feet … Eventually, the trees begin to thin and the views open up as you approach the saddle between Humphreys Peak and Agassiz Peak at about 11,800 feet. Filmed the experience in 4k. A lot of families and people taking professional photos. Our first hike! there was a ton of people and we went around 11 on Wednesday. This scenic San Francisco summit is the highest point in Arizona at 12, 633 ft. A strenuous 4.5 miles to the top, this hike is not for beginners. The Humphreys Peaks Trail begins from the Arizona Snowbowl parking lot at an elevation of 9,300 feet. All state Unfortunately most of the leaves had already fallen off the trees, but it was still beautiful scenery. The highest peak in Arizona, Humphreys Peak, stands 12,635 feet tall and sits just 11 miles north of Flagstaff. The trail leading into the heart of the ancient volcano begins in beautiful Lockett Meadow. It is especially lovely when the aspens are changing in fall. Hiking the Inner Basin Trail in Lockett Meadow, Flagstaff. 1.0 mile to the peak on the Summit Trail. The Inner Basin Trail winds from Lockett Meadow at 8600 feet up into the Inner Basin, where it eventually joins the Weatherford trail at the saddle between Agassiz and Fremont peaks. From the parking area, the trail starts out relatively easy, passing through a lush mountain meadow before entering an aspen grove and the boundary of the Kachina Peaks Wilderness. The road up there is a little rough so beware. Majority of the road leading up to was fine, even along the narrow cliff that drops. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from May until October. Park in the Arizona Snowbowl lot and look for signs pointing to the Humphreys Peak Trailhead from the parking area. Humphreys Peak Trail trail passes through a plethora of aspen groves and is one of the best places in Arizona to see fall colors. Apparently when parking lot is full they shut it down and stop letting people even park on side of the road. This meadow is the second popular turnaround point, making for a 5.5-mile roundtrip hike with around 1,100 feet of elevation gain. Humphreys Peak seen far right. mike.r.riggs 4 years, 2 months ago Humphreys via Inner Basin. These peaks – Humphreys Peak, Agassiz Peak, Fremont Peak, Doyle Peak, Abineau Peak, and Rees Peak –are the six highest points in the state. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. After an hour on the trail you are surrounded by aspens, it is simply beautiful. The area is accessed by a steep, narrow mountain road, which may be closed if snow still blocks the road in the spring. Humphreys Peak Trail begins at the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort, about 14 miles north of Flagstaff. Stay well-hydrated to prevent altitude sickness. Expect strong winds and cold temperatures at the peak so pack additional layers and a waterproof jacket. Watch the weather carefully and only attempt the summit under clear skies. The trail reaches this spot in just over 2 miles, but you can continue on up the mountain through mixed conifer forest and connect with the Weatherford Trail, which meets the Humphreys Trail for option of conquering the mountain. By the time we got back to our car around noon things were a zoo!! You start in a flowery meadow near Arizona Snowbowl and then wind your way above the tree line. The trail itself closes periodically for logging. After about six miles arrives the Humphreys Saddle. Route Description Start at Lockett Meadow trailhead and hike 1.5 miles passing the Flagstaff Spring. Why Hiking Humphreys Peak is the Perfect Outdoors Getaway near Flagstaff, Arizona, RV Camping Tips and Tricks for First-Timers, 9 Small Campers You Can Pull with Almost Any Car, 7 Campgrounds in Florida That Campers Can't Get Enough Of, 9 Tips That Make Sleeping in Your Car Way Less Miserable, Camping & COVID-19: What Campgrounds Are Open? DIFFICULT 9.6 mi. Forest service needs a better way to manage traffic than just refusing people. From Lockett Meadow, Humphreys Peak can be reached via the Weatherford Trail, an alternative to the classic trail mentioned in this post. There are in fact three trails to the top of Humphreys Peak; in addition to the Humphreys Peak trail and the Weatherford trail, it is also possible (and increasingly popular) to hike to the top from Lockett Meadow. Id do it again! Welcome Covid-19 Update: ... hike, bike, swim or take a jeep tour. Even when people leave they don’t let more go back up. EASY 1.2 mi. ... Humphreys Peak via Humpherys Peak Trail. The trail is well marked and well kept but the roots are allowed to grow and the rocks in the beginning of the path create constant obstacles. We got there at 8:30am on a Sunday and the parking lot was completely full. Continue on Highway 180 until you reach the junction with Snowbowl Drive; you’ll find several signs for Snowbowl making it hard to miss. We went early enough that we only saw three cars leaving and left late enough (around 12:30-1pm) where no cars came in along the narrow cliff road so had no problems attempting to share the road. The peak’s high elevation and cooler temperature makes it a great place to escape the scorching hot summer months in Arizona. From the saddle, Humphrey’s Trail turns north (left) and continues up to the summit, while the Weatherford Trail veers right towards Agassiz, Doyle Saddle, and Lockett Meadow. I’ve been trying to hike this for 6 years now but never did because I had a small car. Such BS!!!! Luckily, there are several Flagstaff camping options located near the Humphreys Peak Trail. Would love to visit earlier in October next year. Hike From the Lockett Meadow Campground, hike along the Inner Basin Trail for 3.7 miles until it ends at the Weatherford Trail. A half mile past Flagstaff Spring you will enter into a meadow and there will be a pump station for the Flagstaff spring on your right as well as a place to sit in a small wooden shelter. The trees were absolutely beautiful in the morning light. At approximately 4 miles the trail tops out at the saddle between Humphreys Peak and Agassiz Peak. This adds 2.8 miles from where you first turn left but it’s worth it to get a higher view. It isn't very difficult but we had to make a lot of stops for my 6 year old to climb on rocks and logs. Leaves typically peak between the end of September and mid-October depending on elevation and weather conditions throughout the year. A pipeline brings water down from springs and wells, producing up to two million gallons a day during the peak season. This trail is also popular with athletes, however, and those looking to test their endurance can take on the ascent at a much faster pace. The trailhead is well marked. We really enjoyed this trail. Lockett Meadow is another popular option and offers scenic views of the San Francisco Peaks. TRAIL DESCRIPTION If high-pointing Arizona is on your bucket list, then Humphreys Peak is the trail for you! Great easy trail with some beautiful views of the aspens. Take a picture of the map for peace-of-mind and then forget about it for the rest of the hike. View the San Francisco Peaks’ six majestic summits that ring the caldera like a rocky crown. Though Humphreys Peak can be hiked anytime of year, late spring through early fall is the best time to go. I started the original loop but at the top when it gives you an option to continue to basin or go to schultz, I made a left and went to the top. We got there at 7am on Friday which was perfect. Elden via the three-mile Elden Lookout Trail. The Inner Basin Trail will eventually intersect with the Weatherford Trail which then leads to Humphrey's Peak, the tallest point in Arizona at 12,637 feet. Lockett Meadow Campground to Humphreys Peak, Coconino County, AZ, USA. Got there around 830am and the sunlight in the fall leaves was amazing. 4. The summit sits at 12,635 feet, so be prepared to … From the saddle, the trail is exposed and fully above treeline so you’ll only want to continue if the weather is clear. Camping is available in Lockett Meadow Campground from mid-May through mid-October for $10 per night. Then you will keep on going turning around until you’re back to the parking lot. Can view it here for reference: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoFCcB03vM-nepESoPJ4KvA. High-pointing each state is a goal for some adventurers, and if you’re interested in doing so in Arizona- Humphrey’s Peak will be your challenge. Description: The Inner Basin Trail #29 begins at Lockett Meadow then follows a primitive road into the mountain’s now quiet Inner Basin. By the time we left, the whole campground was full of cars. Experiencing altitude sickness is possible on Humphreys Peak so it’s highly recommended to stay a night near Flagstaff before attempting the summit. We weren’t too impressed with the inner basin trail so we turned back and did Shultz which had more trees with yellow leaves. Humphreys Peak is the highest of several summits on the rim of an eroded stratovolcano called San Francisco Mountain. Lockett Meadow, a primitive oasis in the heart of the extinct volcano ($12, fs.fed .us/r3/coconino) Peak to view Humphreys Climb Mt. A beautiful trail, especially at this time of the year with the yellow leaves! Humphreys Peak Hiking & Trail Info. Kachina Trail #150. Note: The gravel road to Lockett Meadow is passable by all cars, but it is very steep and windy with blind turns. Would highly recommend during spring, summer and early fall. Great hike, but not so great during winter as the road up to the trail head was closed and once we hiked the 3 miles to the trail head we we hiked 1.5 miles further only to find that the trail itself was actually closed. Then, follow the Humphreys Summit Trail for 1.0 miles to Humphreys Peak. Eventually, you’ll top out at a small sign marking the summit and can soak in the views extending in all directions. KOA Flagstaff is one of the closest options to town and offers authentic teepees and rustic cabins to rent if you didn’t pack the tent. The elevation range is 8,600-10,500 feet. Hike On likely one of the hotter Saturday's of the summer I'd guess a hundred hiked Humphreys via the popular summit trail. We were to the trailhead by 6:30 and enjoyed seeing very few other hikers. Following winter storms there may be increased avalanche risk on the trail, so always check conditions with the Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center before heading out into the backcountry in winter. If you have a high clearance car, keep driving till you see an actual parking lot. Trail #29 connects to the Weatherford Trail in 3.9 miles and leads into the Inner Basin on the eastern slopes of the San Francisco Peaks. Beautiful trail! Inner Basin & Lockett Meadow View from Humphreys Trail (Enlarge) At one stop, my partner Judy commented that she was going to take a peek around a large boulder to see the view from there. You need a higher clearance as there are some rough patches on the road up. ANHA assists with education and public awareness of the Coconino National Forest in Sedona through porch talks and events, campground programs, trailhead talks, roving “ranger” hikes educating and helping people along the trails. Six large areas of the Coconino National Forest will close to public access starting Wednesday at 8 a.m. due to extremely dry conditions and very high fire danger. Cave Springs Campground is one of the more scenic options with shaded campsites located right along the banks of Oak Creek. Up until this point, the trail is easy to follow, but at the saddle, the trail becomes less clear. Kendrick Peak has made its way to the top of my list. Three fellow hikers -- Gordon Bice, Jim Manning and Jim Quin – agreed to accompany me. The trail leading to Humphreys Peak begins in the Snowbowl parking lot and ascends 3,343 feet up to a total elevation of 12,635 feet. The trail roughly follows the main ridgeline and two false summits makes the end of the hike a bit of a mental challenge. Beautiful forest and views!! Humphreys Peak trail Distance: 10.5 miles total out and back Elevation gain: 3,353 feet Difficulty: 5+ Notes: The tallest peak in all of Arizona, this trail is for our avid hikers with lots of experience, and training for the altitude. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. 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