Flagstaff: Humphreys Peak Hike

 There was a sizable gap between the first place and second place riders for the AZT800. It was shaping up to be a free day on Sunday before Zack arrived. It was also a clear blue sky kinda day. I decided I'd hike up to Humphreys Peak taking the same approach the 800 riders were using. I had make the trek up there once before, some 9 years earlier, but on that day we rode our bikes up around the north side of the mountain. We stashed our bikes in the Inner Basin and took that trail up to the Weatherford trail and continued to where it intersected the Snowbowl approach near treeline at the saddle. That was a huge day when you add on the ride, none of that today.

I knew the upper portion of the hike would be chilly, quite cold actually, so layers were packed. I was hoping the wind wouldn't be much of an issue, but it usually is up there. At 12,633' Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona, it's a cool place to experience.

I got going at 9:00a, it's about 5 miles each way. The National forest had a tent set up near the start as they were giving hikers the once over to make sure each person was prepared for their intended hike. I merely got a nod as I walked by.

The route up begins by crossing the open meadow of the beginner ski run.

As soon as you hit treeline, the ruggedness is apparent.

It also marks the Wilderness boundary. Riders on the 800 have to ditch their bikes before reaching this area.

I was a bit surprised how rocky the trail was. Unrelenting. A trip hazard on almost every step.

There were a few smoother sections.

Somehow, maybe by following others, I found myself off-trail and on the ski runs.

The 'trail' had noticeably gotten much steeper as it climbed through the tall grass. It was somewhere around here when I wised up and opened the Trailforks app. Aha, off-route by a bit. I didn't want to lose the gained elevation, so I bushwhacked across the mountain knowing I'd intercept the trail eventually. I had to climb over a few down trees, but it was otherwise uneventful and I was back on route.

Elevation was being gained rapidly as I was now above one of the chairlifts. Oxygen was noticeably thinning and my pace slowing a tad.

The trees begin to thin as well.

Cool to see the golden Aspen groves far below.

The junction with the Weatherford trail at the saddle. This is near treeline and the pickup in wind was obvious.

Northeast view out towards the Painted Desert.

Still a ways to go, but these rocks provided a nice wind break.

Trail should be in air quotes. It's merely the path of semi-least resistance.

The other hiker provides a good reference point.

Don't be fooled: False Summit!! Find the two white poles near the top/left marking the trail.

Looking down over the Inner Basin of the north slope.

Ahh, there's the top!!

Made it!! Wind was whipping pretty good, but thankfully there are a few rock walls constructed so you can take a snack break without blowing off the top!!

I don't believe the cross signifies anything other than to give hikers a visual on the summit approach.

Looking out across Babbitt Ranch, a wind farm and the Canyon walls of the North Rim.

Cool capture as a bird glides through the steady wind.

Have to admit, it's one of my better selfies. Haha.

I wasn't exactly blazing a fast pace to the summit, took me about 4 1/2 hours with a lot of short breaks. Going down should be much faster.

Rejoining the trees and getting out of the wind.

One of the few smooth sections.

I was about 2 hours into my descent when I crossed paths with Zack, the second place rider in the 800. He was looking strong and determined to finish tonight. He would later send me a summit selfie just after sunset.

I had caught up with a group of younger fellas I saw in the morning. They didn't reach the summit and were struggling a bit to get down. They were about 15 minutes ahead of two others in their group who were doing even worse. I encouraged them to keep moving as daylight was rapidly fading. It's interesting to see the people who attempt this hike. I saw a group of twenty-somethings all dressed in costumes, but barely a couple miles up they were about done. This hike is no joke if you're not prepared. I'm in decent enough shape and it was hard.

Fading Aspens.

The end is near!! Thank goodness as my knees had been getting more and more unhappy as were my feet.

A deceiving view from near Snowbowl's parking lot. What appears as the summit, is not. It's actually tucked behind. PeakFinder app.

Late afternoon rays light up the grass.

Whew!! Done. Jeez, that took 8 hours!!

So glad I did this!! Took way longer than I thought it would, but the aching knees and sore feet definitely slowed my descent.

In the ensuing days, every 800 rider who finished the ride also did the hike. About half of them did it in the dark too!! Talk about dedication!! Well done!!

It's funny to see where I got off route, not sure how I did that because it sure wasn't obvious on the way down. The trail was always easy to follow. Hmmmm.

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