Humphreys Peak
Mountain Arizona's highest summit in the San Francisco Peaks
Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona within the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff, draws hikers on the summit trail for alpine views and seasonal snow.
Humphreys Peak is the highest natural point in Arizona, a volcanic summit in the San Francisco Peaks just north of Flagstaff.
The peak is part of the San Francisco volcanic field and is a popular destination for hikers and backcountry recreation, with alpine conditions near the summit and conspicuous changes in vegetation with elevation. Routes to the summit are seasonal and can be snow-covered in winter and spring.
The mountain is the remnant of volcanic activity that formed the San Francisco Peaks; it functions today as a recreational and ecological high point in northern Arizona.
Humphreys Peak sits within Coconino National Forest, roughly north of the city of Flagstaff in northern Arizona and forms the highest point in Coconino County and the state.
- Elevation: Summit elevation is about 12,633 feet (approximately 3,850 meters), the highest point in the state of Arizona.
How to Get to Humphreys Peak #
From Flagstaff, drive north on Highway 180/89A toward Arizona Snowbowl; follow signs to the Humphreys Peak Trailhead (Agassiz Saddle or the Arizona Trail approach). The trailhead is approximately a 20-30 minute drive from downtown Flagstaff.
Tips for Visiting Humphreys Peak #
- Start the Humphreys Peak trail early - summit attempts often begin before sunrise to avoid afternoon storms in summer.
- Acclimatise: the summit is 12,633 ft (3,851 m); altitude can affect hikers unexpectedly.
- Check trail conditions with the Coconino National Forest office (snow can linger into late spring).
Best Time to Visit Humphreys Peak #
Best hiked between late spring and early autumn; summer offers the easiest access but start early to avoid storms.
Weather & Climate near Humphreys Peak #
Humphreys Peak's climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Summer) - Subarctic (Dry Summer) climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -12°C to 18°C. Moderate rainfall (876 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -12°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -12°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -12°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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April
April is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -2°C. The driest month with just 23 mm.
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (117 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -10°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and breezy conditions.
