San Francisco Peaks

The San Francisco Peaks are a volcanic mountain range north of Flagstaff, Arizona, forming the highest ground in the state and the centerpiece of the San Francisco volcanic field. The range includes multiple named summits and alpine ridges, with Humphreys Peak as the highest point.

Hiking and scenic drives are the main draws, with alpine meadows, conifer forest, and summits above 12,000 ft. The range supports year-round recreation from summer hiking and mountain biking to winter skiing and snowshoeing; the Arizona Snowbowl operates on the north side of the peaks.

The Peaks are the eroded remnants of volcanic activity and are part of the larger San Francisco volcanic field; their volcanic origin shapes the local geology and soils. They are also culturally significant to several Native American groups in northern Arizona.

Geographically the range sits within Coconino County and Coconino National Forest, roughly 10-20 miles (16-32 km) north of Flagstaff, Arizona, rising prominently above the surrounding mesas and desert basins.

• Highest summit: Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 ft (3,851 m).
• Ski area access: The north slopes host the Arizona Snowbowl ski area, which provides the most direct winter access and services near Flagstaff.

What to See#

• Humphreys Peak: Rises to 12,633 ft (3,851 m) and is the highest point in Arizona; the summit is reached by a marked trail and offers broad views across northern Arizona.
• Agassiz Peak: Reaches 12,356 ft (3,764 m) and is the second-highest summit in the range; it sits within high-elevation meadows and alpine basins.

The San Francisco Peaks are immediately north of Flagstaff, Arizona. From Flagstaff drive north on U.S. 180/AZ‑180 (signs for Arizona Snowbowl/Peaks); the main trailheads and the Arizona Snowbowl ski area are roughly 10-15 miles (16-24 km) from downtown Flagstaff. Parking is at designated trailheads or the ski area, and hikes to summits require additional on-foot distances from those lots.

• Start very early for summit hikes (pre-dawn) - summer afternoons commonly bring thunderstorms on the San Francisco Peaks, and an early start gives the best chance for clear views from Humphreys Peak and avoids afternoon lightning risk.
• Use Flagstaff as your staging point - most trailheads and services are accessed from Flagstaff and the Arizona Snowbowl area; check local trailhead parking rules and current road/permit advisories with Coconino National Forest before you go.
• If you plan a summit attempt, allow time to acclimatize in Flagstaff (elevation ~7,000 ft) and check seasonal trail conditions: snow can persist into late spring and make upper sections hazardous without traction gear.