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Humphreys Peak Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 870 Google reviews · Running trail in Flagstaff, Arizona · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 9 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Humphreys Peak Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Highest peak in Arizona with a demanding hiking trail, plus panoramic views.
What runners say about Humphreys Peak Trail
“Beautiful mainly wooded hike thru dense lush forest on wide, well maintained trail.”
“Beautiful hike, trail was very rocky and lots of roots and well marked.”
“For those interested in traditional restrooms and/or a restaurant, both are located at the resort and an easy walk from this parking lot.”
This hike took me about 6 hours to complete. Most of the hike is shaded with trees and the upper part of the hike is exposed to the elements. The trail well marked and popular so it's pretty hard to go off course.
Started at 6:20 and ended at 2:20 on the dot. Solo hiker first time up and by far my highest elevation and longest hike. Conditions were clear skies, mid 70’s on the trail, but extremely gusty at the summit.
Family of 6 (youngest 9), hiked Humphreys Peak on May 26, 2025. We started at 7:20a which we thought was an ideal time. It took us just under 8 hours with plenty of time to enjoy the hike, take pictures, have picnics, water breaks, etc. We took up 2.5L per person but only used 2L per.
If you've never done it, It's hard. IMO, it's harder than hiking up the Grand Canyon. You start at 9,000 feet elevation. In the first mile to the tree line, I was already breathing heavy and doubting if I could do it The trail itself is fairly free of rocks and debris.
Trail conditions & character
“Why It’s Worth the Climb The Diverse Landscape: The trail begins in a lush ponderosa pine forest near the Arizona Snowbowl, eventually transitioning into ancient bristlecone pines.”
“Beautiful mainly wooded hike thru dense lush forest on wide, well maintained trail.”
“However, as you travel up the mountain you’ll find that the rocky outcroppings become more frequent and the hike becomes more strenuous.”
“A Rewarding Challenge: It is a strenuous 9-mile round trip with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain, but the sense of accomplishment at the wooden summit sign is incredible.”
“😉 Ample parking and portable restrooms can be found at the trailhead located at the end of Lot 1 of the Arizona Snowbowl Resort.”
“The weather was perfect, a light jacket was helpful for the early morning cold and the wind at the top made it chilly.”
“😉 Ample parking and portable restrooms can be found at the trailhead located at the end of Lot 1 of the Arizona Snowbowl Resort.”
“Beautiful hike, trail was very rocky and lots of roots and well marked.”
Plan your run at Humphreys Peak Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance9 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone(928) 526-0866
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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