Humphreys Trail No. 151

Humphreys Trail is part of the Kachina Trail System.

This steep mountain trail leads to the highest point in Arizona and is a butt-kicker. The trails runs approximately 5 to 5.5 miles in length one way, so make sure you start early in the day if you are planning a roundtrip day hike. The trail begins at approximately 9,200 ft in elevation, so the air is much thinner than most are used to. As you ascend, breathing can be more challenging and you may need to stop more frequently to catch your breath. This hike is strenuous and hiking poles are very useful. Also keep in mind that even though the temperature at the trailhead is pleasant, it can be much colder above the tree line and much more windy.

Along its course, a thriving alpine forest streaked with huge rock slides and avalanche tracks hugs the mountain's slopes. Scenic Hart Prairie stretches out the base of the incline and the Grand Canyon is easily visible on the horizon. As the elevation increases, trailside vegetation shows more evidence of the extreme harshness of this environment. Near tree line what's left of the forest consists entirely of bristlecone pines bent and twisted by wind and frost. This hardy tree manages to live one of the longest lives on earth in one of the planet's most inhospitable environments. Above the tree line the only plants that can survive are small tundra shrubs and wildflowers that huddle for shelter among the rocks. Some are found nowhere else in the world. Overhead, above Arizona's highest ridge, white-throated swifts dive and flash like miniature fighter planes as they feed on nearly invisible insects borne on the wind.

Humphreys Trail is steep and long and extremely rocky in its higher reaches. Above the tree line it exposes you completely to the whims of nature. Here it may snow during any month of the year. In late summer monsoon storms can set the high country snapping with lightning. Be prepared to turn around and head for lower ground if a thunderstorm is brewing!

Once you do reach the summit ridge you'll feel like you're standing on top of the world. Off in the distance, the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert, the mesas that are home to the Hopi Indians the Verde Valley and Oak Creek Canyon form a 360 degree panorama. And after you've seen it you'll be able to say you've been as high as you can get in Arizona.

For a little more detail about hiking this trail, check out Hiking the Kachina Peaks Wilderness Trails.