The highest peak in Arizona is situated in the glorious San Francisco Peaks in the 1.86-million-acre Coconino National Forest. Towering over the landscape at almost 13,000 feet is Humphreys Peak, the state's tallest mountain, an ancient volcano with myriad trails perfect for summer hiking and steep runs that get covered with snow in winter, drawing skiers from around the state.
Normally when we think of Arizona, we think of deserts and canyons. But believe it or not, the state is also home to over
1,000 volcanoes. This includes Humphrey's Peak, which is located in the San Francisco volcanic field, one of three active volcanic fields in the state. These fields are dormant now but could erupt again in the future, though probably not for thousands of years. Arizona's last volcanic eruption was nearly 1,000 years ago at Sunset Crater, which is also located in the San Francisco Volcanic Field and is a fascinating place to visit now with its spectacular, otherworldly landscapes.
Read more: The 5 Best Parks Where You Can See Bison Roam (Other Than Yellowstone), According To Visitors
Hiking And Skiing At Arizona's Humphreys Peak
Arizona's highest point on the Humphrey's summit is over a million years old and may have once stood at over 16,000 feet before erosion took its toll. One of the more strenuous ways to explore the steep mountain is hiking the 9.5-mile (round trip) Humphreys Peak Trail. Winding along the western side of the mountain, the trail has climbs more than 3,000 feet. But amazing views reward those who reach the summit — on a clear day, you can even see a tangerine strip of the Grand Canyon spread out along the horizon. The long hike also affords opportunities to spot some of the wildlife that live in the area, such as coyotes, elk, black bears, and bird species like bluebirds, golden eagles, wild turkey, and red-tailed hawks.
Humphrey's Peak is located less than a thirty-minute drive from one of the snowiest mountain towns in America, Flagstaff. Another way to experience the dramatic scenery around the volcano is to visit the ski resort — Arizona Snowbowl — during the winter. With over 700 skiable acres, eight ski lifts, and 61 runs, Humphrey's Peak is a winter wonderland for snow sport enthusiasts. Depending on the weather and snowfall, the ski season often runs from mid-November to May. Regardless of when you visit, you should definitely add Humphrey's Peak to the list of the best stops on a road trip between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.
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