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Kachina on the loose by VVebb  Overview: This is a shuttle hike of Humphreys Peak which combines two other hikes: The Humphreys Summit hike and the Humphreys via Inner Basin hike. See those descriptions for additional details. I recommend this hike if, for one reason or another, you think you might only get one chance to hike Humphreys Peak in your life -- the east and west sides of the Peaks offer unique views, and this shuttle hike gives you plenty of time to see and enjoy both sides. Planning: This hike can be completed in either direction. When deciding which direction to do it, consider the following: - Starting at Lockett Meadow will result in a larger, but more gradual, elevation gain. - From Lockett Meadow will result in more sun exposure throughout the day, since you'll be starting on the same side as the sunrise and finishing on the same side as the sunset. - The Snowbowl side of the mountain is more heavily traveled and likely has better cell reception, so if you think you might end up finishing your hike in the dark or otherwise getting into trouble, it might be better to start at Lockett Meadow and end at Snowbowl so you finish your hike on the safer side of the mountain. - It's going to take a while to drop off and pick up your shuttle vehicles, so be sure to think about precisely when and how you're going to accomplish this -- The most direct way might be to take Schultz Pass Road around the south edge of the mountain, but you might prefer to spend less time on dirt roads and just drive through Flagstaff. Warning: This area can get hit pretty hard with rain and hail during the monsoon (July-August), especially during the mid-afternoon, so rain gear is always a good idea at that time of year. Another warning to keep in mind is that during May and June following wet winters, there might still be sizable patches of snow remaining along this trail, especially on the east slope of Agassiz Peak. This can make for a treacherous span of several hundred yards of trail if you don't have good boots and trekking poles. Hike: From the Lockett Meadow Campground, hike along the Inner Basin Trail for 3.7 miles until it ends at the Weatherford Trail. Turn right and hike 2.45 miles to Humphreys Saddle, where the Weatherford Trail ends at the Humphreys Summit Trail. Then, follow the Humphreys Summit Trail for 1.0 miles to Humphreys Peak. After soaking in the views from the highest point in Arizona, turn around and hike 1.0 miles back to Humphreys Saddle. Finally, continue down the Humphreys Summit Trail toward Snowbowl for the final 4.1 miles. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Note This is a more difficult hike. It would be unwise to attempt this without prior experience hiking. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Humphreys Shuttle - Lockett Meadow to Snowbowl
Was very happy that John sent me a text mid-week to see if I was interested in a Humphrey's summit with him and Kyle. I had no plans and instantly said "YES"!!
It had been several years since I've been in the inner basin and it was very nice to see that (for the most part) it's still as beautiful as ever.
We hit deep snow on the east face of Fremont along the Inner Basin Trail, 1/2-way up towards Weatherford and I had only wore my Keen sandals and socks (a patented look for me) for the hike. I got drenched - at one point I was SERIOUSLY contemplating turning around as my feet started to really get painful and achy then turned completely numb. Which I must add is an interesting feeling while hiking...However, I persisted onwards and hushed those "demons of weakness". The snow petered out above treeline; my feet dried out and actually got warm. Surprisingly, it ended up being a rather comfortable 13 miles in wet socks/sandles during the day!!!
Met HAZ Legends Denny, Bruce and Wally along the Weatherford and then again later at Nimarcos where we discussed past and future GC hikes.
We arrived at "The saddle", crowded as ever. I wanted to eat before the summit, but John wanted to push on. So I changed into my disco outfit (see pics) and Kyle quickly watered his Lily.
John shifted gears while Kyle and I hiked at normal hiker speed. We then passed SuperJohn who tagged the summit and quickly descended; he said he would kick back and wait for us at saddle.
Kyle, Lily and I had a few snacks and pics at the VERY windy summit and then busted back down to the saddle (after the sun hid, it became alarmingly cold). John was semi-patiently waiting for our return and I'm sure it was longer than he oringinally expected.
We all left the saddle together and quickly (very quickly) made it back to the Snowbowl parking area, then drove back to Lockett to get John's Jeep and finally to Nimarcos!!
Overall just a fantastic day.
It had been several years since I've been in the inner basin and it was very nice to see that (for the most part) it's still as beautiful as ever.
We hit deep snow on the east face of Fremont along the Inner Basin Trail, 1/2-way up towards Weatherford and I had only wore my Keen sandals and socks (a patented look for me) for the hike. I got drenched - at one point I was SERIOUSLY contemplating turning around as my feet started to really get painful and achy then turned completely numb. Which I must add is an interesting feeling while hiking...However, I persisted onwards and hushed those "demons of weakness". The snow petered out above treeline; my feet dried out and actually got warm. Surprisingly, it ended up being a rather comfortable 13 miles in wet socks/sandles during the day!!!
Met HAZ Legends Denny, Bruce and Wally along the Weatherford and then again later at Nimarcos where we discussed past and future GC hikes.
We arrived at "The saddle", crowded as ever. I wanted to eat before the summit, but John wanted to push on. So I changed into my disco outfit (see pics) and Kyle quickly watered his Lily.
John shifted gears while Kyle and I hiked at normal hiker speed. We then passed SuperJohn who tagged the summit and quickly descended; he said he would kick back and wait for us at saddle.
Kyle, Lily and I had a few snacks and pics at the VERY windy summit and then busted back down to the saddle (after the sun hid, it became alarmingly cold). John was semi-patiently waiting for our return and I'm sure it was longer than he oringinally expected.
We all left the saddle together and quickly (very quickly) made it back to the Snowbowl parking area, then drove back to Lockett to get John's Jeep and finally to Nimarcos!!
Overall just a fantastic day.
2014-05-31 squatpuke
Humphreys Shuttle - Lockett Meadow to Snowbowl
Kyle and I wanted to make our annual trek to Humphreys. We talked to Larry and he was down. Larry threw out the idea of doing a car shuttle and we decided on shuttling from Inner Basin to Snowbowl.
Kyle and I left Phoenix a little after 6am and drove up to Flag. We made our way or to Snowbowl and picked up Larry at the bottom of the hill (He scored a ride down). From there we drove over to Inner Basin and started hiking around 9:45am. This was my first time in the Inner Basin and I must say it's beautiful! There are Aspen trees everywhere as you make your way up the trail. As we neared the Weatherford snow drifts appeared. We had to work our way over and around whenever possible. Our feet got wet but it wasn't an issue for me. Luckily these snowdrifts were a nuisance and nothing more.
Once on Weatherford we turned and followed it toward Humphreys. Along the way we were on the big switchbacks and we heard people making their way down. As we neared we got a good look at them and Kyle said that looks like Bruce & Denny. Sure enough it's Wally, Bruce and Denny. We all had a good laugh as we said hello. We mentioned going to NiMarco's after the hike and they were interested. We said goodbye and continued hiking.
Next up we arrived at the saddle below Humphreys. There were a bunch of people hanging out. We took a short break and then made our way over to the summit. It was a clear and windy day. I basically hit the summit and had a quick look around and then made the return. I arrived back at the saddle and had lunch while I waited for Larry & Kyle to return. Once we all regrouped we bombed down the trail and were back in Snowbowl soon after.
After the hike we had to retrieve my jeep from Lockett Meadow. This took some time. If I ever do this shuttle again, I'll do it as a key swap or having someone drop us off. It was too much for a day trip from Phoenix. Anyways the good thing about this taking a while is it synched up our time with Wally, Bruce & Denny. We all met at NiMarco's for dinner. It was good fun chatting with everyone. I'm glad it worked out.
Kyle and I left Phoenix a little after 6am and drove up to Flag. We made our way or to Snowbowl and picked up Larry at the bottom of the hill (He scored a ride down). From there we drove over to Inner Basin and started hiking around 9:45am. This was my first time in the Inner Basin and I must say it's beautiful! There are Aspen trees everywhere as you make your way up the trail. As we neared the Weatherford snow drifts appeared. We had to work our way over and around whenever possible. Our feet got wet but it wasn't an issue for me. Luckily these snowdrifts were a nuisance and nothing more.
Once on Weatherford we turned and followed it toward Humphreys. Along the way we were on the big switchbacks and we heard people making their way down. As we neared we got a good look at them and Kyle said that looks like Bruce & Denny. Sure enough it's Wally, Bruce and Denny. We all had a good laugh as we said hello. We mentioned going to NiMarco's after the hike and they were interested. We said goodbye and continued hiking.
Next up we arrived at the saddle below Humphreys. There were a bunch of people hanging out. We took a short break and then made our way over to the summit. It was a clear and windy day. I basically hit the summit and had a quick look around and then made the return. I arrived back at the saddle and had lunch while I waited for Larry & Kyle to return. Once we all regrouped we bombed down the trail and were back in Snowbowl soon after.
After the hike we had to retrieve my jeep from Lockett Meadow. This took some time. If I ever do this shuttle again, I'll do it as a key swap or having someone drop us off. It was too much for a day trip from Phoenix. Anyways the good thing about this taking a while is it synched up our time with Wally, Bruce & Denny. We all met at NiMarco's for dinner. It was good fun chatting with everyone. I'm glad it worked out.
2014-05-31 John9L
Humphreys Shuttle - Lockett Meadow to Snowbowl
really gorgeous day to do this hike... John and I met up with Larry and set the shuttle up in the morning. Lily did well. We ran into Wally, Bruce, and Denny and later all feasted at Nimarco's. It was a good day. There's still some snow going on up there and we had to do some bushwacking in the inner basin.
2014-05-31 Tough_Boots
