Winter Hike to Humphery's Peak?

joro · Post by **joro** » Jan 13 2004 9:54 pm

I am planning a trip to Kilimanjaro in February and thought it would be a good training experience (cold & altitude) to climb Humphery's Peak before hand. I have never hiked it before and looking for someone who has (preferably in winter) to come along. Is it possible to even make the trek this time of year? Would appreciate any experiances and/or thoughts!

Thanks,
joro

pfredricks · Post by **pfredricks** » Jan 14 2004 7:40 am

That mtn ( Kili)is definitely high on my list too. Is it possible to get a trip report and photos after your trip to Kilimanjaro? I would like the inside scoop on travel, guides, etc from your firsthand experience, if you would be so kind. I understand Kili is a trail hike to the top.
ANyway,
Humphries this time of year is pretty much snow covered. I read a trip report from a couple days ago and it was about an 8 hour snowshoe trip to just below the saddle. which is in the 11,600 range. I emailed him at length and he recommended crampons and an ice ax too.
He also said there is some permit that one needs to get this time of year and the gate to the park closes at 4pm, so if you dont make it out by then, you are stuck-I am sure another HAZer knows more about it.
There is a group @ friendshiking.com that is doing this as an overnight.
You could do it with them. Very good group of folks.

Hoffmaster · Post by **Hoffmaster** » Jan 14 2004 4:09 pm

I did Humprey's last winter and it was awesome! I have no desire to ever climb it at any other time of the year. The trail was covered in snow the entire way, but it was frozen solid above the treeline which made for easier going. The entire trip took around 6 hrs. Unless there is a major storm on the mountain, it should not take anyone 8 hrs to get to the saddle. That is the equivalent of one step every five minutes or so!
I went to Humphrey's 2 weekends ago, but it was snowing like crazy and the rangers wouldn't let me drive up the road to the parking area. I ended up snowshoeing the Dry Lake Hills area. If you can't find a partner, or heck, even if you do, I would love to subject myself to this torturous winter climb with you (it's really not that bad :twisted: ). Let me know...

azhiker96 · Post by **azhiker96** » Jan 14 2004 5:47 pm

Hi Matt! How's it going? I did this hike with Matt last year. It was a blast! We didn't use snowshoes and usually the crust supported us although I did posthole a few times. I'm going to be snowed under with classes this semester or I would go with you guys. The suggestion of doing it as an overnighter may be a good idea for training for Kili if you're not used to snow camping. Be sure to check with the rangers though. They were very helpful last year when we planned our hike.

joro · Post by **joro** » Jan 14 2004 10:05 pm

Ok now I'm perplexed! After reading the trip report of how difficult a time experienced trekkers had I thought it would not be a good time of year for my first time! Then I read the posts from Matt and azhiker and I'm thinking maybe OK! I do not own snowshoes or crampons! What to do, what to do!

joro

azhiker96 · Post by **azhiker96** » Jan 14 2004 11:50 pm

Joro, it does sound like they have a little more snow than we had last year but heck, it would be an adventure! I could probably do this with you and Matt if we go on a Sunday.

When and how are you going to Kilimanjaro? Do you expect to have snow there? If there will be snow and you haven't used snowshoes you might want to get out and use a set a couple of times. REI rents them and I'm sure you can rent them in Flagstaff, maybe at the Nordic Center north of town. Now that I think about it, have you hiked Humphrey's before or any similar peak? If not, I wouldn't start with a winter hike. That would probably not be fun.

hikeaz · Post by **hikeaz** » Jan 15 2004 1:09 pm

For those interested, Friend's Hiking Club is doing this trip Febuary 7 & 8.

HUMPHREY’S PEAK - SNOWSHOE BACKPACK - Flagstaff Fri - Sun, Feb 6 - 8
Craig Hammond (chammond4@mindspring.com)
Length: 9 miles
Phone: 480-855-0640 (evenings)
Rating: Strenuous
Must RSVP by January 24th.
MEET at _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , Friday, Feb 6th at 4:00 (flexible)
Elevation change: 3200 +/-
Hikers must have snowshoes; they can be rented from REI in Tempe. Ski or trekking poles (with large baskets) are very helpful for balance. We will meet Friday afternoon, carpool to Flagstaff, and stay in a hotel for the night. Saturday morning after breakfast we will drive to the Snowbowl upper parking lot where the hike will begin. Hikers will ascend to tree line and camp for the night. Early Sunday morning we will summit Humphrey’s by moon light and enjoy the sunrise. After summiting we will return to camp and pack out to the vehicles and return to Phoenix. This trip is dependent upon snow conditions.

Hoffmaster · Post by **Hoffmaster** » Jan 15 2004 3:26 pm

Hi Azhiker96! Good to hear from you! Humphrey's Peak was a blast year and I'll go again with you or anyone really, anytime.

Here is some perspective for you Joro. When I did this hike with Azhiker96 last year, I totaled my car the day before on the US60.

I was sore as heck, but I didn't have any problems. This was also my first time on a mountain over 10000ft, and first time trekking through snow on a mountain. Although this was kinda stupid, we did not have snowshoes, crampons, or mountaineering axes. I didn't even think of it until I saw other people on the mountain with that kind of gear. We summited without incident in about 4 hrs, passing 1 or 2 other parties on the way. Crampons and an axe might be overkill, but I would definitely reccomend snowshoes. They are easy to master, (you won't even notice you have them on) and they usually have crampons built in. Trekking poles make things a bit easier too, so I also reccomend them. You can rent snowshoes from REI for $12; it's a 3 day rental.
I hope this info helps. I love this climb and can't wait to do it again!

matt

joro · Post by **joro** » Jan 16 2004 9:39 am

What a really great forum! When I signed on I had no idea what to expect. I appreciate all the responses I’ve received. Thanks for taking the time! I think that I would like to attempt Humphrey’s Peak January 24 or 25 (weather permitting). Maybe go up on the 24th, stay the night and start early on 25th. Azhiker you said you might be available on a Sunday? How about you Mike? If anyone is interested send me a pm. I leave for Fort Lauderdale tomorrow and I am not sure I will have internet access. I’ll be back on the 21st so I won’t be able to check messages until then. Thanks again everone!

joro