Inner Basin --> Humphrey's Peak question

ECEGatorTuro · Post by **ECEGatorTuro** » May 21 2007 10:33 am

I've been wondering what the distance from the end of the Inner Basin to the top of Humphrey's Peak is(via the Weatherford, I think). Can anyone give me a rough idea? Also, how difficult is it compared to the main summit trail from the Snowbowl?

I've never hiked Humphrey's before and I wanted to give it a shot in a few weeks. How is it compared to the valley hikes like Camelback or Flatiron? I know it's much harder (especially at high altibtude) but how does it compare?

Thanks!

Vaporman · Post by **Vaporman** » May 21 2007 3:41 pm

Up the inner basin trail from Lockett Meadow is just a tad under 15 miles and almost 4000 ft elevation gain. I'm also looking to reapeat that route sometime in June myself as well with some friends hopefully. This way may be a bit easier, definetly more secluded, and I believe you're better protected from the elements until you hit that last 1-2 from the summit. The views are much better from this side as well, which is the biggest plus for me.

Compared to Flatiron & Camelback? Hmmm.... Well you have a much better trail up to the top and it's a gentler grade. A big part of it is how your body reacts to the high elevation when we've been living down near 1000ft level most of the year. If you drive up from the valley that morning, you're talking about a 10k foot elevation change in the matter of a few hours. Us young bucks can handle that in stride, but if you bring and out of shape friend with ya he may just keel over and pass out on ya. If you can hike up the side of a mountain for a few hours than you should be good. So think 4-5 camelback assualts back to back but at a good steady pace. And you'll have the nice cool weather to help you out.

Kenny · Post by **Kenny** » May 22 2007 2:56 pm

Start early, take plenty of water and lunch for the top. This is the best hikes to the top, shotrer than Weatherford, longer than the Summit trail.
Make sure you have good shoes/take a foot kit (moleskin, extra socks) Not much water past the dirt road, you might want to carry extra and stash it when leaving the upper basin area. You will want that water on the way down. Plan on a 7-8 hour trip.

Kenny