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Hey all,
Is it a good idea to do a night summit of Humphrey's in August? I just tried a few days ago and got chased down by some massive hailing monsoons, even though we started at 7am. Since we drove up from Tucson it was a bummer to have to go back right away and not have another chance. We are going to try and get up to Flagstaff again in the next few weeks but want to make sure we get to the top! Any advice out there? I know the trail gets hard to follow after the saddle and that makes me a bit nervous.
Thanks!

I wouldn't worry about getting lost after the saddle-- you just follow the ridgeline the rest of the way. Where are you starting from? I think the Snowbowl parking lot might be day use only. I would just keep an eye on the weather. That summit during monsoons can get crazy but if it's a nice night, I'm sure its great! I would do it if I were you. The best things are the ones that take risks that most people aren't willing to take.

You can park at Snowbowl anytime during the summer. They lock the gate only during winter when the ski area is open.

I also think that the night hike is a perfectly fine idea. You might even consider doing it on a full moon night (and hope it's not cloudy!)

Another thing is to watch the weather forecast. For example, this weekend is supposed to be relatively dry, so while still possible, the likelihood of storms is reduced by a lot. Increased moisture returns next week.

Finally, you could wait about a month and the monsoon will end and take the thunderstorms with it.

Humphreys lot is day use only. You can park there but can't stay in your vechicle after sunset and they do have security that comes around. I've hiked it at night and early morning both in summer and winter. One of my favorites was a 3am start with a sunrise. Let me know when you plan on going and I'd join your group if it fits my schedule.

I'd also be interested in joining, depending on timing. a Humphreys night hike sounds awesome!

Best in winter under a full moon.

You're always hinting at winter, Jim.

The Humphreys shortcut from the Snowbowl parking lot is closed this summer, for what it's worth. A Humphreys Peak night hike sounds awesome!

I'm in(terested) too. Haven't been there this summer yet, but thought of something different than 2.5 previous times. Since Inner Basin approach is unreasonable due to the road closure, night hike option on the main trail seems a fair alternative.

Preston the yeti wrote:The Humphreys shortcut from the Snowbowl parking lot is closed this summer

Do you mean the shortcut that goes from the Snowbowl lodge itself to the junction where the trail register stands? That was closed last year too.
I believe that main trail running from the designated trailhead parking lot across the slope below the ski lift is open.

AndreyP wrote:I'm in(terested) too. Haven't been there this summer yet, but thought of something different than 2.5 previous times. Since Inner Basin approach is unreasonable due to the road closure, night hike option on the main trail seems a fair alternative.

Preston the yeti wrote:The Humphreys shortcut from the Snowbowl parking lot is closed this summer

Do you mean the shortcut that goes from the Snowbowl lodge itself to the junction where the trail register stands? That was closed last year too.
I believe that main trail running from the designated trailhead parking lot across the slope below the ski lift is open.

I was planning on climbing Humphreys Peak via Inner Basin.........do you know where the road closure starts?

FR552 is closed even to foot traffic right now. If you want to access the Inner Basin, you'll have to take the Weatherford and then drop down-- but that won't get you to the summit.

Tough_Boots wrote: If you want to access the Inner Basin, you'll have to take the Weatherford and then drop down-- but that won't get you to the summit.

It will get you good and tired, though.

Tough_Boots wrote:FR552 is closed even to foot traffic right now. If you want to access the Inner Basin, you'll have to take the Weatherford and then drop down-- but that won't get you to the summit.

Well i guess ill have to try a different route then......thanks for the info!

http://hikearizona.com/map.php?GPS=12222 this was a fun one best of both sides

Hi,

New guy here and a little confussed with the road and trail closures for Humphrey's. I have been looking at going up this weekend but do not want to drive up if it is actually closed. This would be my first time going up. If it is closed is there somewhere else I can park and get on the trail at besides snowbowl?

-Brad

All other trailheads are open. The only closure is the Inner Basin Road.

So you may access the peaks from Snowbowl (Humphrey's/Kachina), Shultz Pass (Weatherford), and Abineau/Bear Jaw trailheads.

Thank you I appreciate it.

P.S. I would love to do a night hike as well.

There's a full moon next weekend. Would anyone be interested in a summit hike Friday or Saturday night?

Lizz, full moon is on the Labor Day weekend which is kinda next next
I'm tentative depending on the actual date and my foot's behavior.

yeah I meant "next" as in the weekend after "this" weekend... so a hike on the 31st or 1st.