Cappie’s Scoop: There are 3 words to describe this trail – rocks, rocks and rocks. Not even big rocks, there are small rocks and Mom kept sliding on them! If you can ignore the rocks, the view is pretty awesome especially in the fall. Once you get to the saddle, take a break and have some water and treats. You can keep going all the way to Humphrey’s Peak but that’s a long way to go with a lot of miles. I enjoyed the view for a bit and then we headed back down the mountain. Don’t hesitate to add YOUR scoop in the comments below!

Tips: We only went as far as the saddle but the trail can take you all the way to Humphrey’s Peak. You can also backpack and camp at the saddle too. Beginning at Schultz Tank, this trail doesn’t waste time and starts a steady climb all the way to Doyle Saddle. Once at 0.5 miles, keep right on the Weatherford Trail and at about 2 miles you will enter the Kachina Wilderness. You’ll pass through a variety of trees including spruce, fir and green aspen (unless it’s fall, then it’s a gorgeous yellow!). At about 7 miles, you’ll reach the Doyle Saddle at around 10,800 ft. If you have the energy and time, you can continue on up to Humphrey’s Peak (another 3+ miles).

Directions: Take the Highway 180 north of Flagstaff, 3.1 miles to Schultz Pass Road (FR 420). Taking a right, follow road 1/2 mile to the Elden Lookout Road where you will keep left. Once you cross the cattle-guard and road becomes dirt. Follow this dirt road 5 miles up the hill to the Schultz Tank parking lot which is well marked. The trail starts across the road on the other side of parking lot.

Cappie’s Scoop: I climbed the highest peak in Arizona, woohoo! Mom and I started very early in the morning so we could hike in the cool weather. The first part of the trail up to the saddle has a lot of trees for shade. Then I got up to the saddle and what a view! I sat down and enjoyed some more water and treats before we started the next big section to the peak. It’s very rocky so be careful! I took my time and had breaks when I needed them. The views get better and better so sit on a rock and enjoy them along the way! There are a few false peaks but keep going, you can make it like I did! Don’t hesitate to add YOUR scoop in the comments below!

Tips: This is the highest peak in Arizona! The hike takes you through a beautiful forest until you reach a saddle where the hike follows alongside rocks and boulders to the top. Depending on the time of year, please check the weather for potential storms and if you suspect a storm is coming and/or hear thunder, turn around. The mountain is not going anywhere and you need time to safety return to your car.

Directions: From Flagstaff, head north out of town on Hwy 180. After mile marker 222, turn right onto N Snow Bowl Rd. following the sign for the Arizona Snowbowl. Continue up the windy road for 6.5 miles. You will come to a sign pointing left that says “LOT 1 Base Area Parking Humphrey Trail”. Turn left into that parking area for the trailhead.

Mountain Forecast