San Francisco Peaks

Summer Chairlift Rides. © LABabble

Sacred Mountains

Once the fiery center of one of Arizona's most explosive volcanoes, the summits surrounding the now dormant inner core stand guard, protecting land that the native people of Arizona consider to be so sacred it is where earth meets heaven. The Navajo consider them to be the most sacred in all the West and their medicine men use the herbs collected from the mountaintop in healing ceremonies. They view the rising peaks as a holy landmark directing others to this sacred place. The Hopi believe the Kachina spirits live at the top of the mountain, gracefully moving through the clouds from summit to summit. The Kachinas are honored and revered here, in hopes that they will bless the crops below with a quiet rain that will ensure strong growth and healthy lives. The Zuni, Havasupai and Yavapai-Apache also consider these graceful remnants of the volcanic highlands to be sacred and return regularly to pray and honor the spirits that dwell there.

San Francisco Peak

The Peaks

Located just north of Flagstaff, Arizona on U.S. 180, the San Francisco Peaks soar to heights reaching 12,633 feet and serve as one of the most distinct geological features of the Colorado Plateau. Named in honor of St. Francis of Assisi by the Spanish Friars that settled the area in the 1620's, these scenic mountains are known locally as simply the Peaks. Today over a quarter of a million people flock to the Peaks each year for hiking, skiing, camping, wildlife viewing and wilderness solitude.

The Peaks collectively represent six summits that circle the caldera of the now quiet volcano. Humphreys Peak, at 12,633 feet, is the tallest in Arizona. Agassiz Peak soars to 12,356 feet, and Fremont Peak climbs to 11,969 feet. Aubineau Peak, Reese Peak, and Doyle Peak complete the ring, creating both a scenic wonderland and geological display of volcanic rock, deep Alpine forest and lava flows. The Peaks tower so dramatically against the landscape of Flagstaff and surrounding area that they are even visible from the pueblo ruins at Wupatki National Monument, dozens of miles away and on a clear day, you can see the North Rim of the Grand Canyon over eighty miles away as the eagle flys.

How the Peaks Formed

The volcanic highland area of Arizona began forming over 6 million years ago with the eruption of nearly 600 volcanoes. The most dramatic of those eruptions left the Peaks, and Humphrey's Peak in particular, soaring above the landscape in what otherwise would have been dry, arid plateau. Although most volcanoes form near the edges of the tectonic plates that make up the Earth's crust, Arizona is located far from the boundary of the North American Plate. It is believed that a trapped area of molten rock deep beneath Northern Arizona, called a "hot spot", occasionally rises up and creates volcanoes as the plate moves slowly west. The most recent volcanic eruption was nearly 1,000 years ago at nearby Sunset Crater. The Peaks were formed between 500,000 to 1 million years ago and the inner basin has been quiet ever since.

Hiking the Peaks

The Peaks Ranger District has nearly thirty hiking trails, offering something for everyone from the beginning hiker to the advanced backcountry traveler.

The most adventurous can tackle Humphreys Trail to the highest point in Arizona. This strenuous, 9 mile round trip hike is steep and extremely rocky, particularly in the higher elevations. With the altitude change hikers can expect landscape changes as well. Beginning in pinecone forests, the climb quickly rises above the treeline to tundra like conditions where it can snow any time of the year. During monsoon season flash floods can race down the mountain or fill the air with crackling lightning. Despite nature's challenges, Humphreys Trail remains one of the most heavily traveled in the Peaks.

Those looking for a more relaxed pace might consider Deer Hill Trail. An easy 10 mile round trip, the trail is mostly flat and takes the hiker through both dense forest and vastly open plateaus. In fall the dramatic color display of the aspen trees makes this hike a favorite for nature photographers and artists alike. Open to hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers, this trail provides one of the most scenic views of the Peaks and nearby Sunset Crater.

Little Bear Trail is a moderately difficult 7 mile round trip through ponderosa pine and oak trees, with small amounts of aspen and Douglas-fir as you climb to the higher elevations. This trail is an exceptional one for viewing Peaks area wildlife, particularly mule deer, elk, raven, and even turkey vulture. An occasional black bear has also been spotted along the trail, so it is important to enjoy your wildlife viewing from a distance. One of the Peaks' most popular trails, Little Bear is also open to hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers.

Other Hiking Ideas

Compliments of AZCentral

Kachina Trail
Type:Hiking, Ski, Equestrian
Information:(928) 526-0866.
Length:5 miles.
Difficulty:Easy.
About: Picturesque, level trail passes through aspen groves and meadows on the way through the southern San Francisco Peaks. Truly an all-season trail. Return via the same way or connect with the Weatherford Trail. Directions: From Flagstaff, drive north on Hwy 180 to the Snow Bowl turnoff. Drive up the mountain 7.5 miles to the lower parking lot at the Snow Bowl, where you'll find the trailhead.
Directions: From Flagstaff, drive north on Hwy 180 to the Snow Bowl turnoff. Drive up the mountain 7.5 miles to the lower parking lot at the Snow Bowl, where you'll find the trailhead.
Tips: Call ahead for maps of connecting trails in the area. Beware of lightning during summer storms in exposed areas. Normally these storms occur in the late afternoon during July and August.

Slate Mountain Trail
Type:Hiking, Mountain Bike, Equestrian
Information:(928) 526-0866
Length:5 miles roundtrip
Difficulty:Moderate
About: The summit rewards with awesome views of the San Francisco Peaks and the Grand Canyon. The easy-to-follow trail follows an old road, long closed to vehicles. Signs along the way describing the trees and shrubs.
Directions: From Flagstaff, drive north on US180 to Forest Road 191. Turn left. The trailhead is two miles from this point.
Tips: This multi-use trail is open to mountain bikers and horses. No water is available.

Humphrey's Peak Trail
Information:(928) 526-0866
Length:8.7 miles roundtrip
Difficulty:Difficult
About: This trail to the summit winds up the aspen-covered mountain. The last mile, above the tree line, is especially challenging. It becomes windy, steeper and rockier, but once at the top, there are magnificent views of the entire state.
Directions: From Flagstaff, drive north on U.S. 180 for 7 miles to the Snow Bowl Road. It's another 7 miles to the Snow Bowl parking lot. The trailhead is at the north end of the parking lot.
Tips: Humphrey's Peak, at 12,633 feet, is the highest mountain in Arizona. Pay attention to signs of altitude sickness. Do not attempt to go to the top during an electrical storm, which can occur daily during July and August. No water available.

Scenic Drives At San Francisco Peaks

While just about any road through the Peaks can be considered scenic and offer visitors dramatic views of the soaring mountains, pine forests, volcanic rims, and diverse wildlife, there are four designated scenic drives through the area that offer particularly beautiful views of the backcountry:

Around the Peaks Loop consists of 44 miles of forest service roads that are well maintained and suitable for passenger cars in most weather. The road is closed in winter. Found along FR 418 and FR 151, visitors can enjoy trailheads for hiking and mountain biking, wildlife viewing and dramatic fall color in the pine and aspen forest.

Schultz Pass Road covers 26 miles and provides access for picnicking, hiking and mountain biking as well. Schultz Pass is also closed in winter.

Snowbowl Road is just 15 miles along paved roads that are plowed in winter, taking visitors through the mountain scenery on their way to backcountry hiking, biking, and through exceptional fall color. This is also the road to the Snowbowl Ski Area.

At 70 miles, the Volcanoes and Ruins Loop is the longest scenic drive in the Peaks, and although the roads are paved, can be icy in winter. Here visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, wildlife viewing, and get close up views of Indian Ruins and volcanoes.

Winter Fun at the Peaks

There are several winter activities that take advantage of the natural wonderland offered by the San Francisco Peaks. Visitors can enjoy Nordic and cross-country skiing at the Flagstaff Nordic Center, Wing Mountain and the Snowbowl Ski Area. Snowmobiling is a popular pastime along the many trails found at the Kendrick Snowmobile Trail System. For those just wanting to build a snowman or throw a few snowballs, snow play is available at Wing Mountain and Peakview.

Special Outdoor Activities

The Peaks are also home to the Elden Pueblo, a dedicated archaeological dig site offering public days where amateur archaeologists can test their skills in search of ruins and artifacts. The Lava River Cave offers dramatic hiking through a lava tube and one of the best scenic views of the entire Peaks area. The Snowbowl Ski Area offers skyrides in summer, using their famed alpine ski lifts to carry visitors to the mountain's heights for fall color viewing, hiking trails and a unique out of season perspective on the alpine climate zone. Off road enthusiasts should not miss the Cinder Hills Off Highway Vehicle Area, open Spring through Fall, where off road vehicles race across the Peaks' designated trails. Camping and backcountry sightseeing are also available here.

Getting to the Peaks

The San Francisco Peaks make up such a diverse area in the Coconino Forest that can be accessed from a number of highways and Forest Service roads. From Flagstaff drive north on Highway 180 or 89. From Highway 180, the Snowbowl Road and FR 418 and FR 420 provide access. From US 89, FRï¿½s 418 and 420 provide access to lower slopes. FR 552 provides the easiest access to the Inner Basin.