Route Climbed: from ski area base Date Climbed: May 12, 2005
It's been a heavy snow year in the Southwest! Started from the ski area parking lot at 5:50 AM, with snow to the car. I got into the main valley between Agassiz and Humphrey, and not knowing exactly how to proceed, climbed the path of least resistance partway up Agassiz. Soon I realized I needed to traverse left to Humphreys...not a big deal. Snow was firm but not too icy, I did fine with ski poles and boots. The water kept freezing in the mouthpiece of my water bladder device. Topped out by 9 AM and hung out in light winds, but still got cold in the brilliant sun. The ski descent was fantastically amazing, as were the views of Grand Canyon and the Sedona areas in the distance. Descended the steeper "direct' route. Magnifique. The back bowl was stuffed with snow. Big cornices on the summit ridge.
Route Climbed: Humphrey's Trail Date Climbed: June 27, 2003
I hiked this one alone after I hiked the Zion Narrows the day before. Despite having giardia at the time, I kept a good pace hiking to the top. The weather was hot and very windy on the ridge. It was interesting to read that these mountains have the highest timberline in the U.S. The view of the surrounding mountains and desert was good.
Climbed with Adam Roddy and Dustin Call. This peak is pretty easy, although I did get a little altitude sickness about 11,500. Once on top I felt a little better, but the weather was moving in, so we did not stay long. Off to the Grand Canyon.
Route Climbed: Standard Snowbowl route Date Climbed: March 21, 2005
Outstanding Day! I started at Snowbowl and broke through 10 inches of powder up to the timberline. The trail breaking was brutal. Once I hit the open, west slopes, a consistent, strong wind took care of the powder and left a solid layer of crust. I hiked in a whiteout up toward the Humphreys/Agassiz Ridge, but by the time I hit the ridge the clouds were breaking. The scenery was breathtaking.
I traversed from Humphreys' summit to Agassiz's summit under broken clouds and sunshine, then took a nice glissade down Agassiz's west ridge to the Snowbowl ski area.
There was a stiff wind on the entire ridgeline that make hiking difficult at times (constant 40 mph, gusts up to 60 mph). The trip took 7.5 hours. I would highly recommend it. Between the two summits, I thought the Agassiz scenery was more impressive.
Route Climbed: Spur Ridge from Snobowl Date Climbed: Feb 27th, 2005
We ascended the spur ridge from the Snobowl that joins the false summit at 12098ft. We spent several hours weeving through the trees in several feet of powder(on snowshoes). Finally topping out on the ridge, and then taking our time cramponing up the ridge to the summit. We then descended back down bowl near the Aggasiz/Humphreys saddle to the ski resort. A beautiful day up top, no other hikers, but many people skiing/boarding the bowls.
Route Climbed: Snowbowl ridge Date Climbed: February 16, 2005
4-6 inches fresh powder night before climb. Beautiful sunny day. Took Agassiz lift and hiked from the snowbowl. Snow drifts were very deep at points - especially on summit, where the summit marker post was completely buried. Stashed snowboard and boots halfway up the bowl - made a nice ride down!
Route Climbed: Humphreys Trail Date Climbed: August 16, 2002
I got an early start on a Saturday morning and made it to the top by 11:00. Had the top to myself and didn't see anyone until I started down and then I passed someone every couple of minutes. I had a great time and almost wished I lived in Flagstaff.
Route Climbed: Standard - Snowbowl trailhead Date Climbed: August 16, 2002
I foolishly left the trailhead late the day before and was driven back down below the treeline by lightning from an impressive early afternoon thunderstorm. Frustrated, I stayed in Flagstaff that night, hit the trail early the next morning, and reached the summit under perfect conditions by 10 a.m. Lesson learned!
My brother and I hiked this one sunny afternoon and all was beautiful until we reached the ridge. There we were greeted with wind in excess of 60mph. Very chilly and we nearly crawled the last 100 yards or so. At the summit we hunkered down behind the rock wall and then braced ourselves against the wind for a quick picture. Didn't get to spend enough time on top because of the wind but all in all a rewarding hike indeed. Back in Flagstaff, I was washing the dust off my truck and a photographer with the Arizona Daily Sun took our picture and the next day it was on the front page! Man were they huring for a filler or what? 2 days later we hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and spent the night at Phantom Ranch. What an elevation change!
Route Climbed: AZ Snowbowl - South Ridge Date Climbed: Dec. 13, 2004
Incredible day. The snow pack was solid. Strong winds on the summit ridge, but it was nothing abnormal. This was my first time. Although the mountain is fairly easy, the views and setting are unbelievable.
Route Climbed: Humphrey's Trail Date Climbed: July 30, 2004
My wife and I went from the trailhead to the summit and back to the trail head in less then 4hrs. which we thought was pretty good except for the fact that this lady that was jogging it passed us 3 times. Once on her way back from summitting, then again on her way back to the summit (we were fairly close ourselves by then), and then again as she was coming back down. There are always plenty of people around to keep me humble. Our 1st intro into hiking above the treeline. Beautiful day, beautiful mountain. God is good.
Route Climbed: Weatherford Trail Date Climbed: July 1993
My faithful yellow lab joined me on the trip. He loves the outdoors and is a great trail companion. Got chased off the top by lightning. The last mile my dog gave out. My friend and I made a stretcher out of a poncho and two poles to carry him back to camp.
Route Climbed: Humphrey's Trail Date Climbed: Nov. 27,2004
Outrageous!!!! Started on the trail and since I had snowshoes I veered off and went straight up thru some serious powder :)!!! Took me about 2 hrs to hit the tree line and another hour just to get to below the 3rd false summit. The winds were gusting between 50 and 80 mph, ( my amature guess from being knocked to my feet numerous times!!!) so I didn't feel like it was safe to get very close to the ridge, or to go anyfurther. I boarded down after that in beautiful conditions. A great experience-felt like I was on a real mountain battling real weather for a change!!!
Route Climbed: Weatherford Trail Date Climbed: July 2003, Nov 2003
The July climb was my fist and the worst of the two. I completely underestimated the heat and the amount of water needed. I became extremely dehydrated to the point of nearly fainting. The November trip was much better as I was more prepared. Knee deep snow up to and past the saddle made for some exhausting post holing but it was well worth it.
Route Climbed: Weatherford Date Climbed: October 17, 2004
Wind, wind, wind. 60 mph constant on ridge with gusts reaching 100 mph near summit. Very, very cold - but many thanks to the souls who built that rock shelter! Hit freezing rain on the way down and made it back at the tail end of dusk. 11h total.
Route Climbed: Humphreys Trail Date Climbed: September 24th, 2004
Climbed it after school with my friend. Started at 1:45PM, got to the saddle at 3:00, and to the top at 4:15. It was pretty cold on top and there were about 5 other people up there. Left the summit at 4:30 and got back down at 6:30 as the sun was setting. My 2nd AZ peak and 1st state high point.
dkoelle - Jun 3, 2005 6:52 pm
Route Climbed: from ski area base Date Climbed: May 12, 2005It's been a heavy snow year in the Southwest! Started from the ski area parking lot at 5:50 AM, with snow to the car. I got into the main valley between Agassiz and Humphrey, and not knowing exactly how to proceed, climbed the path of least resistance partway up Agassiz. Soon I realized I needed to traverse left to Humphreys...not a big deal. Snow was firm but not too icy, I did fine with ski poles and boots. The water kept freezing in the mouthpiece of my water bladder device. Topped out by 9 AM and hung out in light winds, but still got cold in the brilliant sun. The ski descent was fantastically amazing, as were the views of Grand Canyon and the Sedona areas in the distance. Descended the steeper "direct' route. Magnifique. The back bowl was stuffed with snow. Big cornices on the summit ridge.
mountaingazelle - May 1, 2005 9:38 pm
Route Climbed: Humphrey's Trail Date Climbed: June 27, 2003I hiked this one alone after I hiked the Zion Narrows the day before. Despite having giardia at the time, I kept a good pace hiking to the top. The weather was hot and very windy on the ridge. It was interesting to read that these mountains have the highest timberline in the U.S. The view of the surrounding mountains and desert was good.
easleygone - Apr 4, 2005 12:27 am
Route Climbed: Snow Bowl Date Climbed: Feb 1988Winter climb made it tough but what a great summit
day! Thigh deep getting to the ridge which was
heavily corniced all the way to the false summits
and beyond to the true summit. My climbing partner
was Pete Simpson.
Scott Wesemann - Mar 29, 2005 12:02 pm
Date Climbed: May 2001Climbed with Adam Roddy and Dustin Call. This peak is pretty easy, although I did get a little altitude sickness about 11,500. Once on top I felt a little better, but the weather was moving in, so we did not stay long. Off to the Grand Canyon.
marauders - Mar 23, 2005 12:52 am
Route Climbed: Standard Snowbowl route Date Climbed: March 21, 2005Outstanding Day! I started at Snowbowl and broke through 10 inches of powder up to the timberline. The trail breaking was brutal. Once I hit the open, west slopes, a consistent, strong wind took care of the powder and left a solid layer of crust. I hiked in a whiteout up toward the Humphreys/Agassiz Ridge, but by the time I hit the ridge the clouds were breaking. The scenery was breathtaking.
I traversed from Humphreys' summit to Agassiz's summit under broken clouds and sunshine, then took a nice glissade down Agassiz's west ridge to the Snowbowl ski area.
There was a stiff wind on the entire ridgeline that make hiking difficult at times (constant 40 mph, gusts up to 60 mph). The trip took 7.5 hours. I would highly recommend it. Between the two summits, I thought the Agassiz scenery was more impressive.
thebeave7 - Feb 28, 2005 1:24 pm
Route Climbed: Spur Ridge from Snobowl Date Climbed: Feb 27th, 2005We ascended the spur ridge from the Snobowl that joins the false summit at 12098ft. We spent several hours weeving through the trees in several feet of powder(on snowshoes). Finally topping out on the ridge, and then taking our time cramponing up the ridge to the summit. We then descended back down bowl near the Aggasiz/Humphreys saddle to the ski resort. A beautiful day up top, no other hikers, but many people skiing/boarding the bowls.
Eric J Lee
gcap - Feb 21, 2005 3:50 pm
Route Climbed: Snowbowl ridge Date Climbed: February 16, 20054-6 inches fresh powder night before climb. Beautiful sunny day. Took Agassiz lift and hiked from the snowbowl. Snow drifts were very deep at points - especially on summit, where the summit marker post was completely buried. Stashed snowboard and boots halfway up the bowl - made a nice ride down!
Linejudge - Feb 9, 2005 5:11 pm
Route Climbed: Humphreys Trail Date Climbed: August 16, 2002I got an early start on a Saturday morning and made it to the top by 11:00. Had the top to myself and didn't see anyone until I started down and then I passed someone every couple of minutes. I had a great time and almost wished I lived in Flagstaff.
wwells - Feb 2, 2005 1:42 am
Route Climbed: Standard - Snowbowl trailhead Date Climbed: August 16, 2002I foolishly left the trailhead late the day before and was driven back down below the treeline by lightning from an impressive early afternoon thunderstorm. Frustrated, I stayed in Flagstaff that night, hit the trail early the next morning, and reached the summit under perfect conditions by 10 a.m. Lesson learned!
Steve Gruhn - Jan 26, 2005 10:01 pm
Route Climbed: Arizona Snow Bowl Date Climbed: October 7, 1996Easy hike. Only a slight dusting of snow near the summit.
garchov - Dec 31, 2004 8:32 am
Route Climbed: Standard Date Climbed: July 1987My brother and I hiked this one sunny afternoon and all was beautiful until we reached the ridge. There we were greeted with wind in excess of 60mph. Very chilly and we nearly crawled the last 100 yards or so. At the summit we hunkered down behind the rock wall and then braced ourselves against the wind for a quick picture. Didn't get to spend enough time on top because of the wind but all in all a rewarding hike indeed. Back in Flagstaff, I was washing the dust off my truck and a photographer with the Arizona Daily Sun took our picture and the next day it was on the front page! Man were they huring for a filler or what? 2 days later we hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and spent the night at Phantom Ranch. What an elevation change!
marauders - Dec 16, 2004 1:23 pm
Route Climbed: AZ Snowbowl - South Ridge Date Climbed: Dec. 13, 2004Incredible day. The snow pack was solid. Strong winds on the summit ridge, but it was nothing abnormal. This was my first time. Although the mountain is fairly easy, the views and setting are unbelievable.
mtsptfam - Dec 15, 2004 5:15 pm
Route Climbed: Humphrey's Trail Date Climbed: July 30, 2004My wife and I went from the trailhead to the summit and back to the trail head in less then 4hrs. which we thought was pretty good except for the fact that this lady that was jogging it passed us 3 times. Once on her way back from summitting, then again on her way back to the summit (we were fairly close ourselves by then), and then again as she was coming back down. There are always plenty of people around to keep me humble. Our 1st intro into hiking above the treeline. Beautiful day, beautiful mountain. God is good.
uintas - Dec 9, 2004 10:10 pm
Route Climbed: Weatherford Trail Date Climbed: July 1993My faithful yellow lab joined me on the trip. He loves the outdoors and is a great trail companion. Got chased off the top by lightning. The last mile my dog gave out. My friend and I made a stretcher out of a poncho and two poles to carry him back to camp.
Humberto - Dec 1, 2004 3:03 pm
Route Climbed: Humphrey's Trail Date Climbed: Nov. 27,2004Outrageous!!!! Started on the trail and since I had snowshoes I veered off and went straight up thru some serious powder :)!!! Took me about 2 hrs to hit the tree line and another hour just to get to below the 3rd false summit. The winds were gusting between 50 and 80 mph, ( my amature guess from being knocked to my feet numerous times!!!) so I didn't feel like it was safe to get very close to the ridge, or to go anyfurther. I boarded down after that in beautiful conditions. A great experience-felt like I was on a real mountain battling real weather for a change!!!
bilmcchr - Nov 6, 2004 12:56 pm
Route Climbed: Weatherford Trail Date Climbed: July 2003, Nov 2003The July climb was my fist and the worst of the two. I completely underestimated the heat and the amount of water needed. I became extremely dehydrated to the point of nearly fainting. The November trip was much better as I was more prepared. Knee deep snow up to and past the saddle made for some exhausting post holing but it was well worth it.
ChuckO - Oct 19, 2004 3:04 pm
Route Climbed: Standard Date Climbed: June 2001AZ highpoint. Love those woods, ;-)
n8jojohnson - Oct 18, 2004 11:44 pm
Route Climbed: Weatherford Date Climbed: October 17, 2004Wind, wind, wind. 60 mph constant on ridge with gusts reaching 100 mph near summit. Very, very cold - but many thanks to the souls who built that rock shelter! Hit freezing rain on the way down and made it back at the tail end of dusk. 11h total.
Brett A - Sep 25, 2004 3:31 pm
Route Climbed: Humphreys Trail Date Climbed: September 24th, 2004Climbed it after school with my friend. Started at 1:45PM, got to the saddle at 3:00, and to the top at 4:15. It was pretty cold on top and there were about 5 other people up there. Left the summit at 4:30 and got back down at 6:30 as the sun was setting. My 2nd AZ peak and 1st state high point.
cp0915 - Sep 7, 2004 10:26 am
Date Climbed: September 6, 2004Nice hike. Met a fellow Las Vegan, Tom, near the summit. Best of luck to Tom on his trip to Kilimanjaro next week.