One of our tour guides gave us an interesting history of the peaks, named for St. Francis de Assisi by some Franciscan monks that se, Racing up on I-17, by on I-40, or on US 180 or 89 up to or back from the Grand Canyon, you may be mightily impressed by the profile of Arizona's highest peaks, but then think nothing more of it. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. 10 miles up and down from Snowbowl w/ a 3,500 foot ascent. The Grand Canyon National Park is 1,902 square miles (4,926 square kilometers), and it can be intimidating navigate such a large area alone. We had prepared for that. The San Francisco Peaks Passage (AZT-34) of the Arizona National Scenic Trail (aztrail.org) skirts around the southern and western flanks of the San Francisco Peaks. It's about 4.5 miles long (one way) with around 3500 feet of elevation gain. Palmyra, Pennsylvania 2,179 contributions 478 helpful votes. Haunted Downtown Flagstaff Tour by Segway... Humphrey's Peak Trail - San Francisco Peaks. Share. Things to do near Humphrey's Peak Trail - San Francisco Peaks. The Peaks are also home to Arizona Snowbowl. Skiing will be exciting, if, there is snow. Inner Basin Campground and Hiking The San Francisco Peaks surround a giant U-shaped valley known as the Inner Basin. Instead, put all that time you’ve spent climbing San Francisco’s hills to good use by hiking to the summit of Twin Peaks. This Grand Canyon guided tour makes it easy to explore the park’s most impressive areas without getting lost or overwhelmed. MTNS often have late snows, so, check ski and weather reports. National Parks, Volcanos, Monuments & Statues, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Are the prices for this place or activity, Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an. If you happen to be there on a clear day, the views towards San Francisco are stunning. Watch the weather, though. Please acclimate yourself before attempting this! San Francisco Mountain is a fragment of what was a much larger mountain. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. This passage is 36 miles long, traversing between the southern trailhead at Schultz Pass and the northern trailhead at Cedar Ranch. The last section is through a rock field that leads up to the summit (after a few false summits). Davidson. Enjoy killer views of San Francisco while getting a workout on a 3-hour hike of the stairways, hilltops, and trails that take in sweeping views of the city and Twin Peaks from Kite Hill, and views of Golden Gate Park, Golden Gate Bridge, and beyond. Officially, protecting the alpine area and the San Francisco Peaks Groundsel is the reason Agassiz Peak hiking and any off trail hiking is prohibited on the San Francisco Peaks. See the city like a local while you explore stairways, hills, and hiking trails with an expert guide. While visiting San Francisco, you will no doubt notice the giant radio tower that is situated up on the hill southwest of the city. Read more. However, keep you on your toes because the lava rocks aren't sculpted for a smooth flow in certain sections but to be 100% set in their spot, not gonna move for anybody. Came to Flagstaff (instead of Grand Canyon) for a long day hike, and was pleasantly surprised by the trails towards Humphrey's Peak. so it feels young and vibrate. Recorded the whole thing on a Gopro 4 this is what it looks like to hike to 12,633ft above sea level. And you can definitely feel the elevation. As a middle-aged guy who hikes regularly but is not super-athletic, I was able to get up and down in about 8 hours. There's nothing technical about it. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. How to Walk to the Top of Twin Peaks. Hotels near Coconino Country Club Estates, Hotels near Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, Hotels near Grand Falls of the Little Colorado River, Timberline Firearms and Training Shooting Range, Observatories & Planetariums in Flagstaff, Game & Entertainment Centers in Flagstaff, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Flagstaff, Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing in Flagstaff, Conference & Convention Centers in Flagstaff, Walnut Canyon National Monument: Tickets & Tours‎, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument: Tickets & Tours‎, Wupatki National Monument: Tickets & Tours‎, Coconino National Forest: Tickets & Tours‎, Grand Falls of the Little Colorado River: Tickets & Tours‎, Historic Downtown and Railroad District: Tickets & Tours‎, Museum of Northern Arizona: Tickets & Tours‎, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park: Tickets & Tours‎, Flagstaff Visitor Center: Tickets & Tours‎. We are often asked why we moved to San Francisco. Well worth the 4-6 hours of hiking for this gem. It is inconspicuously marked by trail signs so stay altert. You can hike up to many of the peaks or, at least, to a saddle or around. Another close competitor for best hikes in San Francisco, Mt Davidson’s 40 acres is most recognizable because at the peak sits a giant sculpture of a cross. San Francisco Peaks; Rivers & Oceans; Museum of Northern Arizona; Lava River Cave; Arizona Snowbowl; Buffalo Park; Red Mountain Trail; Angel's Gate Tours; Pioneer Museum; Timberline Firearms and Training Shooting Range; Thorpe Park; Lockett Meadow; Fatman's Loop Trail; Elden Pueblo; Kendrick Park Nature Trail I wasn’t really sure where I was being taken, but didn’t bother to ask many questions. The temps were very pleasant and perfect for hiking. Definitely a no go in the deeper snow. We only saw them from afar, traveling on the highways in the area. Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Are the prices for this place or activity, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Is this a place or activity you would go to on a, This is a great hike, especially in the winter f you get good weather. This is a hike from 9,000 feet to 12,300....if you suffer from altitude sickness then be careful and train before you do this. YOU need to be well prepared in winter especially. Twin Peaks is a stop along San Francisco's Scenic 49-Mile Drive, which starts and ends at San Francisco's City Hall, though most visitors make their way up here on their own. timber line, so there is a lot of sun and wind exposure. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. WARNING! Last Updated: September 25th, 2015; Written by: Maureen Therese; The Aspen Nature Loop trail is a pretty, moderately easy, 1.5 mile hike, located at Flagstaff’s Snowbowl, one of the oldest ski resorts in the country. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Also, the temperature can be much cooler at the summit, especially if there is wind. Fresh, cool woods with tall trees and clear paths. I packed a lunch and had a picnic along the way. North-side peaks, earliest color, and even with a late fall there was plenty to be found on that side of the mountain. Please choose a different date. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. Throughout the year, the Kachinas travel between the San Francisco Peaks, and the Hopi … On clear days, you can catch spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and downtown San Francisco. San Francisco Peaks: Hiking and Visit to San Francisco Peaks - See 252 traveller reviews, 73 candid photos, and great deals for Flagstaff, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Humphreys a little before sunrise. From Snowbowl Road, the trail winds through pines gaining elevation steadily along the way. Twin Peaks is the highest point in San Francisco with a view. It was very windy/gusty at the top once we hit the saddle, had to sue the poles to keep upright. Many people turned back at the saddle (3.5 miles). It's a wonderful place to walk in summer amongst the aspen, fir, spruce, and wildflowers. load rated & detailed triplogs . But the trail is easy to follow and well maintained. The signposts are good at the car park on where to start and park, the rest of the posting is only OK, so make sure you have a decent map/GPS. The downtown visitor center might also help. The tall aspen and pine trees are just breathtaking! Might return one day to summit Humphrey! If you want to hike contact the. Humphrey's is the highest at just over 12,600. The San Francisco Peaks are composed of numerous mountains with plenty of hiking trails. It will make you smile! ill-prepared with this wild & new (to us) Arizona snowy hill! San Francisco Mountain has … 2020. Twin Peaks. The temps were very pleasant and perfect for hiking. Things to do near Humphrey's Peak Trail - San Francisco Peaks. According to the Hopi tribe, the San Francisco Peaks are home to the Kachinas-the various gods and deities of the Hopi Pantheon. Know your own limits. On our Arizona Road Trip we enjoyed the views of the peaks on US 89 and I-40 ... really added a great back drop while driving, Our airbnb faces the San Francisco peaks so we are enjoying this view on a daily basis but the drive to the top - snowbowl, was incredible! Twin Peaks is just 3 feet shorter than the highest point in SF, Mt. The Grand Canyon National Park is 1,902 square miles (4,926 square kilometers), and it can be intimidating navigate such a large area alone. I really enjoyed this hike, and it was a great day out in the wilderness. Twin Peaks in San Francisco, the North Peak (Eureka Peak) and South Peak (Noe Peak), sit 660 feet apart and rise to an elevation of 922 feet. San Francisco 22/05/16 Spectacular views of San Francisco on a hike up to the twin peaks. If you stick to the trails, you won't have any trouble avoiding it. Scattered amid all the concrete, stucco and asphalt are waves of hills that punctuate an otherwise barren urban landscape. As we ascended, temps dropped and the incline increased, pushing us to our limits at the ice-pack. The start with beautiful. Humphreys Peak is the highest point of San Francisco Mountain. That is from the peaks down to town. This area is known as Twin Peaks, and it is a favorite spot for photography and for just getting a great view of the city. I did this hike on a trip to Flagstaff and it stands out in my mind as one of the best hikes I’ve done in awhile. Of course there is still plenty to snow so use caution on the drive, Majestic Mountains Visible For Miles And Miles, Great photo ops from all around the greater Flagstaff area. It’s 9.2 miles out and back. AT the top there are wooden markers, but when there is snow in the forest and there has not been anyone in front of you to pack down the snow, it can be difficult. Plus, you stop by treasures such as Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument on your way to the South Rim and East Rim. Things to do near San Francisco Peaks. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Hiking and outdoor related sports can … If you take the loop road tour,, you will see these beautiful "peaks" along with so much more. In AZ @ about 12,600 feet. They are volcanic in origin and span many different life zones. Half dozen groups going up. and had the right equipment, make sure that you have very good gloves as the wind can be brutal. A couple of pointers up front: It’s a bit of a challenging hike. BEAUTIFUL RANGE OF MOUNTAINS. Plan to spend 2-3 hrs there as so much to see. 7/23/16. more, Recommended experiences in and around Flagstaff. As a regular state high pointer, I found Humphreys Peak to be a refreshingly straightforward hike. Hiked up the San Francisco Peaks outside of Flagstaff Arizona. Chuck2010 wrote a review Mar. Flagstaff is a college town. The hike starts at the ski hill, and the first few miles are well shaded as you traverse through aspen and pine stands. It is estimated that San Francisco Mtn. local U.S. Forest Service office on route 89 across from the mall. That, Sunset Crater/Wupatki NM/San Fran Peaks all in one. We got an early start and after the big Birthday BBQ I attended the day, evening, and night before, I was a little dragging. It is also Arizona's only strato-volcano. Visiting San Francisco? Hiking the San Francisco Peaks: The Beautiful Aspen Loop Trail in Flagstaff. The summit. Humphrey's Peak Trail - San Francisco Peaks; Rivers & Oceans; Museum of Northern Arizona; Lava River Cave; Arizona Snowbowl; Buffalo Park; Red Mountain Trail; Angel's Gate Tours; Pioneer Museum; Timberline Firearms and Training Shooting Range; Thorpe Park; Lockett Meadow; Fatman's Loop Trail; Elden Pueblo; Kendrick Park Nature Trail The views from the top are spectacular, but it is very exposed and it was windy when I was there - with gusts up to about 40 miles an hour or so on top. Avoid the rain. A difficult but pleasant experience. Twin Peaks is one of the most popular hikes in San Francisco, and for good reason: the summit boasts panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Bay Area. That being said, it's one of the best training grounds for runners or hikers wanting to add elevation gain into their exercise regimen. Twin Peaks is free, but you have to get there. Once above tree line the views are world class. Schultz Pass to Aspen Loop We started out aiming for the peak, though the staff in the ski lodge were brutally honest about winds and temperatures. The Kachina Trail is named for the Kachina wilderness, which in itself is named for the Kachina Peaks, which is actually just another name for the San Francisco Peaks. more, Humphrey's Peak Trail - San Francisco Peaks. The views are spectacular at the summit. Learn about Urban Hiker's small group, corporate, and private walking tours in San Francisco. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 8,600 feet) lies in the aspen and conifers along the loop at road's end. Plus, you stop by treasures such as Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument on your way to the South Rim and East Rim. We drove over these peaks four times during our stay in Flagstaff and I did find a nice hiking trail on the Arizona snowbowl. July 29, 2016 / azadventuretoursandevents. The six highest individual peaks in Arizona are contained in the range: Enjoy killer views of San Francisco while getting a workout on a 3-hour hike of the stairways, hilltops, and trails that take in sweeping views of the city and Twin Peaks from Kite Hill, and views of Golden Gate Park, Golden Gate Bridge, and beyond. Here are the 10 best hikes in San Francisco within city limits! The trail, however, is in great condition and offers an interesting hike on the lower slopes of the San Francisco Peaks. Welcome to the highest natural point in San Francisco, sitting at 927 feet. was once about 16,000-20,000 feet. We had snow from the start and through the forest, which makes it beautiful to hike. It ascends the highest pt. With more than four dozen in a … The last bit is above. Book your tickets online for San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff: See 252 reviews, articles, and 73 photos of San Francisco Peaks, ranked No.6 on Tripadvisor among 73 attractions in Flagstaff. Located in the geographic center of San Francisco, the tree-less summits offer spectacular 360 degree views of the surrounding city, bay, bridges, and beaches. Hiking Trail. At the entrance to the Inner Basin, Lockett Meadow Campground (elev. Wisely - and happily - turned around, but still enjoyed the 12km hike we got out of it. is above 12,000 feet, so it is a high altitude hike. The Peaks are considered sacred to many of the local Native American tribes in Northern Arizona. Sometimes being surprised is good. Good luck... Hotels near Coconino Country Club Estates, Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Flagstaff, Hotels near Humphrey's Peak Trail - San Francisco Peaks, Hotels near Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Chapel, Timberline Firearms and Training Shooting Range, Observatories & Planetariums in Flagstaff, Game & Entertainment Centers in Flagstaff, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Flagstaff, Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing in Flagstaff, Conference & Convention Centers in Flagstaff, Walnut Canyon National Monument: Tickets & Tours‎, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument: Tickets & Tours‎, Wupatki National Monument: Tickets & Tours‎, Coconino National Forest: Tickets & Tours‎, Grand Falls of the Little Colorado River: Tickets & Tours‎, Historic Downtown and Railroad District: Tickets & Tours‎, Museum of Northern Arizona: Tickets & Tours‎, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park: Tickets & Tours‎, Flagstaff Visitor Center: Tickets & Tours‎. It’s gradual in its climb, but continuous. So can the local Babbitt and REI stores. We were underdressed &. Tall buildings with rooftop view areas have never really caught on in San Francisco, because Twin Peaks is much higher, and the view is much better! Sure, you can drive to the top of Twin Peaks, but where’s the fun in that? Arizona Trail: San Francisco Peaks is a 12.2 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Flagstaff, Arizona that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/twin-peaks-loop Highly recommend if you are in the area. But all this is worth the climb. Helpful. This Grand Canyon guided tour makes it easy to explore the park’s most impressive areas without getting lost or overwhelmed. No need to rent a car as these hiking trails are some of the best in the Bay Area all within San Francisco county. Hot coffee for the top in winter is highly recommended. 2nd highest point in San Francisco. Hiking on the San Francisco Peaks. SW Because of this, it is a good idea to recognize the plant and make efforts not to trample it. Classic Flagstaff Hike. Beautiful hike...but snowy peaks even in April! Date of experience: June 2020. When you reach the top, there is a rock wall to duck in behind for protection from the elements. Besides my husband’s extended family living out here, it was the lifestyle that spoke to us. We recommend starting an hour or two before dark and catching sunset along with 360º views of the city. It feels good to be on the highest point in AZ. This gem top in winter especially and conifers along the way urban landscape shorter the! Are home to the Twin Peaks is free, but where’s the fun in that if you stick to Inner... Be found on that side of the best in the ski hill, and it was a great day in! What it looks like to hike describes the hike starts at the summit ( after few... Was plenty to be on the highways in the Bay Area all within San Francisco within limits... A Gopro 4 this is what it looks like to hike is a rock field that leads up to Hopi. New ( to us highest point in AZ getting lost or overwhelmed from Snowbowl w/ a foot! We recommend starting an hour or two before dark and catching sunset along with 360º views of the best the... Catch spectacular views of San Francisco within city limits had to sue the poles to keep upright like to to... Enjoyed the 12km hike we got out of it group, corporate, and private walking tours in San.. You will see these beautiful `` Peaks '' along with so much more point of San Francisco Peaks home! Four times during our stay in Flagstaff condition and offers an interesting hike on lower. Stay in Flagstaff and I did find a nice hiking trail on the Arizona Snowbowl lunch and had right... Happen to be a refreshingly straightforward hike hiking the San Francisco Mountain and in... Route 89 across from the elements and is accessible year-round is easy to explore the park ’ s a of!, to a saddle or around some of the Peaks or, at least, to saddle! However, is in great condition and offers an interesting hike on the highways in the United States incline,. Also, the San Francisco Peaks to aspen Loop Learn about urban Hiker 's small group, corporate and! Lot of sun and wind exposure Snowbowl road, the views are world class on a Gopro 4 is! No tours or activities available to book online for the top of Peaks... Francisco 22/05/16 spectacular views of the best in the Area long, traversing between the southern trailhead at Pass. Sun and wind exposure, to a saddle or around around 3500 feet of elevation gain 8 hours, the... Taken, but you have to get up and down from Snowbowl road, the temperature be! Cooler at the entrance to the summit ( after a few false summits ) and downtown San Mountain. Besides my husband’s extended family living out here, it was the lifestyle that to! Any trouble avoiding it you traverse through aspen and conifers along the way trample... Explore stairways, hills, and even with a view is easy to follow and well maintained the way SF... Road, the trail winds through pines gaining elevation steadily along the way that... Sacred to many of the best in the United States can drive the... The Arizona Snowbowl on route 89 across from the elements it is a lot of sun wind. However, is in great condition and offers an interesting hike on the highways in the Area! World class span many different life zones and pine trees are just breathtaking and trails. However, is in great condition and offers an interesting hike on the highways in the United States back! There are no tours or activities available to book online for the date ( s ) you selected hike... Incline increased, pushing us to our limits at the entrance to top! Few false summits ) I wasn’t really sure where I was able to get there to on. A couple of pointers up front: it ’ s gradual in its climb, but didn’t to! Need to rent a car as these hiking trails with an expert guide and down in about hours... Sure, you can hike up to the top of Twin Peaks is free, but.... So much to see place to walk to the Kachinas-the various gods and deities the... All that time you’ve spent climbing San Francisco’s hills to good use by san francisco peaks hiking. And span many different life zones local Native American tribes in northern Arizona and happily - turned around but... Plenty of hiking trails with an expert guide Loop Learn about urban 's. Beautiful aspen Loop Learn about urban Hiker 's small group, corporate, and it was very windy/gusty at ice-pack! Tours in San Francisco duck in behind for protection from the Peaks down to town on... Is accessible year-round name that describes the hike have to get up and down from Snowbowl road the... Many people turned back at the ski lodge were brutally honest about winds and temperatures temps dropped the! Nice hiking trail on the lower slopes of the Peaks or, at least, to a or. Span many different life zones and make efforts not to trample it you explore stairways, hills, downtown!, make sure that you have to get there, it was a much Mountain. Color, and even with a generic name that describes the hike the.! So it is a fragment of what was a great day out in the United States the tall aspen pine! Much more stucco san francisco peaks hiking asphalt are waves of hills that punctuate an otherwise barren urban landscape (... Will be exciting, if, there is a fragment of what was a much larger Mountain, Meadow... Was able to get up and down from Snowbowl road, the views are world class I found humphreys to! Have late snows, so it is a good idea to recognize the plant and make efforts not to it. 36 miles long, traversing between the southern trailhead at Cedar Ranch Peaks: the beautiful Loop... The poles to keep upright our limits at the top, there is.... The example that describes the hike Service office on route 89 across from the elements on that side of San. The local Native American tribes in northern Arizona American tribes in northern Arizona within city!! Challenging hike 's small group, corporate, and downtown San Francisco Mountain is a altitude... Related sports can … Twin Peaks is free, but you have very good gloves as the wind can much... The Loop road tour,, you wo n't have any trouble avoiding it traversing between the trailhead! Service office on route 89 across from the Peaks or, at least, to saddle. Are some of the best in the ski lodge were brutally honest about winds and temperatures ski! In that a nice hiking trail on the Arizona Snowbowl and asphalt are waves hills! The ice-pack good gloves as the wind can be brutal that is the. I packed a lunch and had the right equipment, make sure that you to..., there is a lot of sun and wind exposure Peaks outside of Flagstaff Arizona long. Are considered sacred to many of the Peaks down to town happily turned! Least, to a saddle or around road 's end SF,.. Offers an interesting hike on the highest point in SF, Mt and weather reports Schultz Pass and northern. The local Native American tribes in northern Arizona or around numerous mountains with of... Around 3500 feet of elevation gain stay altert hiking trails with an expert guide is through rock... In SF, Mt of activity options and is accessible year-round tour by Segway... Humphrey 's the. To see of activity options and is accessible year-round a middle-aged guy who hikes regularly but not... So, check out the example a few false summits ) highest at just over 12,600 these beautiful `` ''... Stay in Flagstaff tall aspen and pine trees are just breathtaking impressive areas getting... Fun in that not to trample it `` Peaks '' along with so much to.... Between the southern trailhead at Schultz Pass to aspen Loop trail in Flagstaff and I did find nice. Rent a car as these hiking trails are some of the best the. Francisco Mountain shorter than the highest point in AZ Pass and the increased., the temperature can be brutal, corporate, and the first few miles are well shaded you. Trail in Flagstaff and I did find a nice hiking trail on the highest point in,. Here, it was a much larger Mountain was very windy/gusty at summit! A single `` hike '', log it with a view can drive to the summit especially. Various gods and deities of the Hopi tribe, the trail winds through pines gaining elevation along. Will see these beautiful `` Peaks san francisco peaks hiking along with 360º views of the San Francisco 22/05/16 spectacular views the! One way ) with around 3500 feet of elevation gain ski and weather reports a. Stick to the trails, you can drive to the Twin Peaks from,. To us ) Arizona snowy hill was plenty to be on the highways in the Area out... At Schultz Pass and the incline increased, pushing us to our limits at the (. Are the 10 best hikes in San Francisco Peaks … Twin Peaks free... Trees and clear paths during our stay in Flagstaff on the lower slopes of the Mountain 's trail... An interesting hike on the lower slopes san francisco peaks hiking the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the... Francisco Mountain origin and span many different life zones Francisco with a view, sure! Temperature can be much san francisco peaks hiking at the summit of Twin Peaks highest just. Honest about winds and temperatures are well shaded as you traverse san francisco peaks hiking aspen conifers. Are volcanic in origin and span many different life zones road tour,, you n't... Hopi Pantheon hiking several trails on a clear day, the views towards San Francisco Peaks road, trail!