Ref: She Dreams of Alpine
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The trail starts on the open slopes at Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort.
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Scramble:
RT 5.25; 2.75 up. Milan had a loose engagement in Phoenix; the rest of
the time was available to visit the area. Someone recommended driving
through Sedona; we decided to continue to Flagstaff and Arizona's
most popular ski area, Snowbowl Ski Resort. Coincidentally, Humphreys
Peak is the highest point in Arizona, and a good trail to the top
starts at the ski resort; this makes the destination busy during the
summer months. At this time of the year though, winter is already
setting in; snow blankets the mountain, and you can hear snow guns
blowing white stuff on the ski slopes. We arrived in the parking lot at
3 PM following a late departure from Phoenix. We grabbed our headlamps
and decided to attempt the summit anyway. A fast pace ensued; the trail
was easy to follow despite the packed snow. As we neared treeline, some
hikers warned us about the bitterly cold wind on the summit ridge. We
didn't dress for blistery cold weather; honestly, we didn't take the
warning too seriously since this is Arizona. Once at the col, we put on
our windbreaker; Milan was wearing a t-shirt, and I had light leggings.
As we continued to the summit ridge, we realized that the hikers
weren't kidding; the wind was fierce and brutally cold. Unfortunately,
the long barren ridge is denuded of any shelter. My pace hastened; I
didn't even want to stop to take pictures, fearing my fingers could
freeze. My ungloved hands were tucked in my sleeves, holding the cuffs
shut tight. Milan was in hot pursuit and later told me he was concerned
about me getting cold. The thought had crossed my mind that a mishap
here would put us in a dire situation. When we reached the summit, we
quickly took pictures and retreated as the sun came down. At treeline,
we stopped briefly to admire the sunset's colours; after taking more
photos, we resumed our descent into the sheltered forest. Shortly after
that, we donned headlamps to finish the hike. Humphreys Peak did not
disappoint; the harsh conditions on the summit ridge guaranteed a
memorable adventure.
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Running into snow soon after leaving.
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Adjacent Agassiz Peak is also part of the ski resort.
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As we near the col, trees get smaller and more sparse.
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Humphreys Peak from the col.
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An interesting veil of cloud envelops the sun.
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Rime on the trees is a strong indicator of windy conditions.
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The summit ridge's alpine tundra is the only region in Arizona of such kind.
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Looking back.
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Dusk announces itself with beautiful colours.
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At the top.
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View north towards the Grand Canyon.
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Looking east, the mountain's shadow is distinguishable.
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Fremont and Agassiz Peaks to the south.
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Marvelous sunset over the summit ridge.
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Our return to treeline under an incredible sky.
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Enjoying dusk's vibrant colours.
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Arrival at the truck in total darkness.
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Back to home page
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