San Francisco Peaks

The San Francisco Peaks form a chain of dormant volcanoes within Coconino National Forest, with Humphreys Peak marking Arizona's highest point at 12,633 feet (3,850 meters). The summits rise northwest of Flagstaff and include several subsidiary peaks separated by steep slopes and broad valleys.

The volcanoes formed around six million years ago through repeated eruptions that layered lava and ash across the Colorado Plateau. The last phase of activity occurred roughly 900,000 years ago, leaving behind the crater landscape visible today.

For several regional tribes, the summits carry spiritual meaning and appear in ceremonies and stories passed down through generations. Visitors encounter this reverence through prayer flags and ritual sites along the trails.

Trails lead from various trailheads to the summits, with routes varying in accessibility by season and often requiring snowshoes during winter months. On the western slopes, Arizona Snowbowl operates a ski area with 55 runs open from November through April.

The high elevations host alpine tundra normally found thousands of miles farther north, supporting plant species that do not occur elsewhere in Arizona. Within a few miles, vegetation shifts from pine forests to barren summits without tree growth.

Location: Coconino County

GPS coordinates: 35.34183,-111.65406

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:24