Favorite Arizona Hikes - Aspen Loop, Mt. Humphreys, Flagstaff, AZ

Summer Hiking on Mt. Humphreys in Flagstaff, Arizona

Today was a clear, beautiful day and just right for a short hike on the Aspen Loop at the base of Mt. Humphreys. Even though we are at the bottom of the mountain, the altitude is still over 9,000 feet.

With my husband and two yellow Labs, we set off from the parking lot at the Lodge at the Ski Bowl and started downhill into the pines and aspen groves. The trail meanders through pines and aspens, fields of ferns, and beautiful wildflowers.

It's always good to learn something on every hike. I've attached a picture of a small, delicate yellow flower. It has a big name - Senecio Franciscanus. It is protected by the federal government and is found nowhere else in the world.

On the hike, you are treated to a fabulous vista looking toward the town of Flagstaff to the South. We were in a large open field which serves as a "bunny slope" during the winter ski season.

We soon entered the aspen groves and followed a winding trail through the trees. Our hike took about an hour and we figure it was about 3.5 to 4 miles. It's a loop - so you are assured of ending up back at the parking lot.

Keep in mind that in late summer there is always a possibility of thunderstorms - so be sure to head out early and watch the sky!

To reach this great hike you drive out of Flagstaff on State Highway 180 until you come to the Snow Bowl. Take a right on Snow Bowl Road and drive up the mountain until you reach the big parking lot just before the ski lodge (about 7 miles). Park at the end and start the trail at the Forestry signs.