HIKING OPPORTUNITIES AROUND THE ARIZONA SNOWBOWL - ANOTHER GREAT WAY TO ENJOY THE SAN FRANCISCO PEAKS

The scenic beauty of the San Francisco Peaks has been, and continues to be, molded by the forces of nature. The Peaks represent a unique geological feature — a dormant volcano. Their elevation ranges from about 7,000 feet at the base of the mountains to 12,663 feet at the summit of Humphreys Peak, Arizona’s highest point. In 1984, the President of the U.S. signed a bill that designated 74,000 acres as the Kachina Peaks Wilderness. As such, all of the laws and regulation pertaining to wilderness apply on the Peaks. Snowbowl is surrounded on three sides by wilderness (North, East and South).

Careful planning and preparation are essential to enjoyable hiking and backpacking on the San Francisco Peaks. Follow the golden rule of no-trace hiking and camping: “Take only pictures, leave only footprints.”

• Respect the land — do not cut switchbacks
• Avoid wet trails if possible and avoid making new trails.
• Keep to the right of the trail — save the left for passing.
• Downhill traffic yields to uphill traffic.
• When in a group, do not block the trails; allow enough room for others.
• Enjoy your hike and please be safe!

 

Make sure you read and understand restrictions in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness