Humphreys Summit Trail #151---Doable tomorrow?

[Tim_G]

Hey ya'll.

The old lady and I were thinking about hiking the Humphrey's Summit Trail tomorrow. It seems like not a lot of people do this hike in March, though. I called the ranger and she said that there's been good weather, and that there's not necessarily snow, but that clamp-ons are recommended.

What do you all think? Should we wait another month or is now a good time? Do you think the clamp-ons are a necessity?

Thanks so much!

- Tim

PS - What are "clamp-ons"? Not finding those on Google.

[Tough_Boots]

They're talking about "crampons" not "clamp-ons".

[Tim_G]

@Tough_Boots

Oh geez. :whistle:

Any thoughts on doing it tomorrow vs. in a month or two?

[chumley]

Hey Tim-

First of all, they are crampons.

Secondly, it's certainly doable tomorrow ... it's just a question of your comfort level hiking in/on snow.

They had 9" last friday. You will likely encounter large swaths of trail in exposed areas where there is no snow at all, but in sheltered and shaded spots, especially at higher elevations, there will be snow that is probably 3-feet deep.

Historically, the trail gets packed down, so you won't be breaking trail through 3-feet of snow, but rather hiking on top of foot-packed snow, where the extra grip of crampons might help if you aren't comfortable or used to hiking on slippery and packed snow.

At this time of year, there's a thaw/freeze cycle every day on that snow, so if it's still frozen (morning hours) it can be solid ice, while it can soften to a deep, soft, slush by afternoon. Post-holing is a concern in the deeper drifts.

But it's really up to you and what you feel comfortable with. My experience is that people always encounter more (and deeper) snow up in the trees than expected.

Here's a current view from the trailhead at Snowbowl. The trail is covered by snowmaking, there is basically no snow at that elevation right now otherwise. But you can see there is snow, even at the highest elevations on exposed slopes, so there is sure to be plenty on the trail in the shelter of the trees.

http://arizonasnowbowl.com/webcam/index.php

[Tim_G]

Hey Tim-

First of all, they are crampons.

Secondly, it's certainly doable tomorrow ... it's just a question of your comfort level hiking in/on snow.

They had 9" last friday. You will likely encounter large swaths of trail in exposed areas where there is no snow at all, but in sheltered and shaded spots, especially at higher elevations, there will be snow that is probably 3-feet deep.

Historically, the trail gets packed down, so you won't be breaking trail through 3-feet of snow, but rather hiking on top of foot-packed snow, where the extra grip of crampons might help if you aren't comfortable or used to hiking on slippery and packed snow.

At this time of year, there's a thaw/freeze cycle every day on that snow, so if it's still frozen (morning hours) it can be solid ice, while it can soften to a deep, soft, slush by afternoon. Post-holing is a concern in the deeper drifts.

But it's really up to you and what you feel comfortable with. My experience is that people always encounter more (and deeper) snow up in the trees than expected.

Here's a current view from the trailhead at Snowbowl. The trail is covered by snowmaking, there is basically no snow at that elevation right now otherwise. But you can see there is snow, even at the highest elevations on exposed slopes, so there is sure to be plenty on the trail in the shelter of the trees.

http://arizonasnowbowl.com/webcam/index.php

Haha. The last guy set me straight on the crampons. I'm embarrassed, but less so than I would have been if I walked into an outdoors store tonight and asked for "clamp-ons". They'd probably ask me "Clamp on what?"

Great info. It all sounds doable. It'd be a trek but I'm sure we could handle it. My only issue is making the investment in a set of crampons when me and the GF probably won't ever use them again. Seems like a waste, kinda.

[SpiderLegs]

They make lightweight pairs for running shoes. Heard they come in handy if you are hiking the Grand Canyon during certain times of year. The first mile or so of the trails can be icy. Might be worth the investment.

[chumley]

There are relatively inexpensive brands of foot traction. You can search for yaktrax or microspikes.

You can also try it without any traction device.

But I would recommend that you prepare for the possibility of not making it to the summit. Don't be afraid to turn around if the conditions get to a point that you are not comfortable.

I've only hiked Humphreys once in the snow ... on May 5th (2012 was a snowier year). I didn't have any traction device and managed the snowy sections ok by going slow and being cautious. Until I post-holed on the way down and dislocated my knee. http://hikearizona.com/photo=257536

Just be smart and know your own limits.