Kachina Peaks Wilderness Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This loop trail gives you access to the highest peaks in Arizona and has expansive views of the surrounding area, plus the only small portion of tundra in Arizona. You'll be running the Weatherford, Humphreys Peak and Kachina Trails cresting at nearly 11,900 feet on the main loop. The side trip to Humphreys Peak is not required, but well worth it to stand on the roof of Arizona at more than 12,600 feet.

There is normally no water available along this route. Depending on conditions, you may find trickling runoff or snow to melt, but it's best to come prepared with all you need. Water can be obtained at Snowbowl ski resort only if the lodge is open. Note that campfires are not allowed anywhere in the wilderness area. Camping and off-trail hiking are not allowed above 11,400 feet in order to protect the alpine tundra environment.

Start at the Schultz Tank Trailhead and follow the Weatherford Trail #102 up an old roadbed. This will be a moderate uphill with switchbacks as it approaches Fremont Saddle. We did not find any water along the way on this early June trip. Once at Fremont Saddle, you get your first view of the inner basin. My understanding is that these peaks used to be one big volcano that erupted leaving this basin and these remnant peaks. We camped our first night just past the Saddle at about 10,800 feet. It was quite cold in the morning.

The next day, we continued on the Weatherford Trail on the east side of Fremont Peak with continued great views of the Inner Basin past the intersection of the Inner Basin Trail, up some switchbacks to Doyle Saddle. It is very rocky and dry. A little further on, you'll see a sign prohibiting entry to Agassiz Peak on penalty of a $500 fine. It can only be climbed in winter due to the critical habitat for San Francisco Peaks groundsel, although the trail up to the peak seems to indicate that the sign is ignored.

A little further on you reach the Humphreys Peak Trail. Go right to climb Humphreys Peak or continue on the loop. You'll switchback down from 12,000 feet to Arizona Snow Bowl at 9,000 feet. Along the way there is a side trail, unmarked and unmaintained that leads you to a wreckage field of a B-24 that crashed in 1944. You can still see a wing, landing gear, and propeller. If you visit, be respectful and don't remove anything.

After you pass the Arizona Snow Bowl, you'll run on the Kachina Trail #150 along the bottom western flanks of the wilderness. There are some beautiful Aspen groves along this route and limited campsites and water. From Kachina, you'll end where you started at the Schultz Tank Trailhead.

These peaks are sacred to various native tribes. The name Kachina Peaks comes from an indigenous name for the mountain.