San Francisco Peaks

Idea About: place

Country: United States
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Idea Description

General Information

Country: United States (12)
Location Info:  City: Flagstaff  Province/State: Arizona
Idea About: place (99)
Type of Travel: outdoor and adventure (46)
Features: bike tour (11) | hiking (31) | landscape (51)
Budget: mainstream (85)
Region: North America (11)

Description

The San Francisco Peaks is located in northern Arizona where it dominates the woods of Volcanic Highlands. This mountain chain consists of five summits (the highest is Humphreys Peak, at 12,643 feet),

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What Makes It Special

The San Francisco Peaks is sacred to the Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, Havasupai and Yavapai-Apache native Americans who consider it the place where earth meets heaven and where the spirits dwell. From the distance of eight miles you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the rim of the Grand Canyon from the top of Humphreys Peak. The San Francisco Peaks has six life zones - from desert to alpine zone which give spectator a possibility to enjoy a variety of indigenous plants and wildlife.

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Useful Visitor Information and Tips

May through September - hiking, camping, winter is for skiing. You can allocate one day if you want to hike. The San Francisco Peaks trails open to hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers, these trails provide scenic views of the Peaks and nearby Sunset Crater. Humphreys Trail, 9 mile round trip is a steep and rough terrain hike, especially in the higher elevations. It takes at least three hours. Deer Hill Trail, 10 mile round trip, is practically flat and easy, the best trail to watch the famous aspen trees in the fall. Little Bear Trail is 7 mile round trip is good for viewing indigenous wildlife: Mexican spotted owl, peregrine falcons, prairie dogs. For driving, try the Around the Peaks Loop scenic drive.

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Additional Information

Tags: Arizona (2); Flagstaff; Havasupai; Hopi; Humphreys Trail; Mexican spotted owl; native Americans; Navajo; Peaks Loop; peregrine falcons; prairie dogs; San Francisco Peaks; Sunset Crater; United States (4); Yavapai-Apache; Zuni

Web Sites:   U.S. Department of Agriculture - The Coconino National Forest

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