I have wanted to hike this trail for years. I wanted to be at the top of Humphrey's and see the Grand Canyon and the painted desert. We did make it to the top after five hours. Yup, 5 whole hours. We just didn't get to see the Grand Canyon or painted desert due to snow and clouds.
As you start, you encounter many roots and a couple fallen trees. Nothing is too bad. Nothing is bad at all until you reach the saddle. We had to keep taking breaks due to not being able to catch our breath. We just drove up straight from Phoenix so we didn't adjust to even Flagstaff's altitude. It was freezing and dark clouds were moving in. We figured we would march on as long as we saw no lightning and heard no thunder. What we weren't expecting is snow… We had layers and I was still shivering. Once we did reach the top though? A sense of accomplishment and amazement washed over me. I was exhausted, freezing, but oh so happy. On the way down, it just seemed never ending. We wanted off the mountain and it just seemed like forever to get down. Overall I would do again, but maybe with a better jacket. I was expecting 35 degree weather, not 25 and snowing..