Join the Challenge
The Arizona Summer Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge is a self-guided hiking challenge that takes you up six iconic Arizona mountains near Sedona and Flagstaff.
You can complete the hikes in six months, six weeks or six days. You set the schedule that works best for you. The hikes start easier and work up to longer and more challenging climbs, culminating with Humphreys Peak – at 12,633′ the high point of Arizona.
You can climb them in order as you build your strength and endurance, or mix it up. The choice is yours. Your registration will help support Big City Mountaineers, so you'll be doing good for others with each peak you climb.
Early bird registration for the 2023 Arizona Summer Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge will open on April 1, 2023.
Overview Map of the Arizona Summer Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge
The Peaks of the Arizona Summer Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge
BEAR MOUNTAIN – Elevation 6,476′ (1,974 m)
This strenuous out-and-back hike in the Red Rock District of the Coconino National Forest is mostly unshaded, steep, and difficult. You'll earn the panoramic views on this journey.
Suggested Six-Pack Route: Bear Mountain Trail #54
Distance: 4.6 miles round-trip; Vertical +/- 2,109 ft.
WILSON MOUNTAIN – Elevation 7,122′ (2,171 m)
The tallest of the red sandstone peaks surrounding Sedona, Wilson Mountain provides some of the best views of the region.
Six-Pack Route Details: North Wilson Trail
Distance: 7.2 miles round-trip; Vertical +/- 2,331 ft.
BILL WILLIAMS MOUNTAIN – Elevation 9,259′ (2,822 m)
Bill Williams Mountain marks the traditional boundary of lands inhabited by early ancestors of the Hopi people. This trail dates back to 1902, though hikers still climb to the summit for the views.
Six-Pack Route Details: Bill Williams Trail
Distance: 8.5 miles round-trip; Vertical +/- 2,250 ft.
MOUNT ELDEN – Elevation 9,299′ (2,834 m)
This lava dome features wildflowers, forested trails, panoramic views and a fire lookout tower at the summit. When it's clear, you can see Oak Creek Canyon, the Painted Desert, Sunset Crater and Flagstaff below.
Six-Pack Route Details: Mount Elden Lookout Trail
Distance: 6 miles round-trip; Vertical +/- 2,326 ft.
KENDRICK PEAK – Elevation 10,418′ (3,175 m)
Atop one of the highest peaks in the San Francisco Mountains you'll find a fire lookout tower that was originally established in the early 1900s and remains actively staffed today. During the summer months, the ranger usually welcomes visitors to visit the top of the tower to soak in the views.
Six-Pack Route Details: Kendrick Mountain Trail
Distance: 9.4 miles round-trip; Vertical +/- 2,851 ft.
HUMPHREYS PEAK – Elevation 12,633′ (3,851 m)
The highest point in Arizona and the 26th most prominent peak in the lower 48 states. The summit is sometimes referred to as “Arizona's little Colorado”. The views are tremendous, extending from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to the desert mountains near Phoenix.
Six-Pack Route Details: Humphreys Peak Trail
Distance: 10.5 miles round-trip; Vertical +/- 3,406 ft.
Alternate Peaks
For 2023, Granite Peak and O'Leary Peak have been designated optional alternate peaks. If you choose, you can replace any of the six peaks above with either, or both, of these mountains.
GRANITE MOUNTAIN VISTA – Elevation 7,120′ (2,170 m)
Follow the Granite Mountain Trail (#261) into the Granite Mountain wilderness area and enjoy the massive granite boulders, wonderful views of the surrounding peaks, and views back into Prescott. To complete this peak you will only need to follow the trail to its conclusion at the Granite Mountain Vista.
Suggested Six-Pack Route: Granite Mountain Trail
Distance: 7.9 miles round-trip; Vertical +/- 1,656 ft.
O'LEARY PEAK – Elevation 8,916′ (2,718 m)
Hiking O’Leary Peak will take you to the edge of a millennia old lava flow, and up high above to look down on the cinder cone that created it. From the lookout tower at the top of this lava dome, you’ll look into the heart of the San Francisco Peaks, marvel at the size of Humphrey’s Peak, and enjoy a birds eye view of Sunset Crater National Monument.
Six-Pack Route Details: O'Leary Peak
Distance: 10 miles round-trip; Vertical +/- 2,014 ft.
Meet the Curator
The peaks in the Arizona Summer Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge have been curated by Six-Pack of Peaks finisher and former ambassador Richard Oppelaar.
For the last six years, Richard has worked as part of the safety team for the Heroes Project's Climb for Heroes fundraising event on Mount Baldy. The Heroes Project works with wounded veterans, helping them rehabilitate and climb mountains all around the world.
While not hiking the peaks of the Arizona, Las Vegas, or SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, Richard is in the process of summiting all 50 state high points.
Latest Arizona Summer Challenge Hike Logs
The Hump
I decided to complete the full Humphrey's trail for the summit of Humphrey's peak. Distance 17 miles, Elevation gain 4,550 feet, time 4: hours 20
Benham trail
Fire! Fire started as we were finishing this hike! Had to hustle down the Mountain. No danger but you never know with wildfire. Wish I
Wilson just in time
Made my last peak just in time, might have been my favorite. Good way to end the challenge
