Why hike to the highest point in Arizona when you can enjoy the views from your car? Around the Peaks Loop takes you along the base of Humphreys Peak in Arizona and the surrounding mountains, making for a breathtaking drive no matter the season. Wondering something to the effect of “Can you drive up Humphrey’s Peak?” The literal answer is no, not technically – but the scenic drive around it is by far the next best thing. Pack some road trip snacks and hit the road!

Farm Road 418, otherwise known as "Around the Peaks Loop," is a gorgeous two-hour drive that meanders through the highest mountains in Arizona.
Flickr/Coconino National Forest
The scenery is constantly changing, so you could come back once a month and have a completely different experience each time.
Evergreen pines line either side of the pavement, leading you deeper into an enchanting Ponderosa forest.
Flickr/Coconino National Forest
Unchanging no matter the season, this is about the only constant you can expect -- good thing it's a sight virtually impossible to tire of.
The loop is closed to automobile traffic during winter, but skis and snowmobiles are still welcome.
Flickr/Coconino National Forest
Early spring is a truly special season to visit, as the last remaining patches of snow give way to colorful wildflowers bursting forth into new life.

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Expect the blooms to hold strong all throughout summer, peaking just before fall begins.
Flickr/Coconino National Forest
Marvel at the eye-popping vibrancy from the comfort of your own vehicle, bringing the dry and otherwise monochromatic open prairies to life.
Aspen groves showcase their most striking fall foliage as autumn sets in, blanketing the rolling hills and mountainsides in gold.
Flickr/Coconino National Forest
This is by far the most popular time of year at the loop, drawing people from all corners of the state to witness the spectacle.
Eventually, you'll have a hard time seeing the road as it becomes buried under a thick layer of amber, maroon, and deep yellow leaves.
Flickr/Coconino National Forest
Snow begins to fall and trees turn barren, preparing for the whole cycle to repeat itself all over again.
So whether it's May or November, Around the Peaks Loop never disappoints.
Flickr/Coconino National Forest
There's a surprise waiting around every corner!

Visit the Coconino National Forest website to learn more.

So can you drive up Humphreys Peak in Arizona? Well, kind of. It’s worth it – we promise! Have you ever driven down Around the Peaks Loop? If so, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Check out the best backroads in Arizona for a long scenic drive.

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Can You Drive Up Humphreys Peak

Sarah M. | September 30, 2022

What are some other scenic drives in Arizona?

The drive along the base of Humphreys Peak is certainly one of the most beautiful drives in Arizona, but it is by no means the *only* scenic drive in the Grand Canyon State!

  • One of our all-time favorite scenic drives in Arizona is U.S. Route 191, which spans some 500 miles through the state. Fun fact: In total, U.S. Route 191 covers 1,600 miles. It was designated in 1926, and is one of the longest three-digit routes in the country!) The Arizona portion of the acclaimed route begins in Cochise County at the intersection with Arizona State Route 80 (SR-80) and Historic U.S. Route 80 (Historic US-80) near Douglas.
  • If you can't drive all 500 miles, the stretch between Springerville and Morenci is a must. This span is a National Scenic Byway, given the name "Coronado Trail" because it approximates the path taken by Francisco Vásquez de Coronado between 1540 and 1542.This treacherous mountain road is the primary point of access to the iconic Canyon de Chelly National Monument, traversing the Navajo Nation before entering Utah.
  • If you're looking for a short and sweet scenic drive (you know, that *isn't* 500 miles long), try the Apache Trail. This beautiful road on State Route 88 curves around the Superstition Mountains for 41 miles from Apache Junction to Roosevelt Lake. If there’s any way to experience the Arizona desert, it’s through a drive like this where you can see mountains, canyons, and all the beauty that lives in it.

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Humphreys Peak, Arizona 86001, USA
Flagstaff, AZ, USA