Alpine in Arizona may sounds like a bit of a misnomer. While Alpine in a specific sense refers to the European Alps, it is more broadly defined as anything relating to high mountains, specifically above timberline. This page, more than anything else, is to showcase the varied high summits across Arizona, particularly the alpine summits near Flagstaff and Eastern Arizona, as well as the numerous sky islands in Southern Arizona, separated by huge basins of hot Sonoran Desert. While most of these climbs featured will be above 8,000′, this page will also include some of the more remote and isolated summits across the state.
Disclaimer: Many (although not all) of my trips involve cross country travel with varying degrees of technical difficulty. All distances and elevation gain are taken directly from my GPS. All reports include a “crux” given in the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). This graded system is very subjective, and ratings I’ve given are either based on personal experience or overall consensus of a route within the community. Know that routes, conditions and risk factors can all change so practice your own judgement whenever setting out on your own adventures. For those less familiar with the YDS system click here for an overview article from REI.
| Summit Name | Distance | Elevation Gain | Crux |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humphreys Peak (Winter) | 9.0 | 3,400' | Class 2 |
| Elden Mountain | 5.2 | 2,500' | Class 1 |
| Mount Baldy | 16.5 | 5,200' | Class 1 |
| Escudilla Mountain | 6.6 | 1,600' | Class 1 |
| Blue Peak Lookout | 3.0 | 650' | Class 1 |
| Miller Peak | 12.2 | 4,050' | Class 1 |
| Mount Wrightson | 12.1 | 4,575' | Class 1 |
| Mazatzal Peak | 13.2 | 4,300' | Class 2 |
| Four Peaks | 6.4 | 2,800' | Class 3-4 |
| Woodchute Mountain | 6.6 | 1,600' | Class 2 |
| Mormon Mountain | 6.4 | 1,300' | Class 1 |
| Spruce Mountain | 7.2 | 1,700' | Class 1 |
| Chiricahua Peak | 30.2 | 8,440' | Class 2 |
| Silver Peak | 9.8 | 3,250' | Class 1 |
| Red Mountain | 4.4 | 1,400' | Class 2 |
| Baboquivari Peak | 10.1 | 4,370' | Class 5.6 |
| Mount Tipton | 8.8 | 3,500' | Class 2-3 |
| Hualapai Peak | 10.2 | 3,050' | Class 3 |
| Kendrick Peak | 9.4 | 2,620' | Class 1 |
| Slate Mountain | 4.7 | 900' | Class 1 |
| Aubineau Peak | 9.0 | 4,460' | Class 2 |
| O'Leary Peak | 10.2 | 2,200' | Class 2 |
| Agassiz Peak | 6.0 | 3,270' | Class 2 |
| Mica Mountain and Rincon Peak | 31.2 | 10,550' | Class 1 |
| Granite Mountain, Granite Mountain Throne and Granite Mountain Overlook | 11.0 | 3,000' | Class 3 |