Hualapai Mountians - Hualapai Peak
Large Ganite Slabs that are found atop Hualuapai Peak. Photo provided by Rich Waldron
- Location: Near Kingman, AZ - Hualapai Mountains
- Distance:7.50 - 8.26 miles roundtrip (depending on which way you go)
- Elevation: Starting 6,200 ft - Finish 8,250 ft.
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (depends on fitness level)
Driving Directions
From I-40 you can take all three exits (Andy Devine, Stockton Hill Road, and Beale Street) which all take you to Hualapai Mountain Rd. Continue up Hualapai Mountain Rd. for about 12 miles till you reach the Hualapai Park entrance pictured below.
Park Information
The trailhead starts inside Hualapai Mountain Park 12 miles southeast of Kingman, AZ. Entry fee into the park is $5.00 per car for a day pass. Annual passes for day use are as follows: Mohave County, Laughlin & Needles Residents $40.00/annually when purchased Jan 1 - Jun 30 and $20.00/annually when purchased Jul 1 - Dec 31. Non-Residents $60.00/annually when purchased Jan 1 - Jun 30 and $30.00/annually when purchased Jul 1 - Dec 31.
Tail Information
The Hualapai Mountains dominate the skyline south of Kingman, Arizona, and are the highest mountains in northwest Arizona. The summit of the range, Hualapai Peak, is a well-known hiker's destination and the highest point in Mohave County, as well as one of the most prominent mountains in Arizona. The peak and range are easily visible from all directions, and are especially impressive viewed from the west as there is nearly 6,000 feet of vertical difference between the summit and the desert plains below.
The range is noted for its liberal sprinkling of huge granite rocks and outcroppings; the summit itself is a slab-fest of these giant pillars. A good trail and road network makes for an moderate to hard half-day hike to the summit.
The best time to hike is in spring and fall but can be hiked all year around. Summer can be hot, even at near 8,000 feet, and thunderstorms kick up regularly in July and August. Winter snow does accumulate and can get very cold on top in such conditions.
Detailed Trail Information
- Start at #4 Main Trail Junction 6,750 ft. inside Hualapai Mountain Park (#4 to #6 is 0.86 miles)
- Go to #6 Potato Patch Junction 7,000 ft. (#6 to #9 is 1.03 miles) from this junction you can also go #7 to #8 to #!4 (3.75 miles one way and 7.50 miles roundtrip)
- Go to #9 Hayden Trail Junction 7,400 ft. (#9 to #8 is 0.50 miles)
- Go to #8 Hualapai Trail Junction 7,400 ft (#8 to #14 is 1.74 miles)
- At the top of Hualapai Peak #14 and looking north, you see the Cerbat Range. As you turn east, you see Peacock, Music, and Aquarius Mountains directly to the east and southwest. Looking south, you can see the rest of the Hualapais and west to the Mohave Mountains. Northwest you will see the Black Mountains. (#4 to #14 is 4.13 miles one way and 8.26 miles roundtrip)
Markers on the trail are numbered to correspond with the map below, and can be obtained at the park entrance.
Hualapai Mountain park offers 10 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and equestrians to enjoy. Situated atop the Hualapai Mountains, the trail provides spectacular views of the desert below and mountain ranges in the distance. Along the way, trail users will experience a variety of mountain habitats and have the opportunity to see many species of wildlife. Remember, be courteous to other users and enjoy your hike.