Humphreys Peak

Decided to climb during the winter while attending F-16 refresher training at Luke in Phoenix. Went with another fearless "Viper driver" over the weekend. Parked at the ski area parking lot and climbed as far as we could on the hard ski slope with skiers questioning our sanity! Took turns post holing up to 10,500 (took 4 hours to gain 1000') where we made camp in about 10 feet of snow. Got very cold that night (below 0) and all our water froze solid. Took off in the morning and worked our way out of the deep snow (thigh deep) onto a windy ridge (40-50mph). Made it to the summit fighting the gale and frigid temps and enjoyed a snack and great view without a soul anywhere near!! (no one else stupid enough to be up there in the winter I guess!) Laid down in one of the rock wind breaks and enjoyed the clouds zipping by at 50+ mph and had a great time plunge stepping down!! Great winter climb, but be prepared for serious cold and wind.