Humphreys Peak - B24 Crash Site Hike
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ก.ย. 2024
- Humphreys Peak - B24 Crash Site Hike
I needed someplace to hike this weekend for training that wasn’t 1,000 degrees and had some decent elevation gain. I remembered hearing of an old B-24 bomber crash on Humphrey’s Peak. Upon researching it more, I saw it had about 2,000’ of elevation gain, which was perfect for my training. (I wasn’t considering the summit of Humphreys Peak because, honestly, I wasn’t sure if I was currently conditioned enough to make it.)
So I packed up the 4Runner and headed to Flagstaff. I got an early start, only to learn they closed the lower section of the trail and re-routed it up the gondola run. Not sure if you’ve ever walked up a ski slope before, but those things are steep. I must say I did not enjoy this section, mainly because it’s never fun walking up a steep slope directly under a machine that has the sole purpose of carrying you up mountains. It’s kind of like walking up a road.
Anyway, it was short enough, and I was soon in the pine forest. I’d forgotten how beautiful the trail was. So much so that I was at the turn off for the crash site in what seemed like no time. I’m not sure the last time I did an uphill hike that included the thought “I’m already here?” But I was. Now time for a miserable off trail scramble.
Or not. I immediately lucked out and picked up the social trail to the crash site. There were some boulder field crossings that were annoying, but overall the hike was pretty straightforward with a decent amount of cairns and no real bushwhacking. I don’t want to make it sound too easy; it is very faint in most spots and you can never count on cairns being there when you need them. So it’s wise to pre-mark your path on GPS as a back up. And I wouldn’t make this my first off trail adventure. You’ll want some experience off trail.
Anyway, the crash site itself was fascinating. I spent a lot more time exploring it than I thought I would.
After the site, I felt great and it was still early, so I continued hiking up the mountain. I wasn’t sure if I was going to the saddle or the summit, but it didn’t really matter; I’d already hit my training goal, so all the rest was just a bonus.
At the saddle, I saw an arch that looked like it might be close to the Weatherford Trail. This basically put me in the opposite direction as the summit, but I’ve been to the summit before. The Weatherford Trail climbed slightly to another saddle and even more incredible views, so I’m glad I checked it out even though I couldn’t see the arch from it.
And….I’m tired of typing. The B-24 Bomber crash site at Humphreys Peak is a very interesting piece of history, worth checking out if you have the time and ability. And Humphreys Peak itself is amazing. It gave me the feeling of a true alpine experience here in Arizona. Even though it’s not the Rocky Mountains or something that ‘serious’, it’s still great to have it so close to home to scratch that itch.
Music by Artlist:
The Path - Patrick Ussher
Quiet Contentment - The David Roy Collective
Teacup - Just for Kicks
Songbird - Doug Kaufman
The Day I'm In Love - Anthony Lazaro
Heroes - Piotr Hummel
A gentle and respectful video due to hallowed ground. Thanks for bringing us along, enjoyed it.
Had no idea a plane crashed on Humphrey’s. It’s one of my favorite hikes in AZ. Next time I hike it, I’ll be sure to pay my respects. Thanks for sharing this story with us.
Jerry, you certainly have a knack for Nature photography accompanied with appropriate music. These skills made a remembrance excursion well worth our time of joining you on this journey. I suspect that not many of your viewers could say they were only 2 months old at the time of the event. I've lived in the Verde Valley for over thirty years and can't recall ever hearing of this event. Thank you!
Thank You for this excellent footage and remembering the crew who passed away !!
Very nice. Excellent B roll and music. Appropriate for the location.
Truly enjoy your videos, especially when Tina is in them, and flipping you off.
Tina doesn't do Humphreys Peak. That's a one and done for her. But she'll be back soon and definitely giving me the finger.
My hometown in Cali.
Beautiful shots, the music really fit the mood of the crash site.
The time lapse and shots of the flora 🤩🥰
Wow, I had no idea that was there. So sad, it was during WW2 and your music is very appropriate.
Surprised the wreckage was never cleared out. I assume they want you to leave it alone. Great video of a hike to a site detailing part of our past. Your editing and music really fit. Very touching and appropriate. We felt like we were there. Seeing the views and also the closeups of the life were well done!
Thank you for sharing this hike with us!
I guess the dynamited it back in the 50's. Just never took the wreckage down though.
@@JerryArizona I imagine they had other worries in 1944. Again, a very interesting site to hike to and appreciate you sharing it with us!
Great views... Some serious looking altitude. Thanks for bringing me there to see the bomber crash. The added dedication at the end was a lovely touch.
Thank you, Jerry, another great video and interesting hi,e.
Hike.
You start off with a beautiful veiw, I once took a picture of Humphrey peak from the east perimeter of Albuquerque, 363 miles away…. It was 50,000 feet behind the imaginary curve
Good to meet you up there Jerry and I’m glad the bee found its way safely to a new home 😊. Tom
@@tomziller nice meeting you too. That bee did not want to get off my hat, either.
Great video. Makes me want to visit more and more.
Loved the long range of mountains and sky. Gave me goose bumps. ♥️
Really enjoyed the trek. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing the debris field and the story of these hero’s who tragically died on Humphrey’s……the mountain.
Great video as always, and a touching tribute to the airmen
Next you have to go check out the B17 crash on the north side of Humphreys. Lot lesser known, little bit harder to find. Great video.
They just got the seasons first snow on the peak last Friday. Great vid and tribute.
Great episode man, place looks and feels so unique. Love the scenery here!
Good taste of music ! 👍👍👍
One of your coolest videos as of yet.....salute!! Timmy C Arizona
Awesome video 🎉
That is a lava rock field!
A brutally loose and steep lava rock field. Pretty though.
great filming, super job :)
the stabilization on the camera sure doesnt do it any justice to just how brutal the trek is across those boulders, aye?! makes it look like youre floating over those things.
Mexican Food without Tina! Wow, what a rugged hike through the boulder fields. Sad to see the Bomber wreckage. Thanks
Awesome, I’ll have to check the crash site out sometime. Last time I hiked Humphreys I came up through Lockett Meadow. Saw that arch on the Weatherford from a distance. That bee must have been confused. I doubt you were smelling like a flower🤣
Bee🐝 the best guy can be
There’s still wreckage in the Catalina’s. A few have gone down in that general area.
I know a Hartzog from being in the Army. We call him Heartthrob. It helps that he's tall, plays guitar, and is a magnet for women.
Were you there on Friday? Thought I saw someone exploring the wreckage area. Was hoping for a bit more leaf change!
I love the high country but every time I hike that trail I feel like my feet and ankles have been beaten with a mallet, even if I wear my heavy hikers. Scenery is wonderful though. Thanks.
good stuff!
Very cool
Ttragic story. Much interesting beautiful flora along that trail. You and Karens and cairns.🤣🤣
👍🏻💪🏻
Thank God for Karens, otherwise how would we find our way in the wilderness? 😏😏😂
Nice solo!!, talk about an ankle snapper!
My dad took me up to see that back in ‘82 when I was in jr high and studying WWII. The paint markings have faded quite a bit since then but it looks pretty much the same as I remember otherwise.
Ps. La Fonda? 🥹