KendricksPeak, Hiked on August 25th with a few members from the Sierra Club.
National Forest Link to information
This hike is located 20 miles Northwest of Flagstaff. The road to the trailhead is doable by a regular passenger car, but rough. Any low riding vehicles or sports cars is not recommended.
The trail starts behind the large trailhead sign and is fairly gradual. As you gain elevation, the switchbacks have a moderate gain to them. The trail is well-maintained and easy to navigate. Some of the hike is located in the burn area of the old Pumpkin Fire and the re-growth of new vegetation is flourishing.
In comparison to Humphrey’s Peak, Kendrick is shorter due to the elevation, Humphries starts off as really pretty then ends up just being volcanic rock on top after passing the rare tundra. KendricksPeak starts off a little bland, but on top there are beautiful trees, wildflowers and a cabin and look-out tower to check out. There are grassy meadows near the top as well. It’s a nice change, and KendrickPeak gives you more solitude. Humphries peak is like hiking Piestewa (Squaw) peak, it has tons of people traffic. We only saw 2 single hikers and 2 groups with 2-4 people on KendrickPeak. Not bad for a weekend.
Recommendations: Besides the usual safety and common sense stuff… Always bring a rain poncho. I recommend a rain poncho versus a waterproof windbreaker because the poncho can cover the backpack and ¾ of your body. The only thing that gets wet is your shins and feet, and that’s the least of my trouble. Not to mention, once the windbreaker is washed a few times, the waterproof material wears off, and those jackets are not cheap. A good Poncho runs about 30-40 bucks, there are cheaper ones, but they can easily get snagged.
Always bring an extra pair of shoes/clothes and leave in your car. Its nice to change them when your feet are sloshing in water. I learned this many years ago.
Be prepared to run away from bad thunderstorms.
Don’t dress like a deer, leave antlers and brown fur at home, Bow hunting season has started and soon to follow is rifle season.