Schultz Peak
Schultz Peak is a 10,083-foot (3,073-meter) volcanic summit on the southeastern side of Arizona’s San Francisco Peaks, immediately north of Flagstaff. Although substantially lower and less prominent than the famous summits surrounding Humphreys Peak, Schultz Peak occupies an important position on the mountain’s southern flank and offers a much quieter backcountry experience.
The peak rises within Coconino National Forest and the Kachina Peaks Wilderness, where ponderosa pine forests transition into mixed conifer and subalpine vegetation. Unlike Humphreys Peak, Schultz does not have a maintained summit trail. Reaching its high point generally requires off-trail hiking, making it better suited to experienced hikers comfortable with navigation, steep forested slopes, and wilderness travel.
Schultz Peak is also geologically significant. U.S. Geological Survey mapping identifies distinctive dacite flows associated specifically with Schultz Peak, part of the complicated volcanic history that created the San Francisco Peaks and the surrounding volcanic field.
⚡ Fast Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mountain | Schultz Peak |
| Variant Name | Schulz Peak |
| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Coconino County |
| Mountain Group | San Francisco Peaks |
| Volcanic Region | San Francisco Volcanic Field |
| Elevation | 10,083 ft / 3,073 m |
| Prominence | About 83 ft / 25 m |
| Isolation | About 0.52 mi / 0.84 km |
| Nearest Higher Named Summit (NHN) | Doyle Peak |
| Coordinates | 35.31571° N, 111.63160° W |
| USGS Topographic Map | Humphreys Peak |
| Land Management | Coconino National Forest |
| Protected Area | Kachina Peaks Wilderness |
| Mountain Type | Volcanic peak / dacite vent |
| Summit Trail | None; off-trail travel required |
| Nearest City | Flagstaff, Arizona |
📍 Where Is Schultz Peak?
Schultz Peak rises immediately north of Flagstaff on the southeastern shoulder of the San Francisco Peaks.
The mountain overlooks the Schultz Pass area, which separates the San Francisco Peaks from Elden Mountain to the southeast. This position places Schultz Peak close to some of northern Arizona’s most popular hiking and mountain-biking terrain while leaving the summit itself surprisingly remote.
Higher summits rise dramatically to the north and northwest.
Doyle Peak is the nearest higher named mountain, followed farther along the San Francisco Peaks crest by Fremont Peak, Agassiz Peak, and ultimately Humphreys Peak, Arizona’s highest summit.
Despite reaching more than 10,000 feet, Schultz Peak does not appear particularly independent when viewed from the higher mountains because it is connected to the main San Francisco Peaks massif by relatively high terrain.
Its low prominence of only about 83 feet reflects that relationship.
🌋 Geology of Schultz Peak
Schultz Peak belongs to the enormous San Francisco Volcanic Field, which covers roughly 1,800 square miles of northern Arizona and contains more than 600 volcanic vents.
Volcanism in the region began approximately six million years ago near present-day Williams and gradually migrated eastward toward Flagstaff and the Little Colorado River.
Most volcanoes in the field are relatively small basaltic cinder cones, but the San Francisco Peaks represent a much larger and more complicated volcanic system.
Schultz Peak is especially interesting because geological maps identify rocks specifically named the dacite of Schultz Peak.
One mapped unit consists of a thick dacite block flow that erupted from a dike on the eastern side of the peak. The rock contains crystals of minerals including plagioclase, hornblende, olivine, augite, hypersthene, and magnetite.
That composition distinguishes Schultz from the countless basaltic cinder cones scattered across the surrounding plateau.
🪨 Part of San Francisco Mountain
Schultz Peak should not be thought of as an isolated volcano completely separate from the nearby high summits.
Instead, it forms part of the complicated volcanic landscape associated with San Francisco Mountain, the enormous stratovolcano whose eroded remains now form the San Francisco Peaks.
San Francisco Mountain was constructed by eruptions occurring between approximately one million and 93,000 years ago.
Later erosion, landslides, glaciation, and possibly major volcanic collapse dramatically altered the volcano. What remains today is a horseshoe-like collection of rugged summits surrounding the Inner Basin.
Humphreys Peak, Agassiz Peak, Fremont Peak, Doyle Peak, and Schultz Peak are all part of this spectacular volcanic highland.
Because Schultz lies on the lower southeastern side of the massif, it provides a geographic transition between the lofty central peaks and the forested terrain around Flagstaff.
⛰️ Nearest Higher Neighbor
Schultz Peak’s nearest higher named summit is Doyle Peak.
Doyle Peak rises to approximately 11,465 feet, more than 1,300 feet higher than Schultz, and stands roughly north-northwest of it within the same San Francisco Peaks massif.
Schultz’s measured topographic isolation is only about 0.52 mile, however, because terrain higher than its summit is encountered on the slopes leading toward the higher peaks well before reaching Doyle’s actual summit.
This helps explain Schultz Peak’s unusually small prominence.
A mountain can be quite high in absolute elevation while having very little prominence when it rises only slightly above a ridge connecting it with higher terrain.
Schultz Peak is an excellent example.
🏞️ Kachina Peaks Wilderness
Schultz Peak lies within the Kachina Peaks Wilderness, one of Arizona’s most remarkable high-elevation protected landscapes.
The wilderness encompasses much of the upper San Francisco Peaks and contains environments ranging from ponderosa pine forests to mixed-conifer woodland, spruce-fir forest, subalpine grasslands, and Arizona’s only true alpine tundra.
The latter occurs far above Schultz Peak, around the highest summits.
Congress designated the Kachina Peaks Wilderness in 1984.
Wildlife found across the broader wilderness includes elk, mule deer, black bear, mountain lion, turkey, coyote, red squirrel, and Clark’s nutcracker.
Because Schultz Peak remains below the alpine tundra zone, its environment is considerably more forested than the barren summit ridges around Humphreys and Agassiz peaks.
🌲 Forests and Plant Life
Schultz Peak’s roughly 10,000-foot elevation places it within one of northern Arizona’s richest forest transitions.
Lower approaches around Schultz Pass are dominated by ponderosa pine, the characteristic tree of Flagstaff’s high plateau.
Ascending the mountain brings hikers into cooler mixed-conifer forest. Douglas-fir, white fir, aspen, and other moisture-loving mountain species become increasingly common.
Higher portions of the San Francisco Peaks support spruce-fir forest.
The result is a landscape that feels dramatically different from stereotypical images of Arizona. Rather than cactus-covered desert, Schultz Peak is characterized by cool forest, winter snow, summer wildflowers, and extensive stands of high-elevation conifers.
Aspen can be particularly attractive in autumn when leaves turn brilliant yellow against the darker evergreen forest.
🐻 Wildlife Around Schultz Peak
The forests surrounding Schultz Peak provide habitat for many of northern Arizona’s larger mammals.
Elk and mule deer are common across the San Francisco Peaks, while black bears and mountain lions inhabit the broader forest ecosystem.
Smaller mammals, forest birds, and raptors also benefit from the mixture of dense forest, openings, meadows, and areas recovering from wildfire.
The Kachina Peaks region supports particularly important wildlife habitat because elevation creates numerous ecological zones within a relatively small geographic area.
Visitors should remember that Schultz Peak is wilderness rather than a developed recreation site. Wildlife should be given plenty of space, food should never be left behind, and dogs should remain under effective control.
🔥 The Schultz Fire
The name Schultz is also associated with one of northern Arizona’s most consequential modern wildfires.
The Schultz Fire began on June 20, 2010, when an abandoned campfire ignited forest near Schultz Tank.
High winds rapidly pushed the fire through the steep eastern slopes of the San Francisco Peaks. Approximately 60 percent of its eventual burn area burned during the first 12 hours.
By the time the fire was contained on June 30, it had burned approximately 15,075 acres — more than 23 square miles.
Much of the burned landscape experienced moderate or high fire severity.
The consequences continued after the flames were extinguished. Monsoon storms falling on severely burned slopes produced flash floods, debris flows, erosion, and extensive damage in communities downstream.
Evidence of the fire remains visible in parts of the Schultz Peak and eastern San Francisco Peaks landscape.
🥾 Hiking Schultz Peak
Schultz Peak is very different from nearby Humphreys Peak when it comes to hiking.
There is no maintained trail directly to the summit.
Most summit attempts therefore require some combination of established roads or trails followed by significant off-trail travel.
A commonly used approach begins around Schultz Tank, follows portions of Waterline Road or nearby trail corridors, and then climbs steeply through forest toward the summit.
Another possibility is approaching from the higher Weatherford Trail before leaving the established route for Schultz Peak.
Either option should be considered an off-trail wilderness hike rather than a conventional maintained-trail summit.
🧭 How Difficult Is Schultz Peak?
Technically, Schultz Peak does not require rock climbing under normal dry conditions.
The difficulty comes instead from:
- Steep off-trail slopes
- Forest navigation
- Fallen timber
- Loose footing
- Limited summit markings
- High elevation
- Variable snow conditions
- Lack of a maintained summit route
Experienced hikers who are comfortable navigating with a topographic map, GPS, or compass may find the ascent relatively straightforward.
Hikers accustomed only to established trails may find it considerably more challenging.
Route distance and elevation gain vary significantly depending on the chosen starting point, so a single mileage figure can be misleading.
🥾 Weatherford Trail
The historic Weatherford Trail is one of the major hiking routes across the southern and eastern San Francisco Peaks.
The Forest Service lists the full trail at approximately 8.7 miles one way, climbing from around 8,800 feet to roughly 12,000 feet.
Its lower trailhead is reached from the Schultz Pass area near Schultz Tank.
Although Weatherford Trail does not directly summit Schultz Peak, it provides access to the mountain’s broader surroundings and offers one possible starting corridor for experienced off-trail hikers.
The trail eventually climbs much higher onto the San Francisco Peaks toward Doyle Saddle and the Inner Basin.
🧭 Schultz Pass
Just south of the mountain lies Schultz Pass, an important natural gap between the San Francisco Peaks and Elden Mountain.
The pass sits at roughly 8,000 feet and has long provided a convenient passage through the mountains north of Flagstaff.
The Schultz Pass region now contains a dense network of recreational trails used for hiking, mountain biking, running, and access to the Arizona National Scenic Trail.
The peak and pass were named for Charles H. Schultz, an early Flagstaff-area sheep rancher who arrived during the 1880s. Schultz ran sheep in the surrounding country and later became involved in local civic affairs.
That ranching history survives today in the names Schultz Peak, Schultz Pass, Schultz Creek, and Schultz Tank.
🏔️ Schultz Peak and Elden Mountain
Elden Mountain rises southeast of Schultz Peak on the opposite side of Schultz Pass.
At approximately 9,299 feet, Elden is lower than Schultz but dramatically more prominent.
In fact, Schultz Peak is the Nearest Higher Neighbor of Elden Mountain.
The contrast illustrates an important aspect of topography.
Although Schultz stands nearly 800 feet higher, it rises only slightly above the ridge connecting it with the main San Francisco Peaks. Elden, meanwhile, rises much more independently above Flagstaff and has more than 1,200 feet of topographic prominence.
From many locations in Flagstaff, Elden therefore appears more massive and visually dominant despite its lower summit elevation.
👀 Views From Schultz Peak
Because Schultz Peak is heavily forested and has only a modest independent summit rise, hikers should not expect the continuous panoramic views found on Humphreys Peak.
Openings in the forest can nevertheless provide striking perspectives.
Nearby Doyle Peak dominates the higher terrain to the northwest, while the upper San Francisco Peaks rise beyond.
To the southeast, views may extend toward Elden Mountain and Flagstaff.
Farther across the volcanic field are numerous cinder cones, lava flows, and volcanic mountains.
Even when summit views are partly obscured, the quiet forests and sense of isolation are a large part of Schultz Peak’s appeal.
🌤️ Weather and Conditions
Conditions on Schultz Peak can differ dramatically from those in downtown Flagstaff.
At more than 10,000 feet, temperatures are cooler, snow lasts longer, and storms can develop quickly.
Summer brings the greatest thunderstorm concern.
Arizona’s monsoon typically produces afternoon thunderstorms during July and August, and lightning can occur anywhere on the mountain.
Early starts are advisable when thunderstorms are forecast.
Autumn often brings crisp temperatures and colorful aspen, while winter can bury the mountain under substantial snow.
Spring conditions are highly variable. South-facing slopes may begin melting while shaded terrain remains covered with snow or ice.
🍂 Best Time to Visit
For hiking without snow, late spring through fall generally provides the most practical conditions.
June can offer relatively dry weather before the heart of the monsoon.
July and August bring summer greenery and wildflowers but also frequent afternoon storms.
September and early October may provide the most attractive combination of cool temperatures, clearer weather, and fall color.
Winter ascents are possible for experienced backcountry travelers but require additional preparation for snow, cold, navigation, and potentially difficult road access.
Because Schultz Peak lacks a maintained summit trail, changing seasonal conditions have a greater impact here than on more developed hiking routes.
🌋 Schultz Peak in the San Francisco Volcanic Field
Schultz Peak is only one feature within an extraordinary volcanic landscape.
The San Francisco Volcanic Field contains more than 600 volcanoes spread across thousands of square miles.
To the west are older volcanic centers including Kendrick Peak and Sitgreaves Mountain.
To the east are progressively younger volcanic features, including Sunset Crater, where eruptions occurred roughly 900 years ago.
This eastward progression records millions of years of volcanic activity beneath northern Arizona.
Schultz Peak occupies the heart of this landscape, tucked against the much larger San Francisco Mountain complex and only a short distance from Flagstaff.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Schultz Peak?
Schultz Peak reaches approximately 10,083 feet (3,073 meters) above sea level.
Where is Schultz Peak?
It is north of Flagstaff in Coconino County, Arizona, on the southeastern side of the San Francisco Peaks.
What is Schultz Peak’s Nearest Higher Neighbor?
The nearest higher named summit is Doyle Peak, which rises to approximately 11,465 feet.
How prominent is Schultz Peak?
Schultz Peak has only about 83 feet (25 meters) of topographic prominence because it is connected by high terrain to the much taller San Francisco Peaks.
Is Schultz Peak part of the San Francisco Peaks?
Yes. Schultz Peak lies on the southeastern portion of the San Francisco Peaks volcanic massif.
Is Schultz Peak volcanic?
Yes. U.S. Geological Survey mapping identifies dacite lava flows and volcanic rocks associated specifically with Schultz Peak.
Can you hike Schultz Peak?
Yes, but there is no maintained trail directly to the summit. Reaching the top generally involves off-trail hiking.
Is Schultz Peak inside a wilderness area?
Yes. The peak lies within the Kachina Peaks Wilderness of Coconino National Forest.
Is Schultz Peak higher than Elden Mountain?
Yes. Schultz Peak reaches about 10,083 feet, while Elden Mountain reaches approximately 9,299 feet.
Was the Schultz Fire on Schultz Peak?
The 2010 Schultz Fire began near Schultz Tank and burned extensively across the eastern slopes of the San Francisco Peaks. The fire affected the broader Schultz Peak landscape and surrounding watersheds.
What is the best time to hike Schultz Peak?
Late spring through early autumn generally provides the easiest snow-free access. Summer hikers should be prepared for monsoon thunderstorms.
🔗 Related Articles
- Doyle Peak — the nearest higher named summit above Schultz Peak.
- Elden Mountain — the prominent mountain immediately southeast across Schultz Pass.
- San Francisco Peaks — the volcanic mountain group containing Schultz Peak.
- Humphreys Peak — Arizona’s highest mountain and the highest summit of the San Francisco Peaks.
- Kendrick Peak — another major volcanic summit northwest of Flagstaff.
- Sitgreaves Mountain — an older volcanic mountain farther west in northern Arizona.
📚 Sources
- Peakbagger — Schultz Peak
- U.S. Geological Survey — San Francisco Volcanic Field
- U.S. Geological Survey — Geology and History of the San Francisco Volcanic Field
- U.S. Geological Survey — Geologic Map of the Central Part of the San Francisco Volcanic Field
- U.S. Forest Service — Hiking the Kachina Peaks
- U.S. Forest Service — Kachina Peaks Wilderness Management Information
- U.S. Forest Service Research — Rainfall and Geomorphic Aspects of Post-Fire Soil Erosion: Schultz Fire 2010
- National Weather Service — Schultz Fire June 2010
- Arizona Trail Association — Passage 32 History
- HikeArizona — Schultz Peak
