2 men hospitalized after being struck by lightning on Humphreys Peak near Flagstaff

PHOENIX — Two men were hospitalized after being struck by lightning at the top of Arizona’s highest peak on Wednesday afternoon, according to authorities.

The victims received burns from the lightning strike on Humphreys Peak, but their current conditions were not known, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Thursday.

The men who were injured have not been identified, but CCSO said one of them is from Flagstaff and the other is from Canada.

Humphreys Peak is located north of Flagstaff and, at 12,633 feet, is the highest point in the Grand Canyon State.

Details of lightning strike, rescue on Humphreys Peak

CCSO received a call just before 11 a.m. from the two men who said they had been struck by lightning at the summit of Humphreys Peak.

Crews then responded to Arizona Snowbowl, which is where the Humphreys Peak trailhead is located, and established a command center at the ski resort’s upper lodge.

The sheriff’s office began the rescue by trying to reach the men by air and on foot, but all aircraft, including drones, were soon grounded due to the inclement weather.

Rescuers with the sheriff’s office made contact with one of the men around 2:45 p.m. He said the duo attempted to make it down together, but the second man had to stop due to the severity of his injuries.

The rescue team then split, with one group taking the first victim down to the command center, while the second went to find the other victim.

Crews were able to find the second man about an hour later, around 3:45 p.m., and ultimately carried him down the mountain using a Stokes basket, according to CCSO.

The rescue operation was complete by 6 p.m. Wednesday. The first victim, who was able to walk down the mountain, refused transportation and was taken by his wife to Flagstaff Medical Center for treatment. The other man was taken to the hospital by Guardian Medical, CCSO said.

Authorities stressed that when hikers start seeing clouds form, and especially if they hear thunder, they need to turn around and find cover.

“Once you reach a point up there, you clear the tree line, you are the tallest thing on the ground up there,” CCSO spokesman Jon Paxton said. “We just urge people to use caution, return back down to the tree line or maybe think about hiking it another day.”

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Kylie Werner contributed to this report. 

This is an updated version of a story originally published Oct. 22, 2025. 

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