Wildfires are impacting popular Arizona hiking trails

azfamily.com ~ By Steven Sarabia Jul. 23, 2025 PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Devastating wildfires in northern Arizona continue to threaten popular trails that draw people from around the world. “Seeing how much damage was done at the north rim with the buildings being destroyed, it is really disappointing, said Hiker Samantha Pinkley. “I mean it’s just, it’s unfortunate,” said hiker Stan […]

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International Thru-Hikers Are Being Denied Entry to the U.S.: Here’s What Backpackers Should Know

Backpacker (July 15, 2025) by Alexandra Gillespie Reports of thru-hikers facing rejection and even detention at the U.S. border have left some backpackers questioning whether to cancel their long-planned trips. For hikers flying to the U.S., the most unpredictable stretch of the trip might arrive before the first mile. In recent months, hiking hopefuls with valid visas and detailed itineraries […]

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90 Miles of Arizona Trail Closed Due To Wildfires

The White Sage Fire and Dragon Bravo Fire have forced 90 miles of the Arizona Trail to close from the South Kaibab Trailhead (South Rim of Grand Canyon) to Winter Road (10 miles south of the northern terminus). Both fires started from lightning strikes in July and are being actively managed by the Kaibab National Forest, Grand Canyon National Park, […]

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7 of the Best Bikepacking Trips Across the U.S.

Outside Magazine (July 2025) by Graham Averill Load up your bike and disappear into America’s wildest places on these incredible multi-day rides… Coconino Loop, Coconino National Forest, Arizona  Distance: 240 miles Duration: Seven days Highlights: Slick rock, canyons galore The Coconino Loop is 240 miles of singletrack and dirt roads through the canyons and peaks of Northern Arizona, combining some of the best trails and […]

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White Sage Fire prompts evacuations of Jacob Lake and Grand Canyon’s North Rim

ABC 15 Arizona (July 10, 2025) Evacuations have been ordered for the area north of Jacob Lake, in northern Arizona, due to the White Sage Fire. Jacob Lake is located southeast of Fredonia along U.S. Highway 89A. The White Sage Fire is currently at 1,000 acres and 0% containment. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office issued a “GO” evacuation order on […]

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White Sage Fire Forces Evacuation of Grand Canyon North Rim, Kaibab Plateau & Jacob Lake

Coconino County Emergency Management has issued the following evacuation notices for the White Sage Fire, which started on July 10 and has already grown to 8,700 acres. GO STATUS – EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY – All areas NORTH of Jacob Lake – All areas SOUTH of Jacob Lake to Forest Service Road 212 – All North Rim Grand Canyon visitors SET STATUS […]

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Operation Freedom March on the Arizona Trail

Calling all military veterans, their families, and supporters…you are invited to participate in the first Arizona Trail Operation Freedom March. This year-long initiative starts July 4, 2025 and concludes on July 4, 2026, in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Operation Freedom March challenges participants to hike, ride, or horseback ride sections of the Arizona National Scenic Trail until ALL 800 […]

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Arizona Trail Fund Hacked From State Budget

Despite widespread outreach from members, donors, volunteers, gateway community representatives, and trail users like you, the Arizona Legislature did not include a single dollar for the Arizona Trail Fund in our state’s fiscal year 2026 budget. This fund was established in 2006 to support trail construction and maintenance, and is matched by private donations, federal grants, and volunteer labor contributions. […]

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