The Travel (July 21, 2022) by Aaron Spray

There are currently eleven national scenic trails in the United States – almost all of them are well over 100 miles long. One of the trails is the Arizona National Scenic Trail which completely traverses the whole north-south length of Arizona. It has been designated a National Scenic Trail since 2009.

A few hardcore hikers have hiked all the national scenic trails – it is a great way to really get to see the stunning diversity of the United States. All the national scenic trails have something different to offer. The Florida Trail explores the marshlands of Florida and is the only trail best hiked in the winter. The Natchez Trace follows a historic pre-Columbian trail through the South (and is the shortest of the trails).

The Arizona National Scenic Trail – The Best Way To See Arizona

The Arizona National Scenic Trail starts at the Coronado National Memorial by the Mexico border and runs all the way through Arizona to the Kaibab Plateau region by the Utah state line. The trail is a primitive trail designed for hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, and sometimes even cross-country skiing.

Usage: Hiking, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Sometimes Cross Country Skiing

The trail runs through Saguaro National Park, the Catalina Mountains, Tonto National Forest, Mormon Lake, Flagstaff, and the Grand Canyon National Park. Along the trail, one will see a wide range of ecosystems in Arizona. Thru-hikers see deserts, canyons (including the Grand Canyon), wilderness, mountains, communities, and the history of the region.

People are free to hike most parts of the Arizona Trail – it is largely free from permits. One will need to get permits for the sections that run through the Saguaro and Grand Canyon National Parks.

The trail has something for everyone – some parts are remote and challenging, while others are accessible and great sections for families. The trail is subdivided into 43 passages that are between 8 and 33 miles long (so hikers can also complete it in sections).

 

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