In addition to being a recreational destination that attracts hikers, runners, mountain bikers and equestrians from around the world, the Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT) is a valuable resource for wildfire prevention, response and recovery.

Trails act as important fire breaks, often stopping the flames once they reach the trail as they run out of fuel. Some communities are building recreational trails around their towns to simultaneously increase fire breaks and provide recreational opportunities.

ATA volunteers contribute tens of thousands of hours of labor each year to removing brush from the trail corridor — reducing vegetation on the ground that fuels wildfires.

The AZT provides access to remote areas for wildland firefighters. A well-maintained trail makes it safer and faster for firefighters to respond to emergencies.

As a popular path throughout the state, Arizona Trail visitors are often the first to report wildfires, both natural and human-caused, reducing damage to landscapes, structures, watersheds and other important resources.

As a well-established nonprofit organization, the ATA provides immediate information to the general public about fire restrictions, wildfires near the trail, closures and detours, and much more through social media, website, eNewsletter and on-the-trail navigation apps.

After the flames have subsided, ATA staff and stewards are often the first ones on the ground conducting wildfire damage assessments and mitigation plans to restore the trail and the landscape as quickly as possible. The ATA also pursues state, federal and private funding sources to hire contractors to repair the trail after wildfires.

Download a copy of the AZT & Wildfire Prevention Document here.

Your support of the ATA benefits landscapes, communities, Arizona’s outdoor recreation economy, wildland firefighters, and so much more. Donate online today at aztrail.org to help us continue our important work.