journalaz.com ~ Joseph K Giddens – October 27, 2026 With mules Grandma and Judy, a shotgun, two pistols, topographic maps, a journal, a camera, jeans, sneakers, a proclamation from then-Arizona Gov. Bruce Babbitt and, eventually, a stray dog they picked up along the way, brothers Troy and Gil Gillenwater walked 810 miles across Arizona from the Mexican border in the […]

Alisha McDarris 20, 2026 10:58AM ~ backpacker.com As threats to public land grow, these trails (and many others) could be changed forever. Get out and experience them, and see why they’re worth fighting for. From the border wall complicating access to long trails’ southern termini to the potential repeal of the Roadless Rule, nature, wildlife, and public lands are currently […]

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 […]

azdailysun.com ~ PETER FRIEDERICI ~ June 9, 2025 The sight of a giant smoke plume on the horizon is one of those sights that I regard as quintessential Arizona. Having never encountered wildfire before I moved to the state, the idea that a swath of forest or grassland could suddenly be turned to charcoal and ash and threaten towns and […]

www.kold.com ~ By J.D. Wallace ~ Jun. 1, 2025 TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Recovery from the Cody Fire near Oracle continues as it approaches containment. The 1223-acre blaze is 90% contained. The effort around it has shifted to repairing the terrain, assisting vegetation and preventing flooding. As bad as the area within the Cody Fire looks, it’s considered a […]

www.backpacker.com ~ May 30, 2025 ~ Stasia Callaghan In the 50 years since the National Trails System Act was passed, more than 50,000 miles of trail have been designated. It is, as President Johnson envisioned, a network where “old and young alike can participate.” And it created something he probably couldn’t have imagined: a community of thru-hikers, section hikers, weekend […]

www.audubon.org ~ By Haley Paul  Annual state budget needs to include funding that protects Arizona’s lands and waters- $250,000 from the General Fund for the Arizona Trail: The Arizona Trail spans 800 miles from the Utah border south to the border with Mexico, crossing important habitats for birds like Coopers Hawks and American Goshawks. The Trail is open to non-motorized […]

KJZZ | By Ginia McFarland Published February 26, 2025 at 9:26 AM MST The U.S. Forest Service laid off 10% of its workforce. The state relies on the Forest Service for maintenance of trails, fighting wildfires and access to public lands throughout Arizona. Read More.

CNN.com New Video: Federal employees from different agencies who were impacted by DOGE’s massive cuts spoke to CNN and CNN affiliates on how the effort to reshape the US government will affect not only workers, but everyday Americans.

www.outsideonline.com – Grayson Haver Currin – Nov 13, 2022 In less than 800 miles, the Arizona Trail offers a steady string of stunning landscapes, uncanny animals, and changing circumstances. If your time is limited, it’s the national scenic trail to try. Read more.

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Thousands of U.S. Forest Service workers across the country have been fired as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reduce the federal workforce. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed 2,000 probationary positions were cut. Read more and watch the video.

Tucson’s Red Ridge Trail is recovering from fire, and Nate Hills shows us how it’s coming along. It’s Friday, and why work when you can be checking out BikeMag.com and watching mountain bike videos? Nate Hills helps us out by dropping fresh footage of himself riding his new Yeti SB160 with U.S. 24 Hour National Champion Josh Tostado as they […]

By Lee Iverson ~ www.hometownfocus.us My winter home lies near the Arizona Trail, a fact I had paid little attention to until I recognized the trail markers on my hikes in the Tucson area. The Arizona National Scenic Trail, the AZT for short, is an 800 plus mile path from Mexico to Utah and is one of 11 National Scenic […]

December 23, 2024 ~ momentummag.com  Written by: Ron Johnson Bikepacking is an amazing fusion of bicycle touring and minimalist camping, which has gained immense popularity in North America. The continent offers diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains and dense forests to expansive deserts and scenic coastlines. For those seeking epic adventures, here are eight of our favourite bikepacking routes, each offering […]

By Andrew Coulson ~ northumberlandgazette.co.uk A teenager and his father from Morpeth recently completed one of the hardest long-distance mountain bike races in the world. The Arizona Trail Race traverses the complete state of Arizona in the USA, from the Mexican Border to the Utah State Line. Read the complete story here.

The long trail legend reflects on her mind-blowing unsupported hike of the 800-mile Arizona Trail in May of 2024. Read more here.  

By JESSICA TUCKER ~ the travel.com ~ April 9, 2024 For those looking for a challenging hike with more natural beauty than almost any other place in Arizona, the Gila River Canyon Trail fits the bill. Arizona one of the top states with the best hiking for those looking to hit the trails. The Arizona National Scenic Trail is 800 […]

March 29, 2024 ~ by Lori Anderson ~ saddlebagnotes.com Ten members of the SaddleBrooke Hiking Club (SBHC), led by Ray Peale of the SBHC and Chrissy Fitcher of the Arizona Trail Association (ATA), conducted maintenance of a section of the Arizona National Scenic Trail, Oracle Passage #13, for which Ray is the Steward, on Friday, February 2. They were happy […]

Sedona Red Rock News ~ By Joseph K Giddens – March 27, 2024 The Sedona Heritage Museum packed the apple shed again for its free speaker series on Thursday, Feb. 29, when Neil Weintraub, a retired archaeologist from the Kaibab National Forest, discussed two of his biggest passions: The history of the stagecoach route from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon […]

Published Mar 18, 2024 ~ Tasha Zemke for Outsideonline.com Why Now: Saguaro National Park was recently certified as one of nine Urban Night Sky Places around the world, and Kitt Peak National Observatory recently reopened with a revamped overnight observation program. The region’s already awesome trail system has expanded, letting hikers into a previously private, geologically rich slice of the […]

Utah runner embarks on 800-mile race for a child in need of adoption

Arizona Daily Star ~ August 5, 2023 ~ by Adrian Skabelund New Coalition Expands Access to Environmental Education to Students Across Northern Arizona With thousands of children preparing to return to the classroom across Flagstaff next week, a new coalition is working to better connect northern Arizona students to outdoor and environmental educational opportunities. The Environmental Education Coalition, spearheaded by […]

By Michele Nelson ~ Payson Roundup   “What’s the worst thing that could happen?” That’s the question Jody Bartz put to Gabby, a middle school-aged girl attending the Gateway Community Girls Mountain Biking Camp in Pine the weekend of May 20-21. The two locked eyes over the front tire and handlebars of a mountain bike, Gabby in the saddle, Bartz […]