How Does the Federal Funding Freeze and Reduction in Federal Workforce Impact the Arizona Trail?

Thank you to everyone who has reached out ask how recent announcements from the White House have impacted the Arizona Trail Association (ATA) and Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT). While there’s still a lot of uncertainty, here’s current information on what’s happening… Federal Funding The ATA currently receives 37% of our operating budget from the US Forest Service (USFS). In […]

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How to Visit Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument

Surrounding the Grand Canyon, the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument encompasses roughly one million acres of breathtaking landscapes and contains unique ecosystems that support a range of wildlife and vegetation. The monument is one of America’s newest so the infrastructure surrounding trails and camping is still developing. National monuments often boast less development than […]

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New trail connects Flagstaff’s popular Buffalo Park with forested areas

KNAU (Jan 7, 2025) by KNAU Staff The non-profit Flagstaff Biking Organization and the Coconino National Forest say a new recreational trail has connected one the city’s most popular parks with forested areas. The realignment of the Lower Oldham Trail is part of the Arizona National Scenic Trail that extends from Utah to Mexico. The gravel path links Buffalo Park […]

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Trials, tribulations and the 5 stages of grief

MSN (November 18, 2024) by Julia Clarke Ultra runner Georgia Porter has claimed a new speed record on the 800-mile Arizona Trail just four days after Nick Fowler set a new Fastest Known Time on the same trail. Posting on Instagram yesterday, the Flagstaff-based runner writes that she completed an “unofficial FKT” – because her data still needs to be reviewed – when she ran […]

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US Forest Service Video Features Arizona Trail VETS Program

On September 26-29, 2024, the Arizona Trail Veterans Engagement and Trail Stewardship (VETS) program volunteered to do trail work on Passage 32 of the Arizona National Scenic Trail. The event focused on building new connections within the veteran community while giving back to a the cross-state trail. Participants worked together to improve the trail from Little Elden to Weatherford Trailhead […]

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Arizona Trail Association Stewards Featured on Arizona PBS Trail Mix’d

Arizona PBS (November 14, 2024) In this episode of “Trail Mix’d,” we travel the state to learn about the people who are giving their time, energy and sometimes even their lives to care for and protect our wildlands. Explore some of Arizona’s conservation techniques and learn about the vital importance of protecting our water and wildlands. We take a look […]

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Wildfires Impact 93 Miles of the Arizona Trail in 2024

A recent analysis of wildfire impacts to the Arizona National Scenic Trail revealed a total of 93 miles of trail were closed in 2024, and 36 miles of trail were physically scorched. The ATA is in the process of conducting post-burn conditions assessments to determine safety and immediate stabilization needs. The good news is that 2024 was a moderate wildfire […]

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Veteran Volunteer Work Weekend

Signals (September 17, 2024) The AZT VETS (Veteran Engagement & Trail Stewardship) and Coconino National Forest Service are hosting this Veteran Volunteer Work Weekend on Passage 32B of the Arizona Trail over National Public Lands Day, improving the trail corridor between Little Elden Mountain and Weatherford Trailheads. Most meals will be provided at no extra cost to participants. Pre-registration is […]

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Fall colors 2024: Arizona’s best hikes for aspens, oaks and maples

Arizona Republic (Sept 18, 2024) by Roger Naylor Hope is restored. After yet another scorching summer, the relief of autumn is finally within sight. Cooler temperatures are on the way. Of course, shorter days also signal the start of one of nature’s most beloved seasonal displays — fall colors are coming to Arizona. Unlike spring wildflowers, fall colors do not […]

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Vets on the Arizona Trail

PHOENIX Magazine (Sept/Oct 2024) by Mare Czinar Tucson Native Michael “Chappy” Chappell took the long way around finding his purpose as program director of Veteran Engagement & Trail Stewardship (VETS) with the Arizona Trail Association – a project that promotes outdoor therapy as an adjunct to traditional health interventions. Chappell joined the Navy right out of high school and served […]

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In Memoriam: Mason Lussow

Mason Lussow, a Marine Corps veteran, left our community unexpectedly on August 26, 2024 but his legacy of quiet strength and unwavering dedication to service will always be remembered. He was the beloved son of his mother, Ari Olsen, and father, Alex Lussow, an avid outdoorsman who instilled in Mason a deep love for nature and adventure from a very […]

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VETS program gives former military members an Arizona outdoor boost

Tucson Sentinel (Aug 14 2024) by Bianca Morales A program organized by the Arizona Trail Association sets out to provide a safe environment where military veterans have the “opportunity to serve and connect.” The program is aptly called VETS — Veteran Engagement and Trail Stewardship — and has a mission is to “connect those who have served our country with fellow service […]

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In Memoriam: Kactus Kickers Hiking Club

Kactus Kickers Hiking Club 1969 – 2023 In memory of a long time Arizona hiking club, The Kactus Kickers, which was formed in 1969 by employees of a local Arizona corporation. Initially, membership was limited to employees of the corporation and their families but started welcoming others that were attracted to the club by a public website that was created […]

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Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel Campground Closed from November 4, 2024 – May 15, 2025

Grand Canyon National Park announced in July that Bright Angel Campground will be closed from November 4, 2024 – May 15, 2025 to support replacement of the TransCanyon Pipeline. This will impact Arizona Trail thru-hikers during the Spring 2025 season. Since dispersed camping is not permitted in this area and inner canyon corridor trails are patrolled daily, thru-hikers should attempt […]

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Navajo and Hopi students camp at Grand Canyon

Navajo-Hopi Observer (June 25, 2024) The Arizona Trail Association’s Seeds of Stewardship (SOS) program partnered with STAR School of Leupp, Arizona, to provide transformative outdoor experiences for fourth to eighth grade Native American students from Flagstaff and the Navajo Nation. Through five field trips annually, SOS emphasizes culturally relevant outdoor activities, land connection and meaningful stewardship projects. As a culmination, […]

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National Geographic Adventurer returns to her Arizona hiking roots and sets new Arizona National Scenic Trail record

Lake Powell Chronicle (June 12, 2024) by Paul Ostapuk Twenty-four days, one hour and 12 minutes. In less time than the moon takes to complete a lunar cycle, Heather Anderson, 2019 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, survived the ordeal of an unsupported 800-mile traverse of the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Anderson finished her record backpacking trip on May 12, […]

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Navajo & Hopi Students Camping Adventure a Grand Experience

Over the past year, the Arizona Trail Association has worked with 4th through 8th grade students at STAR School (Service to All Relations) — which serves Native American students from Flagstaff and the Navajo Nation — through our Seeds of Stewardship program. As a finale for our school year with the 4th and 5th graders at STAR, we organized three […]

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What if the AZT is covered in snow north of Grand Canyon…can I walk or ride on Highway 67 before the road is officially open?

Grand Canyon National Park has confirmed that hikers are allowed to walk on the paved road to avoid the snowy AZT during the spring season before the road opens, typically on May 15. Mountain bikers are not allowed to ride the road and must follow the trail. The Park reiterated that hikers walking the plowed and paved North Rim Road should be aware […]

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Increased Immigrant Traffic Near U.S./Mexico Border

Our partners at Coronado National Memorial have observed an increase in immigrant foot traffic activity over the past few weeks. Visitors to Coronado National Memorial have reported seeing people in camouflage near the border and on the Arizona Trail, although no direct contact between the groups has occurred. If you’re planning a hike along Passage 1 this season, especially to […]

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Hike of the Week: Arizona National Scenic Trail, Saddle Mountain Passage

Phoenix Magazine (March 17, 2024) by Mare Czinar Officially the closest Arizona Trail entry point to the Valley, the dirt pullout at Bushnell Tanks on State Route 87 half way between Fountain Hills and Payson, provides access to Arizona’s geological transition zone—a swath of mountain ranges and long valleys created over eons of volcanic activity, seismic uplifts and intermittent sea […]

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