Author: Matthew Nelson

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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Fire Restrictions in Effect Statewide

If you plan to recreate and camp in Arizona this summer, please be advised that Fire Restrictions are now in place on most forests throughout the state. The only Arizona Trail Forest that hasn’t implemented fire restrictions is the Coronado National Forest in southern Arizona. These restrictions are enforced to protect public safety and preserve forest resources like trails, wildlife and […]

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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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Grand Canyon North Rim Now Open

Get ready to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim as the 2024 season kicks off on Wednesday, May 15. Starting at 8 a.m., visitor services including the campground, Grand Canyon Conservancy bookstore, Backcountry Information Office, Grand Canyon Lodge and Grand Canyon Trail Rides will be up and running. And don’t miss out on daily Park Ranger […]

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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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Help Us Celebrate Our 30th Birthday

We are turning 30 years old this year! Please help us celebrate by donating $30 or more. Your contribution supports our mission to protect, maintain, enhance, promote and sustain the Arizona Trail as a unique encounter with the natural environment. If everyone who had incredible experiences on the AZT donated, our trail construction and maintenance needs would be taken care […]

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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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New AZT Wool Blend Socks

Show your love for the AZT by wearing these Wooleater® socks from DeFeet, which feature a plum topographic line print of the Colossal Cave Mountain Park area (Arizona Trail Passage 8). These high-top socks are made for hikers, mountain bikers, runners, backpackers, equestrians, and anyone who prefers Merino wool to other materials. Wool stays cool in heat, warm in cold, […]

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Camping Ban Near Flagstaff Impacts Passages 31, 32, 33, 34

The Coconino National Forest has expanded the boundaries of the existing year-round camping and campfire ban located adjacent to the City of Flagstaff in an attempt to lower the hazard from human-caused wildfires. A full map of the expanded camping and campfire ban, which went into effect May 1, 2023, is available on the Coconino National Forest’s website. This information is also on all Arizona Trail navigational resources, including […]

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New National Monument Includes Protection for 40 Miles of the Arizona National Scenic Trail

On August 8, members of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition and leaders from conservation, sportsmen, recreation, faith and outdoor organizations joined President Biden as he used his authorities under the Antiquities Act to protect 917,618 acres adjacent to Grand Canyon National Park as Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument. This includes nearly 40 […]

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Special Membership Offer for the Month of May

As you gaze in awe at the wildflowers and enjoy a memorable hike, run or ride along the Arizona Trail, please help us celebrate by donating today in support of our important Spring Fundraiser! During the month of May, a $25 donation will get you a one-year Arizona Trail Association membership and this special edition retro sticker. This classic Southwestern design was […]

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1,500-Gallon Rainwater Collector Installed on Arid Section of Arizona Trail

The Trek (May 12023) by Rachel Shoemaker The Arizona Trail Association recently installed a 1,500-gallon Remote Rainwater Collector along an arid segment of trail in Passage 15 in Pinal County.  The installation of this collector, which was completed on April 6, is a welcome addition that will bring much-needed relief to hikers on this 28.1-mile dry stretch of trail. The unit, which is the […]

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Rainwater Collector Installed Along Arid Segment of Arizona Trail in Pinal County

On April 6, Arizona Trail Association staff and volunteers completed installation of a Remote Rainwater Collector along a particularly arid segment of trail on Passage 15 in Pinal County. This unit is located north of the Freeman Road Trailhead on the ancestral lands of the O’odham and Western Apache, and holds 1,500 gallons of water. This is the second remote […]

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New National Monument Proposal Would Protect Forty Miles of the Arizona National Scenic Trail South of Grand Canyon National Park

Yesterday, tribal leaders of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition, joined by Congressman Raúl Grijalva and Senator Kyrsten Sinema, launched an effort to call on President Biden to use his authorities under the Antiquities Act of 1906 to designate the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument. Baaj Nwaavjo means “where tribes roam” for the Havasupai Tribe, and I’tah Kukveni […]

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Walking between two worlds

White Mountain Independent (March 22, 2023) by Michele Nelson Meandering along the face of the 2,000-foot-tall Mogollon Rim, the Highline Trail threads the boundary between ponderosa pine and pinyon juniper forests. The soaring cliffs capture storms, creating springs, drainages and hidden canyons. These storms and the Rim’s geology provide a unique ecological meeting place for plants and animals from the […]

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We are Hiring An Administrative Director

We are excited to announce an employment opportunity with the Arizona Trail Association! The Administrative Director is a core member of the ATA staff and is responsible for overseeing administrative details, bookkeeping, payroll, membership, public engagement, and a variety of duties to ensure the success of the organization. Experience with nonprofit financial bookkeeping and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles is required, […]

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Award-winning author Tom Zoellner explores his relationship with Arizona in his latest book, written while thru-hiking the Arizona Trail

Tom Zoellner walked across the length of Arizona to come to terms with his home state. But the trip revealed more mountains behind the mountains. Rim to River is the story of this extraordinary journey through redrock country, down canyons, up mesas, and across desert plains to the obscure valley in Mexico that gave the state its enigmatic name. The trek […]

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