The Black Fire was started by lightning strikes on the Tonto National Forest and as of July 15 had consumed over 5,565 acres of desert environment, including three miles of the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Passage 19 (Superstition Mountains) is currently closed from Reavis Gap Trail (AZT mile 324.8) to Vineyard Trailhead (AZT mile 346.6). Evacuations have been ordered for […]
Read moreOn July 20, lightning strikes started a wildfire in Pinal County, just north of the Freeman Fire burn scar. The Romero Fire has very heavy fuel load with mesquite, brush and dry grasses, and has quickly grown to 6,900 acres. In the interest of public safety, Passages 14 (Black Hills) and 15 (Tortilla Mountains) are closed between Tiger Mine Trailhead […]
Read moreGrand 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 […]
Read moreNavajo-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, […]
Read moreIf 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 […]
Read moreLake 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, […]
Read moreOver 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 […]
Read moreWorld Atlas (May 9, 2024) by Elizabeth Arnold Located in the beautiful American Southwest, Arizona is part of the “four corners” region. The state of Arizona is diverse in many ways, from expansive deserts to sweeping mountain ranges and quiet hometowns and bustling cities. If you’re traveling to Arizona, consider checking out one of its many charming small towns for a […]
Read moreGet 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 […]
Read moreGrand 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 […]
Read moreOutside Online (April 23, 2024) by Graham Averill Base camp might be my favorite two words in the English language. Base camp is where you stage the next excursion, or refuel with a bowl of stew, or a beer. You rest and recover there. If you’re lucky, you can slip into a hot tub or cold spring, because base camps don’t […]
Read morePatheos (April 6, 2024) by Ken Chitwood In February 2019, Miguel stared out at the San Pedro Valley in Mexico, stretching for miles below him from his position on Yaqui Ridge in the Coronado National Monument. Standing at Monument 102, which marks the symbolic start of the 800-mile-long Arizona Trail, Miguel remarked on how the border here doesn’t look like […]
Read moreOur 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 […]
Read moreKGUN 9 News (April 5, 2024) by Austin Janos Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue crews embarked on a dangerous mission to save an injured hiker who was stuck on the Arizona Trail for multiple days. According to the group’s Facebook page, crews were notified by border patrol on April 3, about a 60-year-old man on the trail suffering […]
Read moreWe 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 […]
Read moreArizona Public Media Podcast (March 14, 2024) by Zac Ziegler, Danyelle Khmara, Tony Perkins Listen to the podcast produced about the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo mountain bike event, which was dedicated to the Arizona Trail Association in 2024!
Read morePhoenix 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 […]
Read morePlease check out our 2023 Annual Report, which includes highlights from all of our programs and operations. Within these 16 pages you’ll find stories, photos and accomplishments from: Trail Operations Volunteer Program AZT VETS Youth Outreach Programs Goals for 2024 Business Partners and so much more Read the Annual Report online here, or download it and enjoy it at your […]
Read moreShow 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, […]
Read moreOn the AZT’s Passage 19, between Highway 188 and Cemetery Trail Junction, trail users will encounter cattle trails at approximately mile 448.9 southbound (1.2 miles south of Highway 188) due to heavy livestock traffic to and from a metal water tank. Southbound users should remain on the north side of the wash here, proceeding gently uphill on the right bank […]
Read moreThe 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 […]
Read moreOn 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 […]
Read moreAs 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 […]
Read moreThe 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 […]
Read morePayson Roundup (April 25, 2023) by Michele Nelson Mountain biking has been a male dominated sport, but the Forest Service hopes to encourage more girls to take up the sport. Arizona Trail Association program directors noticed that when boys and girls from this age group did a mountain biking clinic together, the girls let the boys take over the questions […]
Read moreOn 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 […]
Read moreYesterday, 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 […]
Read moreKNAU (March 21, 2023) by Bree Burkitt Arizona-born writer and journalist Tom Zoellner is out with a new book about his 46-day journey hiking the nearly 800-mile Arizona Trail. Rim to River: Looking into the Heart of Arizona is a collection of essays Zoellner created as a way to better understand his home state after years at odds with Arizona’s sprawling urban […]
Read moreWhite 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 […]
Read moreRecent reports from hikers show that the crossing at the East Verde River is at a record high! Crossing this river requires wading in cold, deep water. You will see AZT signs on both sides of the river, however most hikers cross at the rapids 20 yards downstream since this is where it’s the most shallow. The calmer water is […]
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