Gear

What should I expect on AZT in a Day?

Plan for the worst, expect the best.

Please get familiar with your section before October 8th, so that you know what to expect from the day before the day gets here. The AZT is beautifully diverse, and as such, it’s impossibly hard for the Arizona Trail Association to prepare everyone for their specific area of the trail. We’ve provided as many resources as we can to participants, but this event is designed for participants to self-prep, self-support, and even self-organize.

What should I carry with me?

Day hiking is inherently more dangerous than overnight backpacking.

Think about it. On AZT in a Day, you may be visiting areas that are just as remote as people who are backpacking on the AZT. The main difference is that backpackers are carrying a lot more resources on their backs that they can use if something goes wrong. If a backpacker gets lost or injured they have a tent, sleeping bag, extra food, and a lot of other tools with them that can help them handle their situation. 

Even as a day hiker you should consider carrying additional resources with you for your safety. Plan on bringing items that some day-hikers might not normally consider bringing, such as:

Extra water, headlamp, rain jacket, larger first aid kit, compass, GPS, water treatment/filter, spot device, extra food, whistle, winter hat, warm socks, medications, pocket knife, lighter and extra batteries for headlamp and GPS.

The AZT was intentionally routed through wild, remote parts of the state to provide a primitive experience to the backcountry traveler. In some places, help will be far away and preparation for hazards is essential. Anyone considering a hike along the AZT should carefully evaluate their ability to cope with potential dangers. Remember, self-rescue is always the primary means of dealing with an emergency and is often the fastest. Search & Rescue missions to assist lost or injured trail users can take a very long time, depending on how far from the nearest road the patient may be.

Cellular telephone coverage is intermittent and unreliable along much of the AZT. Carrying a satellite communication device is a better option, but they are no substitute for good trail sense and on-the-ground experience. It’s always best to leave a detailed itinerary with a reliable friend or family member and check in with them regularly to acknowledge you are safe and on track. Knowing the point last seen is a vital piece of information for rescue personnel.

Weather

What will the weather be like?

October in southern Arizona is typically dry and sunny. Higher elevations are more likely to be cooler and/or receive rainfall. In lower elevations (near Phoenix) temperatures are between 89 degrees F and 64 degrees F. 

In October 2018, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon experienced lightning and snow on AZT in a Day, while the southern sections had near-perfect weather. So, it’s best to check the weather on the day of the event and plan accordingly. 

Is there a rain date?

No. AZT in a Day is on rain or shine. Please be prepared adequately. We will be in touch with information on trail closures, road closures, weather advisories, and reroutes as October approaches. Please always use your best judgment when heading outdoors, and do not sacrifice your safety.

COVID-19

What are some precautions I can take?

Please, please, please stay at home if you are feeling sick.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Group Size

Is there a limit on group size?

In some cases there is a legal limit on group size. Some wilderness areas and national forests along the AZT have regulations that require 15 or fewer people in a group.

We also recommend groups <10 people, as smaller groups offer added benefits for both the people in the group, and others enjoying the same trail. Smaller groups…

  1. Reduce noise levels
  2. Make it easier for other groups to pass you
  3. Allow your group to move faster and stay together more easily
  4. Provide more opportunities for everyone in the group to view wildlife
  5. Come equipped with more group leaders, which means more people who should know how the day is supposed to go.

Groups 10+ should stagger start:

Just say, you have a group of 20 people, and you really want to do the same section. We recommend splitting your group into two groups of ten (who each have their own map, water, food, first aid kit, cell phone, etc.) and then start at least 30 minutes apart. If you meet up down the trail, stagger again into two distinct groups.

Is there a limit to how many people can sign up for a section?

Yes. Registration is limited to 20 people per section. If you see a section is full, please look at other sections that need more coverage. This will help us meet our goal of covering every mile of the trail on October 9th, but it will also provide a more scenic and relaxing experience for those of us who are out there. 

Participating

Can I complete my section before or after October 8th, 2022?

We encourage you to get out on the Arizona Trail on any day of the year. However, to participate in AZT in a Day, you’ll need to complete your section on October 8th, 2022. Completing your section one day before or after will not add to our total mileage for the day, or to the full completion we’re attempting.

Do I need to complete my section in a certain direction?

You can travel in either direction unless your section is only accessible from one side.

Can I complete a partial section?

You are welcome to hike as much or as little as you would like for AZT in a Day. We’re happy to have you either way. We encourage you to pick a section that is at a length you can complete rather than doing a partial section somewhere else. This allows us to ensure that we have full coverage of the entire AZT, and not partial coverage everywhere. 

If you would like to sign up for a partial section, please email karrie@aztrail.org, so that we can sort it out together. If you know anyone that would like to complete the entire section, or the other half of the section you’re planning to complete a smaller portion of, please send them our way!

Can I complete more than one section?

Sure! You can select up to 5 sections when you register. 

We recommend signing up for less than 5 sections so that participants don’t overextend their day. We would rather have multiple folks completing portions of the trail than have only one person covering 100 miles.

Can I bring my dog?

Please see our website for more information about dogs on the AZT. Where dogs are allowed, they must be on a leash no greater than 6 feet in length.

Dogs are NOT allowed on trails within the following areas:

  • Coronado National Memorial (Passage 1 – Section 1)
  • Saguaro National Park (Passage 9 – Sections 16 and 17)
  • Pusch Ridge Wilderness (Passages 11 and 12 – Sections 20 and 21)
  • Grand Canyon National Park (Passages 37, 38 and 39 – Sections 77, 78, 79, 80, 81 and 82)

What is “Leave No Trace,” or LNT?

Our wild and scenic places only remain wild and scenic if we attempt to limit our impact. Leave the Arizona Trail better than you found it, so that it may continue to bring the same joy, wonder and beauty to future generations. 

Here are the 7 Leave No Trace Principles:

  • Plan Ahead and Prepare 
  • Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces 
  • Dispose of Waste Properly
  • Leave What You Find
  • Minimize Campfire Impacts
  • Respect Wildlife
  • Be Considerate of Other Visitors.

Go here to learn more: https://lnt.org

If you choose, you can pack a small grocery bag with you on AZT in a Day to help pick up small pieces of litter. Please use gloves. Do not pick up any sanitary items, like toilet paper, feminine products, or wet wipes.

Why are certain sections closed to mountain bikes and equestrians?

The AZT goes through 8 wilderness areas, 2 National Parks, and 1 National Memorial. Travel in these areas is closed to mountain bike traffic. Please respect this closure and use the parts of the trail open to bikes.

Travel in the Coronado National Memorial is closed to equestrians. Please respect this closure and use the parts of the trail open to horse and pack animal traffic.

Are there wheelchair-accessible sections?

Very few areas on the AZT offer accessible hiking opportunities. The Arizona National Scenic Trail is a remote and primitive wilderness route. Its tread is a narrow, singletrack trail maintained to 24” wide. 

However, the ATA welcomes all non-motorized user groups to enjoy this trail and we are developing a guide to help people with disabilities experience the AZT. We’ve identified four places where the trail, or access trails, feature wider tread, gentler slopes, and stable surfaces. Parking options have been considered as well as accessible amenities. Please contact Matt Nelson matthew@aztrail.org for more information.

Why are the Grand Canyon sections full?

The inner gorge of the Grand Canyon is well covered, and the Park Service has requested that we remove these sections from the drop-down menu at sign-up to discourage an influx of people on AZT in a Day. We’re asking folks to check out other sections that still need participants.
 
There are dozens that are still up for grabs since it’s early in the registration process. This year each section is capped at 20 participants to encourage folks to spread out. We need folks like you who are willing to take on something as difficult as the Grand Canyon in other critical areas on Oct 8th.

Volunteering

What part of my participation counts as volunteer time?
There are definitely opportunities to log some volunteer hours when it comes to AZT in a day. While we can’t count the time we spend traveling to or hiking, biking, riding or running on your segment, we can count time spent…
  • Raising money for your campaign and promoting within your team
  • Hosts activities to add value to AZT in a Day such as cookouts, shuttles and water caching
  • Maintain the trail as you go! Check out our Remote Maintenance Program for a free pair of loppers or a handsaw. Bring a trash bag to pick up litter.
  • Do an assessment while you’re out there and long your findings on our Trail Conditions Form.

Log your volunteer time through your personal Engagement Dashboard (if you don’t have one yet, you can request one here). If you have any questions about volunteering for AZT in a Day or other ATA events, email volunteer@aztrail.org. 

T-Shirts

Where can I get an AZT in a Day shirt?

You can order an AZT in a Day shirt throughout the summer months at this website:  http://www.bonfire.com/aztinaday-2022. Proceeds from the sale of these soft and trendy tees benefit the Arizona Trail Association. 

All shirt purchases are pre-orders. Shirts will be individually screen printed after September 16th and will be shipped to you before October 8th.

Sections

Where can I find more info about the sections?

  • Interactive Map: This is a free resource that displays all of the sections for AZT in a Day. You can learn a lot by just clicking around. Find a section that’s close to you!
  • Day Hiker’s Guide: The AZT in a Day sections are based on this guide. A free digital copy is available to Arizona Trail Association members.
  • The Guidebook: A detailed, and beautiful guide to the entire AZT.
  • Guthook’s App: A smartphone app that provides users with updated water reports, and GPS tracks of the AZT that work even when in airplane mode.
  • ATA Website: Here you can find free maps and GPS tracks of the trail, along with information on closures and other alerts.

Interactive Map

Walkthrough – A brief introduction to the interactive map

How do I use the interactive map?

There are two ways to navigate this resource. You can either 1) use the list on the left side of the screen, or you can 2) use the map on the right side of the screen. Both navigation methods display the same information. Click around and explore, find the section nearest to your house, or go somewhere new.

We recommend using full-screen mode, as shown below:

The full list of sections and their start/endpoints will appear on the left-hand side of the screen. This list can be expanded to show all available sections and all endpoints by clicking on the “…103 more” under “Sections” and the “…102 more” under “Section Endpoints.”

You can click on any of these sections or section endpoints to learn more about them. For example, clicking on section “78: South Kaibab to Bright Angel CG” brings up the image below. The section will be highlighted on the map to the right, and information about the section will appear on the left.

For all sections, the endpoints are a part of the section name. For example, section 20 goes from “Gordon Hirabayashi” to the “Cathedral Rock Trail Jtc.” From here, the easiest way to learn more about these places is to utilize the map feature on the right. Click on either end point to learn more.

Clicking on the green car icon (lower right in the image above) brings up more information about the Gordon Hirabayashi Trailhead endpoint.

To return to the large list of all sections and section endpoints, click the back arrow in the upper left of the sidebar.

Other notes on the map:

The map on the right of your screen also features all of the sections and their endpoints. The sections are represented by blue lines. You’ll have to zoom in to see them. The section endpoints appear as cars and tents. Click on any section (blue line) or icon (section endpoint) to learn more about it. When you do, the information will slide in from the left-hand side of your screen.

To change the zoom, use the plus and minus buttons in the center bottom of the screen (“+” to zoom in and the “-“ to zoom out). Scrolling up with a mouse will also zoom in and scrolling down will zoom out. You can pinch or expand using a trackpad on a laptop.  You can also use your mouse to hold and drag the map around to center different areas.

To return to the large list of all sections and section endpoints, click the back arrow next to the title of the section or section endpoint that you clicked.

What do the different colors mean on the interactive map?

The colors are road quality ratings. This lets you know what type of vehicle you will need to get to that point on the map. If you see a tent, there is no road access, and camping may be required.

Section Spreadsheet

The spreadsheet at the bottom of our registration page is another way to view the sections. The sheet lists the total distance (including access trails), user groups allowed (hikers, bikers, and/or equestrians), and the likelihood of needing to camp in each section. Please use the interactive map to get directions to trailheads, check the suggested vehicles needed, and learn even more. Can’t find what you’re looking for?  Email karrie@aztrail.org.

Registering

Walkthrough – How to Register

Do I need to create a Just Giving account to register?

If you don’t already have one, then yes. We utilize Just Giving to manage registration and donations for AZT in a Day. Since Just Giving is a fundraising platform, you receive a fundraising page automatically when you register.

Fundraising is optional. However, please hang on to your page, even if you don’t intend to fundraise; deleting it will remove your registration from the event.

How can I find out what section(s) I signed up for?

The day after you signed up, you should have received a confirmation email in your inbox titled, “Your registration details for AZT in a Day 2022.” In this email, your section will be listed in the first paragraph.

If you can’t find this email, please reach out to Karrie: karrie@aztrail.org

 

How can I change, add or remove a section from my registration?

Please email karrie@aztrail.org to let her know you’d like to switch things up. This way we can keep track of who is where and make sure we’re ready to cover the AZT in October. 

How can I add people to my registration?

Please email karrie@aztrail.org to let her know you’d like to switch things up.

I can no longer complete my section, is that okay?

Of course, it’s okay. We realize that life happens, things come up, and sometimes interest fades. But if you decide that you cannot complete your section, please email us and let us know as soon as you can at karrie@aztrail.org.

We really want to cover the whole Arizona Trail in a single day, and we can’t do that if we don’t have sections covered. Even if you see someone else is signed up for your slot, letting us know helps us keep an accurate headcount. We’ll ask you to disable your page on Everydayhero as well.

Donating

Walkthrough – Donating to AZT in a Day

Walkthrough – Donating to an individual’s fundraising page:

Fundraising

Do you have any tips for reaching my fundraising goal?

We sure do! Check out our Fundraising Toolkit for tips on how to tell your story. This page includes a Fundraising Timeline to help keep you on track towards your goal.

Remember!

  • Just for registering this year, you (and everyone else in your group) will receive a limited edition AZT in a Day 2022 sticker. AND each person who donates $25 or more to your page will also get a sticker after AZT in a Day, Oct 8.
  •  For every $50 raised by you, you’ll receive an automatic entry into our AZT in a Day raffle! To learn more about the raffle, please contact brittany@aztrail.org

How can I create a fundraising team?

 

  1. Log into your JustGiving account and go to your fundraising page. There, click “create a team.”
  2. Next up, you can give your team a name.
  3. You’ll be asked to confirm the charity you’re raising money for and the event you’re participating in 
  4.  Provide the story behind your reason to fundraise together and add a cover photo 
  5.  Set the team’s fundraising target 
  6.  You can set targets for individual team member’s by using the drop-down  
  7. Choose your team’s web address and hit ‘create a team’ 

How can I edit my fundraising team page?

Once you’ve set up a Team Page, you can update it by clicking ‘edit’ at the top of the page.  You can update: 

  1.  The title of your Team Page 
  2.  Your target  
  3.  Your cover photo 
  4.  Your team story 

How can I manage who’s in my fundraising team?  

Click on the member’s tab at the top of your team page 

  • From here you can make your team page open for anyone to join 
  • You can make your team accessible by invitation only  
  • You can invite new members 
  • You can remove team members 

JustGiving Page

How can I make edits to my JustGiving Page?

If you would like to make tweaks to your page:

  • Log into your JustGiving account
  • Click ‘Edit’ at the top right side of your page
  • Here you can make changes to your target, summary, add participants to your page and edit your story.
  • After each edit, be sure to click the save button below the section to record your changes.

  • Additional edits can be made under the tabs “Media,” “Donations” and “Settings.” Explore around to make your page personal to you.

How can I connect my JustGiving Page to Strava?

  • Log into your JustGiving account
  • Click on the image of your page
  • Then Click on “Connect with Strava.” 

How do I add a livestream to my fundraising page?

How do I cancel my JustGiving Page?

PLEASE NOTE: Disabling or deleting your JustGiving Page will also remove your registration for the event. 

Before deleting/canceling your page, please contact Karrie karrie@aztrail.org.

Networking

How do I get in touch with others in my section?

You can utilize our Facebook event, or hikearizona.com. 

Other Questions?

Email karrie@aztrail.org with your question. We’ll sort it out. Thank you for joining us on the trail.

 

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