Black Fire Forces Closure of Arizona Trail Near Roosevelt Lake

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 […]

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Romero Fire Forces AZT Closure between Oracle and Kearny

On 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 […]

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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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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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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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Southernmost Mile of the AZT Reopens After 18-Month Closure Due to Border Wall Construction

The National Park Service announced on December 30 that the southernmost mile of the Arizona Trail will reopen again on December 31 after a nearly 18-month closure. “We look forward to reopening the first passage of the Arizona Trail (AZT) this week,” said Southeast Arizona Parks Superintendent Matthew Carroll. “During the spring hiking season, many begin their northward journey at Monument 102 on the US/Mexico border within Coronado National Memorial. […]

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