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 […]
Read moreThe West Fire is a small lightning-caused fire that started near Geronimo Camp and the Highline Trail/Arizona Trail. The fire is going to be managed for maximum resource benefit, not suppressed, and a closure order for the Tonto National Forest between the town of Pine and Washington Park is now in place. This closure will impact 21.5 miles of the […]
Read moreWe are delighted to share the most recent Arizona Trail Finisher Report! This comprehensive report displays results from the Arizona Trail Association’s Completion Survey between February 12, 2019 and July 4, 2024. During this time, the survey received 1,271 unique entries. This report covers five full years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, as well as the spring season of […]
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 moreThe 2023 Arizona budget includes a historic $500,000 investment in the Arizona National Scenic Trail. The bipartisan budget shows the dedication of elected officials to support outdoor recreation and conservation efforts. Senator David Gowan (LD-19) sponsored the original appropriation bill. “The Arizona Trail is a gem within our state and creates an incredible opportunity for people of all shapes, sizes, […]
Read moreMerriam-Webster defines shine as (1) to emit rays of light; (2) to be bright by reflection of light; (3) to be distinguished; (4) to perform extremely well; and (5) to have a bright glowing appearance… … let’s face it, it’s TOASTY in Tucson… and we anxiously await the monsoon season. As adults, we are familiar with the summer outdoor exercise […]
Read moreBeginning Thursday, June 29th Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions will be in effect across the entirety of the Coconino National Forest and the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. Portions of the Tonto National Forest have been under Stage 1 restrictions since June 6, including the Mazatzal, Four Peaks and Superstition Mountain ranges. For information on all […]
Read moreAfter 18 months of hard work, our partners at the Coronado National Forest have released the first comprehensive trail plan for the Santa Catalina Ranger District, which includes the northern slope of the Rincon Mountains, Mount Lemmon, Summerhaven and Oracle Ridge. According to Adam Milnor, Recreation, Heritage and Lands Staff Officer for the Forest, the plan includes projects to “diversify […]
Read moreIn late May, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland joined Raul Grijalva and staff from Senator Kyrstin Sinima’s office in a visit to several tribes in the vicinity of the Grand Canyon and northern Arizona, including a first-ever visit by a sitting Interior Secretary to the village of Supai in the Havasupai Tribe’s lands within the Canyon. Secretary Haaland met with tribal […]
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 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 moreIf you weren’t able to join us at the Desert Botanical Garden for the Arizona Trail Association’s 29th Annual Meeting on Sunday, March 5, please check out the video on our YouTube page here. Thanks to Craig Baker for capturing video and photographs from the big day!
Read moreTom 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 […]
Read moreThe Arizona Trail Association acknowledges our support for the federal climate and clean energy investments as part of The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to encourage Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, the new Office of Resiliency, state agencies, and Arizona’s elected leaders to deploy these investments to ensure they are getting to the communities that need them the […]
Read moreIn December, a multi-modal survey from TargetSmart engaged adults registered to vote in the state of Arizona to assess top priorities within the Grand Canyon State. Over 800 individuals participated via phone, text and online platforms to share their thoughts on policy priorities relating to our economy, environment, border issues, healthcare, education, partisanship and more. The poll has a credibility […]
Read moreCurrent members of the Arizona Trail Association are asked to please take just one minute to vote in our annual Board of Directors using this simple online ballot. Your vote will help elect community members who are interested in guiding the future of the Arizona Trail Association as volunteer board members. There are four prospective Board Members interested in serving […]
Read moreOur 29th Annual Meeting is happening on Sunday, March 5 at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, and you are invited to attend. ATA Board and Staff will highlight some of greatest accomplishments from 2022, honor outstanding volunteers and agency partners, hear from guest speakers, and much more. The event is scheduled from 10 am – 1 pm and will include […]
Read moreWe encourage you to tell your Arizona Trail story with the help of this new membership perk – an Arizona Trail word magnet. Put it on your refrigerator or other metallic surface at home and let the creativity flow! Haiku, limericks, prose, inspirations and memories are all encouraged. Mix it up daily or weekly, and get stoked to get back […]
Read moreOn Friday, December 16 the Arizona Trail Association celebrated the grand opening of the Oak Tree Canyon Trailhead on the Coronado National Forest near the town of Sonoita. After having been closed for nearly 20 years due to natural and cultural resource impacts from off-highway vehicles, we were delighted to have been granted permission to construct a trailhead at this […]
Read moreThe Pinyon Plain Mine (formerly Canyon Mine) appears to be gearing up for uranium mining operations fewer than 10 miles from the south rim of the Grand Canyon, and less than four miles from the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Hundreds more uranium mines could eventually be developed on public lands near Grand Canyon National Park if the Senate fails to […]
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