Our 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 moreCategory: Featured News
AZT Word Magnet as New Membership Perk
We 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 moreOak Tree Canyon Trailhead Now Open!
On 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 moreUranium Mine Gears Up Near Arizona Trail and Grand Canyon
The 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 […]
Read moreHandmade AZT Mugs for Supporters
Celebrate Giving Tuesday with a donation to the Arizona Trail Association. Through your ongoing generosity we are able to maintain the treasure that is the Arizona National Scenic Trail and protect it for future generations. Since 1994, the Arizona Trail Association has accomplished incredible things – all with support from members, donors, business partners and others who believe in our mission. People like you! At the ATA, […]
Read moreAZT VETS Program Featured in Tucson Weekly
Caring for our military veterans is an awesome responsibility, particularly toward vets who may be dealing with the after-effects of combat or other stressful service, and while we might think of the Veterans Health Administration as the vehicle for that care, there are other ways to help. That is where the Arizona Trail Association (ATA) enters the picture. For nearly two […]
Read morePin Drop Travel Trailers Partners with Arizona Trail Association to Support Stewardship of Trails and Public Lands
The Arizona Trail Association recently announced a partnership with Pin Drop Travel Trailers that will support stewardship of trails, public lands, and the people who enjoy them. “We are so excited to be able to partner with a local business that’s created the ultimate travel trailer for adventures in Arizona’s wild outdoor spaces,” said Matt Nelson, Executive Director of the […]
Read moreWalnut Canyon Reroute Complete
The recently completed Walnut Canyon Reroute is officially open! This important initiative to take a few miles of the AZT off old forest roads south of Flagstaff, was a successful collaboration between the Arizona Trail Association, Coconino National Forest, Arizona Conservation Corps, Arizona State Parks & Trails, Flagline Trails, and awesome volunteers. If you haven’t experienced this new ribbon of […]
Read moreCopperstate Farms Supports the Arizona Trail through Premier Legacy Partnership
The ATA is proud to announce a partnership with Copperstate Farms, a vertically integrated Arizona cannabis operator. As a Premier Legacy Partner, Copperstate Farms is donating $20,000 to support new trail construction and maintenance. “Copperstate Farms is proud to be a locally owned company, and we love this state,” said Fife Symington IV, CEO and co-founder at Copperstate Farms. “Arizona […]
Read moreMangum Fire Detour is Now Fresh Trail
During the summer of 2020, the Mangum Fire scorched 71,450 acres on the Kaibab National Forest and significantly impacted three miles of the Arizona Trail within Orderville Canyon along Passage 42 (Kaibab Plateau North). Since the trail was located within the canyon bottom and the fire burned at high intensity, this segment of AZT has been closed for two years […]
Read moreArizona State Legislature Approves $ For Arizona Trail Fund
We are excited to share the news that a $250,000 appropriation for the Arizona Trail Fund was included in the State of Arizona’s 2023 budget! Thanks to your support and advocacy, we did it!!! This funding will allow Arizona State Parks to hire conservation corps and state approved trail work professionals to accomplish priority maintenance and construction projects on the […]
Read moreCall Your State Representatives Today to Support the Arizona Trail Fund
State budget negotiations are happening TODAY, and we need you to contact your state representatives and senators to advocate for the Arizona Trail Fund. Will you take just a few minutes to call the three individuals who represent you within the Arizona State Legislature? Find your state reps here: https://www.azleg.gov/findmylegislator/ When you call, please let them know: 1) you’re a […]
Read moreWebsite Changes Coming for ATA Members, Donors & Volunteers
We are excited to announce that we are in the process of transitioning to a new online platform specifically designed to meet the needs of our donors, members, and volunteers who are the backbone of the ATA – people like you! Here are some upcoming changes: Single Sign-In – If you currently have both a member account and a volunteer […]
Read moreDesert Sunset Socks Now Available
Check out our new Arizona Trail socks with earth tones and mountain skylines, made for trail enthusiasts looking for a high-performance sock ideal for warm weather activities. These Aireator® socks from DeFeet are renowned for their cool feel, fast-drying capabilities, and supportive fit. Socks are comfortable, colorful, and are constructed from yarns made from recycled water bottles (60% Nylon, 39% […]
Read moreNew AZT Bandana
Just in time for Spring, we are proud to offer these new Arizona Trail bandanas! These are 100% cotton and feature the Arizona Trail’s path as it crosses the state. Perhaps the most functional item to bring with you on the Arizona Trail, a bandana can be used to shade your neck and face; pre-filter water; cool your skin; wrap around a […]
Read moreUS Forest Service Announces New Policy for Managing E-bikes
Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service announced that internal guidance on how future e-bike use is managed on national forests and grasslands has been finalized. The updated guidance clarifies existing policy and provides guidelines to local Forest Service employees that may be considering expanding e-bike access at site-specific locations. The Forest Service currently allows e-bikes on all Forest […]
Read moreNew Economic Impact Study Proves Benefits of Nature and Restoration Economy in Southern Arizona
Nature and the resources and benefits it provides are key inputs to production processes that stimulate economic growth. They enhance quality-of-life and contribute to the health of regional economies through ‘nature-based’ industries that depend on them, supporting jobs, income, and economic development. At the same time, how these natural resources are managed can either build or degrade the natural resource […]
Read moreContact Your Representatives to Support House Bill 2789
House Bill 2789 (Arizona Trail Fund) is being voted on by the State Legislature, and we are asking you to contact your representatives and ask them to support this bill in the House this week! It will be heard by the Senate shortly thereafter. This bill would expand use of the Arizona Trail State Fund beyond trail construction and maintenance […]
Read moreArizona State Legislature Approves Outdoor Recreation Resolution
On February 3, Arizona Senator TJ Shope’s outdoor recreation resolution passed on the Senate floor with unanimous, bipartisan support (28-0). The resolution was then transmitted to the House where it was unanimously approved. We are so proud of the Arizona State Legislature recognizing the importance of outdoor recreation for community wellness and our state’s economy! Please take a moment to […]
Read moreDon’t Miss the Annual Meeting this Saturday!
Join us for the 28th Annual Meeting of the Arizona Trail Association at 10 am on Saturday, February 5th on Zoom and Facebook Live as we present accomplishments from 2021 and our big goals for 2022. You’ll learn how your contributions helped protect and maintain the 800-mile Arizona Trail, in addition to reports on Trail Operations, Volunteer Program, Youth Outreach […]
Read moreCheck Out Our Five-Year Strategic Plan
Every five years, the Arizona Trail Association develops a Strategic Plan to help guide staff and board strive as they fulfill the mission and vision of the organization. As annual work plans are developed and as issues arise, the Strategic Plan provides the framework for sound decision-making. Thanks to input from ATA members and the hard work of the Board […]
Read moreNew AZT Neck Gaiter Features Plants of the Sonoran Desert…and a Gila Monster!
Whether you’re hiking, running, biking, riding, or rolling along the Arizona Trail, wrap yourself in one of these versatile and stylish neck gaiters, featuring the official critter of the Arizona National Scenic Trail: the Gila Monster. It’s the ultimate trail accessory — providing skin protection and a cloth face covering when you need it. Use it as a sun guard/wind […]
Read moreAZT Oracle Rumble Trail Running Event Returns on January 29
The 5th annual AZT Oracle Rumble presented by Summit Hut takes place on Saturday, January 29th near the beautiful, historic town of Oracle — located one hour north of Tucson in the shadow of the mighty Santa Catalina Mountains on the ancestral lands of the Tohono O’odham and Ndee (Western Apache). The trail running event is mostly singletrack around and […]
Read moreOfficial Footwear of the Arizona Trail (25% discount for members!)
We’re excited to introduce the Official Footwear of the Arizona Trail, created by our friends at Erem. Erem is the first outdoor brand designed from the ground up for desert performance and made with progressive environmental standards. Erem’s products are Biocircular™, meaning they only use materials with 100% proven paths back to nature and can be re-streamed at the end […]
Read moreAZT in a DAY a Huge Success
For the past four years, we’ve invited the Arizona Trail community to help us complete the entire length of the Arizona Trail in 24 hours through our ambitious AZT in a DAY initiative. This year, on October 9, at least 431 people participated. There were 357 hikers, 30 runners, 17 mountain bikers, and 27 equestrians. At least 91 family and friends […]
Read moreMember Survey Results
Earlier this year we asked active members of the Arizona Trail Association to participate in a survey to help inform our organization’s Strategic Plan for 2022-2026. A total of 763 ATA members took the survey (that’s more than 33%) and shared their thoughts and opinions about the greatest assets and challenges facing the trail and the ATA. Both quantitative and […]
Read moreArizona Trail Association releases video essay calling on US Senators to “Protect Arizona” by fighting climate change
On September 20, the Arizona Trail Association released a three-minute video essay featuring a diverse collection of outdoor enthusiasts urging Arizona’s US Senators to protect the Arizona National Scenic Trail by fighting climate change. The video includes inspiring imagery from various passages along the Arizona National Scenic Trail as well as footage of wildfires and extreme weather events that threaten the […]
Read moreBe Part of AZT in a DAY on October 9th
Register today to hike, run or ride a segment of the 800-mile Arizona Trail, and help make history as we attempt to complete the entire trail in one day. Together, we can do it! Choose your segment and register for free today by visiting our AZT in a DAY event page. If you have any questions, please email karrie@aztrail.org.
Read moreNew Arizona Trail Tech Shirts & Cycling Jerseys
We are excited to announce the release of our Summer 2021 long sleeve tech shirts and cycling jerseys, featuring an original design from Shannon Villegas inspired by the San Francisco Peaks Passage of the AZT. All proceeds from the sale of this product will directly benefit mountain bike projects on the AZT, including rollover gates, singletrack construction to replace roads, […]
Read moreAvoid Wet Trails
Now that monsoons have returned (with a vengeance), it’s important to avoid wet trails. As tempting as it may be to head for the hills after a storm, the hard work that our trail stewards and volunteers do to maintain the Arizona Trail can be destroyed when people hike and ride on muddy trails. The damage that feet, tires and […]
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