On August 4, the Great American Outdoors Act was signed into law. This is the most important piece of conservation legislation in half a century! The Act provides full and permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which protect lands and waters Americans treasure most, and improves access to the outdoors for urban communities. The Act also dedicates […]
Read moreToday, the United States House of Representatives voted in favor of the Great American Outdoors Act by an overwhelming majority (310–107). It is now on its way to be signed by the President, and within the next 10 days will become the most significant piece of conservation legislation in a generation. The Act provides full and permanent funding for the […]
Read moreWater is the most important resource along the 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail. Where to find it, how reliable the source may be, and the quality of the water is vital to any long-distance trail adventure on foot, mountain bike or equine. Working with our friends at Atlas Guides, we are proud to introduce the Arizona Trail Water Report. This […]
Read moreCustoms and Border Protection (CBP) announced their plans today to construct two miles of border barriers through the Huachuca Mountains within Coronado National Memorial and across the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Beginning Monday, July 13 the southernmost two miles of the Trail will be closed in the interest of public safety during construction activities. Click here to send a pre-formatted […]
Read moreTrail construction on the 32-mile Temporal Gulch Reroute Project has begun! A crew of four American Conservation Experience trail professionals and a mini-excavator operator – Rob Bauer of Bauer Built Trails – have been hard at work building singletrack in the Canelo Hills. Watch this 30-second time-lapse video for a snapshot of what they’re up to. Once completed, this project […]
Read moreAnyone who has visited the Highline Passage of the Arizona National Scenic Trail over the past few years will remember the ditch that bisected the trail near Geronimo Spring. The chasm has grown deeper and more dangerous with every storm, creating a significant safety hazard for trail users. Thanks to funding from the State of Arizona and a collaborative effort […]
Read moreA new report is now available from Arizona State Parks and Trails and the University of Arizona highlighting the economic value of trails to Arizona residents, based on the benefits to those using them. Economic Value of Trails in Arizona – A Travel Cost Method Study estimates statewide demand for motorized and non-motorized trails and highlights the importance of providing […]
Read moreYesterday I spent a few hours exploring the Arizona Trail in southern Arizona. Ocotillo flowers created a bright red canopy while yellow brittlebush and pink penstemon decorated the desert floor. Everyone I encountered along the trail was smiling and enjoying a beautiful spring day outdoors. The trail was in great condition, and I noticed recent signs of tread repair and […]
Read moreAZT Thru-Hiker/Thru-Rider IMPORTANT Updates (March 18, 2020) If you are currently thru-hiking or thru-riding the Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT) then you’re probably in one of the safest places imaginable. The AZT is an ideal place to practice social distancing to help fight the spread of COVID-19. However, recent events locally and nationally mean your long-distance adventure is about to […]
Read more“Through the Great Southwest” is a documentary film about the Arizona Trail. The trail, which showcases amazingly beautiful and diverse terrain, has an equally significant impact on the lives of many of the people who hike, ride, run, and support it across the state of Arizona. Outdoor Evolution Founder Darwin Rakestraw makes his directorial debut with this Film Project inspired […]
Read moreThe Arizona Trail Association is proud to share our 2019 Annual Report with you. The Annual Report includes highlights of our most successful projects from throughout 2019 as well as our top priorities for 2020. The Annual Report was given to everyone who attended the Annual Members Meeting on February 1 at the Desert Botanical Garden, and it’s now available […]
Read moreThe popular Arizona Trail Topo Maps are now available through the Avenza mobile app. All 129 of the detailed topo maps can be downloaded from the Avenza store and stored to your mobile device. Once they’re downloaded, the maps work offline and without cell phone connectivity. You can use the maps to find your exact location along the trail using […]
Read moreJust when you thought 800 miles couldn’t be accomplished any quicker, a 24-year-old super hiker from Yorkshire, United Kingdom recently completed the entire length of the Arizona National Scenic Trail in 14 days, 12 hours, 21 minutes. He averaged over 55 miles per day without a day of rest and overcame a stress fracture in his tibia to become the […]
Read moreOn August 30-31, a dedicated crew of eight Arizona Trail Association volunteers joined Assistant Trail Director Zach MacDonald to venture into a particularly remote segment of the Arizona Trail to install an AZT Rainwater Collector. This unit is the first of its kind and was designed by the Arizona Trail Association and metalsmith extraordinaire Rob Bauer in consultation with sustainability […]
Read moreThe Valley Toyota Dealers recently donated a 2019 Toyota Tacoma to the Arizona Trail Association. We are excited beyond words! The 4×4 Toyota Tacoma can haul up to four people plus lots of tools and gear, and can easily tow a trailer into those hard-to-access areas. Look for it at a trailhead near you…the custom topo map wrap makes it […]
Read moreWe are delighted to offer the third in a series of commemorative mugs celebrating the natural beauty of the Arizona National Scenic Trail! This handmade mug features a scene from the Kaibab Plateau Passage of the AZT near the North Rim of Grand Canyon, including lush meadows, dense fir forests, and an American bison. This was the first segment of […]
Read moreWarming springtime temperatures throughout southern and central Arizona welcome reptiles to emerge from their winter brumation. They’re out in abundance right now, and you can expect to see an impressive variety of lizards and snakes while on the Arizona Trail. Obviously, one of the biggest concerns is rattlesnakes. These pit vipers are active during both day and night (depending on […]
Read moreJust in time for the chilly weather, we are delighted to offer Arizona Trail toques (aka beanies) from Crown Trails Headwear. Featuring the Arizona Trail logo in natural colors, this uncuffed knit cap keeps your head and ears cozy and warm. It’s a durable toque (pronounced twook) that stays snug and comfortable on your head for many miles on the trail […]
Read moreAward-winning local author Rodo Sofranac just released the first-ever children’s book celebrating the Arizona Trail! The Red Tail Tale on the Arizona Trail is a full-color book featuring photographs, illustrations, and tons of educational material in 62 exciting pages. The book follows Rowen, a young, red-headed explorer, and Rojo, a clever, red-tailed hawk. The two meet, bond, and experience a wonderful adventure on […]
Read moreOn May 21, Flagstaff Biking Organization recognized Sabrina Carlson as the recipient of the 2018 Brick Award for Bicycle Advocacy. As the Youth Outreach & Education Coordinator for the Arizona Trail Association’s Seeds of Stewardship program, Sabrina has led thousands of children into the woods for the past three years. She regularly integrates mountain biking into her outdoor education programs and […]
Read moreOn Saturday, May 5 a crew of stonemasons from Payson met with Passage 43 Trail Steward Paul Ostapuk at the Stateline Campground on the Arizona/Utah border to construct an official northern terminus monument. For anyone who has completed the AZT or visited this location, you know it’s impossible to determine where the trail ends. Not anymore! Carlos Rodriguez (RB Stonework) […]
Read moreWe coordinated two trail work events in Southern Arizona to commemorate Earth Day on Sunday, April 22, and to finish some much needed trail rehabilitation at Enzenberg Canyon in the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains (AZT Passage 5). Saturday, April 21, we coordinated with a high school group from the Coronado Youth Corps (CYC) to repair a gate latch […]
Read moreThe box culvert under Highway 77 near the northern end of Passage 13 often fills up with sand, making it difficult for anyone over 5 feet tall to walk through (and it’s impossible for equestrians). The ATA recently procured a special permit from the Arizona Department of Transportation to allow Rob Bauer to remove a few tons of sand from […]
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