May 4-11, 2025
The fate of our public lands is on the line. Right now, lawmakers are considering selling off public lands to cover tax cuts and federal expenses—putting forests, mountains, deserts, canyons and trails at risk.
You’re encouraged to call your representatives and tell them why public lands are important to you. If you live in Arizona, contact Senators Mark Kelly (202-224-2235) and Ruben Gallego (202-224-4521) and find your House Representative here.
Wednesday, May 7
Sign the Public Lands Protection Petition and we will hand deliver your message and photo to members of Congress on Friday, May 9.
As a member of the Arizona Trail community, I urge you to prioritize the protection of public lands. Our deserts, mountains, canyons, forests, lakes, streams, and trails are among our nation’s most valuable resources. Public lands belong to all Americans, and are important to our state’s outdoor recreation economy and rural communities. I stand with the majority of Arizonans who agree that public lands should not be sold, leased, privatized, or sacrificed to resource extraction. Please support any legislation that protects public lands, and oppose any efforts to transfer federally managed land to the states or sell them to private entities. I also urge you to communicate directly with Interior Secretary Burgum and tell him, “hands off our public lands,” especially our national monuments. Out of respect to past, present and future generations, we must protect public lands and waters.
Click HERE to sign the Petition and upload your photo of your favorite public lands in Arizona.
Thursday, May 8 – 7:30 am ~ Pine, AZ
Trailwork: Brushing Passage 25 Please join the ATA on Passage 25, in the Rim Country Region near Pine for a trail work event. The Thursday Regulars need a few extra hands for the day. Our project area is 1.25 miles from the trailhead, so we anticipate hiking between 2.5 and 4 miles for the day with our tools. This project is rated moderate – accessible to first time volunteers but challenging in terms of access and/or intensity of work. This means the hike in may be hard, but the work is relatively easy.
Friday, May 9 – 6-7PM (virtual)
Defend Our Public Lands Letters to the Editor Workshop
The Sierra Club will be providing information on public lands, threats to them, and tips on writing letters to officials. Register to receive a Zoom link.
Saturday, May 10 on-trail events (details and registration form below):
All hikes: wear good shoes, bring your own food/water & sunscreen.
Passage 1 hike – 8 am @ Montezuma Pass: Out and back hike from Montezuma Pass to the Southern Terminus at the Mexico border. Featuring sweeping views of desert grasslands, oak woodlands, and the rugged Huachuca Mountains. Plan to meet at the Montezuma Pass trailhead at 8am, or arrange your own carpool from the Coronado Memorial visitor’s center.
Passage 4 hike – 7 am @ Casa Blanca Trailhead: Out and back hike going north on the AZT from the trailhead. No bathroom at trailhead. Cancelled due to low sign up.
Passage 9 hike – 7:30 am @ Camino Loma Alta Trailhead: Out and back hike in iconic Saguaro National Park in Vail. No bathroom at trailhead.
Passage 31 hike – 10 am @ Sandy’s Canyon Trailhead: Out and back from the trailhead to Fisher Point Overlook. Note: Maps apps don’t recognize the short road to the trailhead, which is visible on satellite view. From Flagstaff, take Lake Mary road and turn left onto FR9478Y (the turn before Canyon Vista Campground) and take the immediate right, which brings you to the parking area. Call/text Clay (928-292-4944) if you have any trouble finding the location. No bathroom at trailhead.
