Highline Trail Volunteer Vacation 2022
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DATE: October 9 – 15th 2022
The ATA Volunteer Vacations are returning to the spectacular Mogollon Rim Country – this time for a project out of Washington Park rebuilding a section of the Highline National Recreation Trail. Here, the pines reach to the sky and the vistas stretch out forever as the Mogollon escarpment marks the edge of the Colorado Plateau. For those who are familiar with this territory, it can be as challenging as it is beautiful.
LOCATION
The ATA Volunteer Vacations are returning to the spectacular Mogollon Rim Country – this time for a project out of Washington Park. Here, the Arizona Trail leaves the historic Highline Trail alignment and begins its steep climb up to the rim on the Colonel Devin Trail. Here, the pines reach to the sky and the vistas stretch out forever as the Mogollon escarpment marks the edge of the Colorado Plateau. For those who are familiar with this territory, it can be as challenging as it is beautiful.
The ATA and AHS acknowledge with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache), Hopitutskwa, and Hohokam peoples past and present. We honor the land itself, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We invite all volunteers to join us in our commitment to support and amplify the work of Indigenous communities as they work to dismantle the systems of oppression that these communities continue to face today.
PROJECT
Much of the trail is on old roads or historic ranch routes that were not designed with sustainability in mind. As a result, much of the tread is badly eroded, steep and choked with loose rock and debris. Creating a more sustainable alignment and user-friendly corridor is an ongoing battle for trail crews on planners alike.
The Tonto National Forest has launched a concerted effort to replace some of these badly eroded sections of the Highline with new, sustainable tread – including approximately 1.2 miles on the AZT near Washington Park. Volunteers will be involved in all stages of construction, to include brushing, building tread, small stone work projects and moving debris. The hike to and from the worksite will be between 1 and 3 miles each day.
LOGISTICS AND GEAR
Participants should be able to provide their own camping gear, though some items may be available to borrow (suggested equipment lists will be provided). Campsite conditions may be primitive, but you will still be surprised at the hospitality! Meals are included, as well as snacks, with family-style dinners and breakfasts. All trail work tools and personal protective equipment will be provided, along with appropriate instruction in tool use and trail maintenance techniques.
The campsite will be accessible by passenger car, and a short shuttle drive may be required to reach the work site.
TRANSPORTATION
Pick-up will be available from the Phoenix airport, with potential carpools also available from Phoenix and Tucson.
AREA MAPS
This volunteer vacation is taking place near the Mogollon Rim of Arizona. For maps of the Arizona Trail through this area, see the links below.
CONTACT
If you have a question that was not answered on these pages, please contact Wendy at volunteer@aztrail.org.
REGISTRATION
Registration fees help to offset the cost of food and transportation, but if they present a barrier, please reach out to us at volunteer@aztrail.org. We have funding available to sponsor participation.
