Winter rains have been falling across the state over the past six weeks, and the desert is carpeted in green leaves that may emerge as wildflowers next month. This is shaping up to be a spectacular season for thru-hiking and biking the Arizona National Scenic Trail! However, 25.5 miles of the AZT within Grand Canyon National Park remain closed due to impacts from the Dragon Bravo Fire. Rerouting around the Grand Canyon is nearly impossible, so for the second consecutive season, there is no connected route from Mexico to Utah. This is tough news for all of us at the ATA who work hard year-round to ensure there’s a continuous path.

This update is intended as a planning guide for anyone considering a northbound thru-hike or ride on the AZT this spring season. The only way around the closed area is to take a shuttle from the South Kaibab Trailhead to the North Rim. TransCanyon Shuttle is starting their season early to accommodate AZT thru-hikers and bikers. Reserve your seat a few days in advance once you know when you’ll need a ride from the South Kaibab Trailhead.

Affected passages:

• Passage 38 (Grand Canyon Inner Gorge) – CLOSED from the Clear Creek trail junction (just north of Phantom Ranch) to the North Kaibab Trailhead
• Passage 39 (Grand Canyon North Rim) – CLOSED from the North Kaibab Trailhead to the Park/Forest Boundary

Click here for more information on Grand Canyon National Park Closures.

So what’s a thru to do? 
Once you get to the South Kaibab Trailhead, consider hiking 7 miles down into one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Cross the Black Bridge and spend some time at Boat Beach to experience the power of the Colorado River, and then decide if you’d like to visit historic Phantom Ranch and maybe buy a cold beverage or a snack. If you want to experience as much of the AZT as possible, walk north for another 0.35-mile to the Clear Creek trail junction, then turn around and head south. If you secured an overnight camping permit in advance through the Backcountry Office, then enjoy a night at Bright Angel Campground. Most consider this an essential part of the Arizona Trail experience. Then, hike back uphill to the South Kaibab Trailhead.

From the South Kaibab Trailhead, have a friend or family member drive you around to the North Rim. TransCanyon Shuttle will offer daily rim-to-rim transportation, and securing your reservation in advance is highly recommended. They will drive you as far south on Hwy 67 as is permissible. This might be to the town of Jacob Lake, or as far south as the Forest/Park boundary, or perhaps somewhere in between. Negotiations are currently underway with the Arizona Dept of Transportation, Grand Canyon National Park and the Kaibab National Forest. The shuttle driver will take you are far as they are legally allowed to drive.

From there, continue north on the AZT toward the Arizona/Utah border. Or, if you want to experience as much of the AZT as is open, hike south to the Forest/Park boundary and then reverse your route and continue on to the northern terminus.

Mountain bikers who don’t mind highway miles and dirt tracks on the Navajo Nation should consider researching Segment 7 of the Western Wildlands Route developed by our friends at Bikepacking Roots. This eliminates the need for a shuttle, but will require some yo-yo (southbound and then northbound) road and trail miles on the Kaibab Plateau.

Every day that goes by that the AZT is not a continuous path, we’re not fulfilling our vision. We appreciate your patience and support as we work through these challenges. All of us are working hard to reopen the AZT and/or identify reroutes with your safety as our top priority. Please avoid closed areas, understand the hazards of traveling through burned forests that have reopened, and enjoy every mile you’re able to hike or ride this year. After the winter snow melts and we have an opportunity to assess the damage, we will work with Park and Forest staff to reopen the trail as soon as possible.