The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service recently signed the Arizona National Scenic Trail Comprehensive Plan. The plan establishes a long-term framework to guide the coordinated management of the 800-mile trail that spans Arizona from Mexico to Utah.

Required by the National Trails System Act, the comprehensive plan outlines administrative objectives, policies, and management guidance for the Arizona National Scenic Trail. The plan supports future stewardship actions by the Forest Service and partners, including landowners, land managers, and volunteer organizations, while preserving the trail’s unique ecological, historical, and recreational values. The plan’s approval is a significant step in continued coordination across multiple jurisdictions and landscapes.

“This plan reflects years of collaboration and a shared commitment to protect one of the country’s most iconic, non-motorized long-distance trails,” said Michiko Martin, Regional Forester for the Southwestern Region. “The Arizona National Scenic Trail not only showcases the natural and cultural diversity of the state, but it also connects communities, supports local economies, and inspires environmental stewardship.”

When the Arizona Trail was designated a National Scenic Trail by Congress in 2009, the US Forest Service as the administering agency was directed to develop a comprehensive plan within two years. Now, 16 years later, the plan is complete. The plan incorporates input from a variety of stakeholders over many years, including agencies, municipalities, organizations, private interests, and others.

“From desert vistas to ponderosa pine forests, Arizona is home to many unique and beautiful landscapes. Along the Arizona Trail, tourists and locals alike can experience all that our state has to offer,” said Senator Ruben Gallego. “The completion of the Arizona National Scenic Trail Comprehensive Plan is an exciting step for the protection and management of this Congressionally designated trail, and I am grateful to those whose hard work has gone into developing it.”

“We couldn’t be more excited about the completion of the plan,” said Matthew Nelson, Executive Director of the Arizona Trail Association, the nonprofit organization formed in 1994 to lead the development of the Arizona Trail. “Our organization has been working for decades to gather documentation for a robust plan that prioritizes protection of the Arizona Trail’s resources – from natural quiet and scenic vistas to accessible trailheads and visitor capacity recommendations. This plan is a map for land managers to follow, and gives us hope for the future direction of the AZT. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this plan over the years, and US Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz whose signature makes it reality.”

For more information about the Arizona National Scenic Trail Comprehensive Plan, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/azt/home. View and download a copy of the Plan here.