Arizona Trail

The Arizona National Scenic Trail is a National Scenic Trail from Mexico to Utah that traverses the whole north–south length of the U.S. state of Arizona. The trail begins at the Coronado National Memorial near the US–Mexico border and moves north through parts of the Huachuca, Santa Rita, and Rincon Mountains. The trail continues through the Santa Catalina north of Tucson and the Mazatzal Mountains before ascending the Mogollon Rim north of Payson, eventually leading to the higher elevations of Northern Arizona and the San Francisco Peaks. The trail then continues across the Coconino Plateau and in and out of the Grand Canyon. The Arizona Trail terminates near the Arizona–Utah border in the Kaibab Plateau region. The long Arizona Trail was completed on December 16, 2011. The trail is designed as a primitive trail for hiking, equestrians, mountain biking, and even cross country skiing, showcasing the wide variety of mountain ranges and ecosystems of Arizona.
The idea for the trail was originally developed and promoted in 1985 by Dale Shewalter, a Flagstaff, Arizona, teacher. The Arizona Trail was designated as a National Scenic Trail on March 30, 2009 by the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. It forms part of the shortened version of the Great Western Loop. This version includes the Grand Canyon National Park.
History.
The Arizona Trail was created by interconnecting preexisting trails. In 1994, the Arizona Trail Association incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to bring volunteers and the necessary resources to create maps, identify water sources, build and maintain the trail, and help raise funds for the trail.
Hiking the Trail.
Map of the Trail.
The Arizona Trail is divided into 43 passages, and categorized into Southern, Central, and Northern sections.
Trail Finishers.
Trail finishers are individuals who have completed the Arizona Trail. They receive a copper belt buckle (or pin/pendant) in celebration of their accomplishment. This list includes:
Trail Communities.
The “AZT Gateway” provides community information (i.e., lodging, staple stores, access information, urgent care, etc.). There are many scenic communities that have fun areas of interest along the Arizona Trail.
Mountain Biking.
Mountain biking is allowed but segments are off-limits due to wilderness restrictions. Preferred biking routes have been developed to retain a trail experience consistent with National Scenic Trail values.
Animals along the Trail.
Some hikers enjoy the company of their canine companions when hiking the trail. However, due to the rough terrain and poisonous wildlife it is best not to bring them. It is recommended to plan day trips in certain designated areas.
Pack goats are great companions on the trail, and can help lessen the pain of carrying a heavy backpack. They are allowed on some parts of the Arizona Trail, but prohibited on other segments due to the possibility of diseases from domestic goats spreading to sensitive bighorn sheep populations. Pack goats are not allowed anywhere bighorn sheep live. Therefore, it’s not possible to do a thru-hike with pack goats.
Trail Experiences.
As of 2015 fewer than 20 people have ever ridden the trail. There have been those people who rode the trail all at once and others who rode the trail in segments, taking up to six years.
In general, it takes approximately fifty days to hike the trail. The speed record for completing the trail is held by Jeff Garmire who completed the Arizona trail in fifteen days, thirteen hours.
A 21-mile section along the Arizona Trail provides majestic views in the Grand Canyon region, particularly on the Kaibab Plateau. The trail connects the East Rim View and Murray trailheads.
Jason Mark relates his experience hiking the Arizona Trail with his companion. The article offers travel tips, backpacking, and scenic attractions along the Trail.