How Long Is The Arizona Trail?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The Arizona National Scenic Trail (Arizona Trail) stretches

over 800 miles

across the entire length of the state, from the U.S.-Mexico border to Utah. The trail connects deserts, mountains, canyons, wilderness, history, communities, and people.

How hard is the Arizona Trail?

The Arizona Trail (AZT) is a rugged,

challenging 800+ mile thru-hike

that stretches from the border of Mexico to the border of Utah, and is riddled with challenges such as extreme heat, freezing temperatures, snow, blowing sand, lack of water, consistent elevation change, and many stinging and poisonous critters.

How much does it cost to hike the Arizona Trail?

I spent

roughly $3,000

to thru-hike the Arizona Trail, including new gear, transportation, food, lodging, and incidentals.

When should I start the Arizona Trail?

Thus, the ideal timing for a fall SOBO AZT hike is starting

after mid-to-late September

and finishing by early-to-mid November. Too early and you’ll have more rain in the north and heat in the south.

Do you need a permit to hike the Arizona Trail?


A recreation permit from the Arizona State Land Department is required for any activity, such as camping, that occurs off the Arizona Trail on State Trust Land

. Always check with the local agencies for specific requirements and conditions.

What is the best time of year to hike the Arizona Trail?

The ideal time to hike the Arizona trail is

October-November and March-April

. Temperatures are more agreeable, making for a significantly better hike.

What is the hardest hike in Arizona?

  • Finger Rock.
  • Lava Falls.
  • Cathedral Rock.
  • Superstition Ridgeline.
  • Mt. Humphrey.
  • Piestewa Peak.
  • Wilderness of Rocks.
  • Four Peaks Motherlode.

Is the Arizona Trail Safe?

In total,

125.4 miles of the AZT are closed and are not expected to be safe to hike or ride again until 2021

. Under normal circumstances, the ATA would help facilitate shuttles around closed segments of trail.

Are there bears on the Arizona Trail?


There are absolutely black bears in Arizona

! Hello, mountains and forests. I saw a bear one day while hiking, it was just off trail chilling in a tree, before entering the Mazatal Wilderness. Black bears are skittish and afraid of people, so making noise should scare them off.

How do you train for the Arizona Trail?


Try to get a hike in every day if you can

. This will not only help to get accustomed to the extra weight, but will also get you acclimated to hiking every day. Once you find that you can easily do what’s in your comfort zone plus the extra weight, begin to increase the weight to 10-12lbs.

How do I prepare for hiking in Arizona?

  1. Plan Ahead. Before you go, plan ahead. …
  2. Don’t Hike Alone. Know what your destination will be. …
  3. Be a Lightweight. The less you carry, the more enjoyable your hike will be, so travel as lightly as possible. …
  4. Avoid Huffing and Puffing. …
  5. Be Kind to Yourself. …
  6. Take a Break. …
  7. No Food, No Fuel, No Fun. …
  8. Watch your time.

Can you hike the Grand Canyon without a permit?


A permit is not required for day hiking or day horseback riding in the canyon

.

What is the hardest hike in America?

  • The Maze. …
  • South Kaibab Trail/Bright Angel Trail. …
  • Kalalau Trail. …
  • Mist Trail – Half Dome. …
  • Muir Snowfield Trail. …
  • Huckleberry Mountain. …
  • Barr Trail.

How do I get paid through hike?

  1. Start a Hiking/Travel Blog.
  2. Become a Park Ranger.
  3. Write a Book About Your Adventure.
  4. Lead Guided Hiking Trips.
  5. Become a Wildland Firefighter.
  6. Get Sponsored by a Gear Company.
  7. Start a YouTube Channel.
  8. Write for a Hiking Publication.

Can you bike the Arizona Trail?

The Arizona National Scenic Trail is one of the only National Scenic Trails in the country that encourages

mountain bikers

to enjoy the adventurous route spanning from border to border.

Can dogs hike the Arizona Trail?

Where dogs are allowed, they must be on a leash no greater than 6 feet in length.

Dogs are NOT allowed on trails within the following areas: Coronado National Memorial (Passage 1 – Section 1) Saguaro National Park (Passage 9 – Sections 16 and 17)

What is the best section of the Arizona Trail?

Our choice is a 6.2-mile stretch of the Arizona Trail that starts at Aspen Corner on the way up to the Snowbowl and ends at the intersection of Forest Road 418. We chose this part — officially called

Segment 34c

— because it may be the most accessible segment of the AZT around Flagstaff without being, well, boring.

Can you hike the Arizona Trail in winter?


The Arizona Trail is another great option for winter backpacking routes

. The lower elevation parts of the trail trek through some of the most wild and remote desert regions of the state. Start out with a fun through hike from Picket Post to the Gila River for incredible 360 views of desert.

Where does the Arizona Trail begin and end?

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

.

How many calories do you burn hiking Camelback Mountain?

5 – 2.5 HOURS rt • ELEVATION GAIN: 1,264 FEET (90 STORIES) • APPROX. CALORIES BURNED:

410-460 rt

• BEST TIME OF YEAR: oct. – april • PETS: no • KID FRIENDLY: Not so much • FACILITIES: YES • FEES: none.

Is Camelback or Squaw Peak harder?

If you’re wondering which hike is more difficult, the answer is negligible. If hard-pressed, I’d say

Camelback is harder

. Both have comparable elevation gain, in the range of 1,200ft, but the trails up Camelback are slightly longer than the one up Piestewa.

Does Arizona have waterfalls?

Waterfalls are some of nature’s most breathtaking creations, and

the desert land of Arizona is filled with some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the nation

. The falls vary drastically in terms of size, surrounding, and in difficulty getting there.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.