It takes about
six to seven weeks
to hike the entire Arizona Trail, with thru-hikers usually attempting the route either in spring or fall, so as to avoid the weather extremes that are encountered along the way, and to maximize water source availability.
When should I start the AZT 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.
How difficult 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
.
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.
How do I hike AZT?
The monument can be reached by hiking two miles south from Montezuma Pass Trailhead to the border, or by hiking 2.5 miles up the Joe's Canyon Trail from the Colorado National Memorial Visitors Center and then one mile south on the Arizona Trail.
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.
How much does it cost to hike the AZT?
I'm about to find out. My budget, on trail, for the AZT is
$500
. This number does not include the cost of sending resupply packages, or the food and gear I've purchased for this hike.
Do I need a permit to hike the AZT?
Permits & trail closures
You don't need a permit to thru-hike the AZT
, however you will need to get permits to camp overnight at the following locations (links to permit below): Colossal Cave Mountain Park (passage 8): Permit from Colossal Cave Mountain Park.
How do I get paid through hike?
- Start a Hiking/Travel Blog.
- Become a Park Ranger.
- Write a Book About Your Adventure.
- Lead Guided Hiking Trips.
- Become a Wildland Firefighter.
- Get Sponsored by a Gear Company.
- Start a YouTube Channel.
- Write for a Hiking Publication.
How much water should I bring on AZT?
Carry
5-6 liters
of water capacity (see below for more detail) but expect to usually use 2-4 liters. This might change in an especially dry year. Keep an eye on weather patterns to understand when snow is melting out (resulting in more water sources) and when hot temps will increase your water needs.
What do I need to know before hiking in Arizona?
- Plan Ahead. Before you go, plan ahead. …
- Don't Hike Alone. Know what your destination will be. …
- Be a Lightweight. The less you carry, the more enjoyable your hike will be, so travel as lightly as possible. …
- Avoid Huffing and Puffing. …
- Be Kind to Yourself. …
- Take a Break. …
- No Food, No Fuel, No Fun. …
- Watch your time.
Is there water on the Arizona Trail?
There is typically enough natural water along the AZT to sustain your adventure
, and with careful planning and a willingness to carry a day or two supply for long stretches, you'll find all you need in nature.
How do you resupply on the Arizona Trail?
There are a restaurant and a gift shop here, but
in order to resupply a box will need to be mailed here
. The cave tour can be taken for a fee while you wait. This is a good spot to resupply if you are mailing boxes. It is not far off the trail and an almost guaranteed spot to see a Coati.
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.
How long does it take to hike the Appalachian Trail?
What to Expect. Completing the entire 2,190+ miles of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in one trip is a mammoth undertaking. Each year, thousands of hikers attempt a thru-hike; only about one in four makes it all the way. A typical thru-hiker takes
5 to 7 months
to hike the entire A.T.
Where does the Pinhoti Trail start?
The Pinhoti Trail starts in
Cheaha State Park in Alabama
, heads east into Georgia, and eventually connects with the Appalachian Trail's southern terminus on Springer Mountain.
Can I hike the Arizona Trail in January?
You can, of course, hike it whenever you like, but
starting in January versus March complicates it tremendously and increases the risks
, some of which are life-threatening storms and low temps.
Can you carry a gun while hiking the Appalachian Trail?
While it is now legal to carry a gun through national parks with the correct permits,
the Appalachian Trail Conservancy discourages carrying firearms on the trail
. Then there's the matter of having the correct permits for all the states, and having concealed carry permits.
How many miles a day should you walk on the Appalachian Trail?
Most hikers start out slow, averaging eight to 10 miles a day. They will eventually work up to
12 to 16 miles a day
. Don't worry if you end up doing less some days and more on other days; as long as you set a goal for where you need to be each month, you will survive and successfully complete the trail before winter.
Is it safe to hike the Appalachian Trail alone?
If you hike alone,
you will be fine and probably better off alone than with someone else
. Don't let your lack of a hiking partner get in the way of you starting a thru-hike.
Do you need a permit to hike the Smokies?
Basic Trip Planning Information
Permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry
. Each thru-hiker must obtain a separate permit. You must have a paper copy of your permit with you at all times while hiking through Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Can you camp on 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
.
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.
