Some of you may know me through reddit or from the trail. Thruhiking the arizona trail everything you need to know. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from march until october. Most of this route is a simple dirt path which follows a diverse series of landscapes and habitat. If you choose to visit a national park, please ensure that you follow cdc and state and local guidelines to prevent the spread of infectious. Detailed descriptions of each of the 43 passages between mexico and utah topographic maps to help you find your way elevation profiles showing ups and downs of the trail directions to trailheads and alternate access points. Winding along waterways, over mountain ranges and across vast stretches of open land, they invite us to connect with nature. Ive been reading the book, trying to get a feel for the trail, but would love to hear what you all. Your complete guide to the arizona national scenic trail matthew j. At around 4600 miles, it is by far the longest of the national scenic trails, being more than double the length of the infamous appalachian trail. Your complete guide to the arizona national scenic trail by. National scenic trails were established to provide outdoor recreation opportunities and to conserve portions of the natural landscape with significant scenic, historic, natural, or cultural importance. Whether youre looking for a scenic desert drive, an afternoon out with the kids or a day at the lake, the apache trail. From arizona to mexico, this trail links deserts, mountains, canyons, communities and people.
Historic and scenic trails partnership for the national. One of only 11 national scenic trails in the country, and only the third to be completed, the arizona trail beckons the adventurous at heart to explore the more remote and unknown regions of the state, in addition to enjoying the grand canyon, saguaro national park, and other famous natural wonders. Arizona s apache trail is a veritable gold mine no pun intended of tourist opportunity. This year, were celebrating the 50th anniversary of national scenic trails. Most people have heard of the appalachian trail, but theres a lot more involved. Arizona national scenic trail azt, continental divide national scenic trail cdt. I was planning to attempt a through hike this summer of the at but that has obviously been put on the back. The florida national scenic trail is a congressionally designated national scenic trail. Youll run into rattlesnakes and scorpions, but also rabbits, squirrels and elk. The arizona trail association states that the arizona national scenic trail azt is a complete nonmotorized path, stretching 800 diverse miles across arizona from mexico to utah. This trail goes from mexico to utah, traversing the whole northsouth length ofarizona. The usda forest service is the administrator of the florida trail, charged with planning routes, overseeing development and establishing partnerships to complete the trail.
The arizona national scenic trail hiking has 3,009 members. The arizona trail app is a gps and mapbased guide for your arizona trail hiking, equestrian, or mountain biking trip. The trail begins at the coronado national memorial near the usmexico border and moves north through parts. They declared nationwide systems of trails some scenic, some historic, and others recreational. A much more useful book is arizona national scenic trail which is much more practical and current. The first 3 trails to be granted this designation have become known as the triple crown of hiking. The trail crosses the rincon mountains, mazatzal mountains, the mogollon rim north of payson, the san francisco peaks, coconino plateau, grand canyon, and the kaibab plateau. On wednesday, the house natural resources committee sent to the house floor h. This book focuses on the eight national scenic trails in the system and is a great guide to the almost 16,000 miles they encompass through 30 states. Lake mead national recreation area in arizona and nevada here is a separate page for lake mead national recreation area passport stamps listed by stamping station.
Arizona is a big statethe sixthlargest in the nationand one way to get a sense of that expanse is to walk the length of it. The new arizona national scenic trail exhibit fills the national geographic visitor centers interior courtyard and features a huge map of arizona depicting the entire trail along with wall graphics explaining the arizona trail s diverse and worldclass terrain, flora and fauna. Overall, this new book will become a personal guide and irreplaceable source for any hiker, mountain biker, or equestrian heading for the arizona national scenic trail whether they intend to do a part of one section, or a weekend of two or three sections, or hike the entire trail over a period of weeks. The azt runs mostly north and south through arizona s rugged desert and high country terrain from mexico at the southern end to utah in the north. Most notably, the national scenic trail system provides access to the crest of the appalachian mountains in the east via the appalachian trail, to the rocky mountains of the west on the. The mission of the north country trail association ncta is to develop, maintain, protect and promote the north country national scenic trail as the premier hiking path across the northern tier of the united states through a trail wide coalition of volunteers and partners.
Tips for hiking the arizona national scenic trail from. It forms part of the 6,875mile 11,064 km great western loop. The arizona national scenic trail is a complete nonmotorized path, stretching 800 diverse miles across arizona from mexico to utah. Very fun trail, would be best to camp at sheeps bridge and drive back the next day if you want to do the offshoots. Inspired by the magnificence of the scenery, wildlife, and diversity of terrain, this new book is an irreplaceable source for everyone interested in the arizona. The advisory team agreed that the national scenic and historic trails training needs assessment is limited in some respects to the amount of information it can provide in developing a national scenic and historic trails training strategy. In an easytouse format, your complete guide to the arizona national scenic trail serves up the 800mile trail, section by section 43 altogether so that dayhikers as well as thruhikers can feel confident about the route. Celebrating 50 years of national scenic trails rei coop. Arizonas national parks passport cancellation stamps. Apache trail scenic drive arizona 2020 all you need to. The arizona trail, a narrow band of earth stretching from mexico to utah, was designated a national scenic trail on march 30, 2009 and completed on december 16, 2011. A lot of years have passed since this book was written and there have a lot of changes to the now 800 mile arizona trail.
The arizona national scenic trail hiking has 2,993 members. Established as part of the national trails system act of 1968, these longdistance trails make up an iconic part of the american outdoors. In an easytouse format, the book serves up the 800mile trail section by section 43 altogether so that dayhikers as well as thruhikers can feel confident about the route and. The arizona national scenic trail is a national scenic trail from mexico to utah that traverses the whole northsouth length of the u. This site is a resource hub for the national trails a guide to the congressionallyestablished trails of the united states. The azt is an ideal place to practice social distancing to help fight the spread of covid19. Arizona national scenic trail national trails guide. Arizona national scenic trail 2020 all you need to know.
And now you have ityour complete guide to the arizona national scenic trail. National scenic trails nsts are continuous, extended trails typically footpaths that provide outstand ing opportunities for longdistance, nonmotorized recreation. Is a donkey on the arizona national scenic trail azt newsworthy. Landscapes range from sandy desert dotted with cacti to rustling groves of aspen and pine, making hiking an allseason sport in tucson, arizona. For the next year and a half i will be researching and writing a book, day hikes on the arizona national scenic trail, for wilderness press. Handbook for trail design, construction and maintenance. New oregon maps feature national scenic trails usgs. A bill to amend the national trails system act to designate the arizona national scenic trail. Appalachian trail, pacific crest trail and the continental divide trail. Nelson, the arizona trail association explore every part of the arizona national scenic trail with this ultimate resource, detailing the trail s twists and turns, its flora and fauna, geology, water sources, and nearby gateway communities. It will have 26 of the best day hikes on the arizona trail combined with lots of interpretive information and photos of the views, history, plants, and more. Im currently living in the midwest and have some basic experience and knowledge of the appalachian trail.
Day hikes on the arizona national scenic trail is the title of the guidebook sirenas on track to publish in spring 2020 with wilderness press. The trails range in length from 694 miles the natchez trace national scenic trail to the 4,300 mile north country national scenic trail. Rob jones is with arizona trail association at arizona trail association. Jun 03, 2014 and the arizona national scenic trail, or azt for short, showcases the best of arizona. It was written by matt nelson who is the head of the arizona trail association. Arizona trail association, explore every part of the arizona national scenic trail with this ultimate resource, detailing the trail s twists and turns, its flora and. Hiking the arizona national scenic trail visit arizona. Sep 15, 2014 newly released us topo maps for oregon now feature segments of the pacific crest national scenic trail. The arizona national scenic trail ranges 817 miles from the mexican border to the utah state line the entire span of arizona. The most comprehensive guidebook to the arizona trail ever compiled, featuring. Save money on your trip to the grand canyon national park on this tour that includes two meals and roundtrip transportation from las vegas. The 11 current national scenic trails, according to the trails act, will be extended trails so located as to provide for maximum outdoor recreation potential and for the conservation and enjoyment of the nationally significant scenic, historic, natural, or cultural qualities. Golf courses tucson arizona arizona national golf club. Hiker resources map, guidebook, and more ice age trail alliance.
With the world as it is and my orders to shelterinplace, ive found the time to give project a proper go. Sponsors journals itinerary gear list videos photos the arizona national scenic trail is one of the eleven national scenic trails. North country trail handbook for trail design, maintenance and construction. To successfully complete it in one season a hiker would undoubtedly be starting in winter conditions at one end of the trail. However, completed sections of the north country national scenic trail are significantly different in terms of trail standards, signing, location in the areas landscape, and maintenance. Arizona national golf club, designed by robert trent jones jr, was voted best public golf course in tucson, arizona. The arizona national scenic trail hiking public group. The arizona national scenic trail arizona trail stretches over 800 miles from the u. Inspired by the magnificence of the scenery, wildlife, and diversity of terrain, this new book is an irreplaceable source for any hiker, mountain biker, or equestrian heading for the arizona. Your complete guide to the arizona national scenic trail. The act also established a category of trails known as connecting and side trails. Handbook for trail design and construction and maintenance. The arizona trail goes across the entire state of arizona from the coronado national memorial to the border with utah.
Ive been reading the book, trying to get a feel for the trail, but would love to hear what you all think. Currently there are eleven hiking trails in the usa that are officially labeled as a national scenic trail. The trail begins at the coronado national memorial near the usmexico border and moves north through parts of the huachuca, santa rita, and rincon mountains. Now, for the first time, arizona visitors and residents will be able to set out on any part of the arizona national scenic trail with a bible of the trail s twists and turns, its flora and fauna, and its geology. Detailed descriptions of each of the 43 passages between mexico and utah. Several of the 1,835 new us topo quadrangles for the state now display parts of the trail along with other improved data layers. Arizona trail is the official navigation app for the arizona national scenic trail, built through a collaboration of the arizona trail association and the creators of guthooks guides hiking guide apps. One of two national scenic trails created by the national trails system act of 1968 the other was the appalachian trail, the 2,650milelong pacific crest trail was. To date, only two national side trails have been designated, both in 1990.
National trails guide americas greatest adventures. Provides highlydetailed, digital topographic maps, comparable to 1. Christine and tim conners invite you to submit your trail recipes for their forthcoming book, the national scenic trails cookbook. Elevation profiles showing ups and downs of the trail. The national trails system act was passed by congress in 1968. And the arizona national scenic trail, or azt for short, showcases the best of arizona. Includes topographic coverage for the arizona national scenic trail, which extends across arizona, from mexico to utah, plus 10 mi 16 km of extended coverage on each side of the trail. Everything you need to know about thruhiking the arizona trail in february of 2017, i decided to hike the azt on a whim. The trail begins at the coronado national memorial near the usmexico border and moves north through parts of the huachuca, santa rita.
Florida national scenic trail florida trail association. Hiking the arizona trail arizona national scenic trail. Trailhead seriesarizona national scenic trail maps garmin. The definition of a national scenic trail is hiking trails that are nearly 100 miles or longer, continuous, primarily nonmotorized routes of outstanding recreation opportunityand were established by act of congress. The arizona national scenic trail stretches just over 800 miles across the entire length of the state to connect deserts, mountains, forests, canyons, wilderness, history, communities and people. Planning for the future of the arizona national scenic trail.
Hiking, biking and paddling books for the active outdoor lifestyle. Overall, this new book will become a personal guide and irreplaceable source for any hiker, mountain biker, or equestrian heading for the arizona national scenic trailwhether they intend to do a part of one section, or a weekend of two or three sections, or hike the entire trail over a period of weeks. Nestled in the foothills of the beautiful santa catalina mountains and abutting the coronado national forest, arizona national follows the rugged natural flow of the land across shady mesquitelined arroyos and skirts craggy rock outcroppings. Every book purchase made through the ata supports our mission to protect, maintain, enhance. Trail standards are fairly consistent across the nation, and these referrals were made with a certain degree of confidence. Weve mapped every national, state and local park, forest, recreational and wildlife area along this continuous 800plus mile diverse and scenic trail. In an easytouse format, your complete guide to the arizona national scenic trail features the 800mile trail, section by section 43 passages altogether so that dayhikers, thruhikers, mountain bikers, runners, and equestrians can feel confident about finding the trailheads, navigating the route, and connecting with the aweinspiring landscape like never before. Santa catalina mountains to the north rincon mountains to the east santa rita mountains to the south tucson mountains to the west tortolita mountains to the northwest arizona national scenic trail. I have a few questions for you guys or if you could point me to a thread if im repeating someone else.
It links deserts, mountains, canyons, forests, communities and people. Planning for the future of the arizona national scenic trail is a decisionmaking process, and comprehensive planning is the broadest level of decisionmaking for national trails. Trail map explore the official ice age national scenic trail segments and the unofficial connecting routes with our online trail map. Itll present the best day hikes on the azt, combined with lots of interpretive information about the views, history, plants, and more. The arizona trail was designated as a national scenic trail on march 30, 2009 by the omnibus public land management act of 2009. This nonmotorized trail showcases arizona s diverse vegetation, wildlife and scenery, as well as unique historic and cultural sites. Inspired by the magnificence of the scenery, wildlife, and diversity of terrain, this new book is an irreplaceable. The forest service fs is the administering agency for 5 of americas 11 nsts. Arizona national scenic trail exhibit opens at the national. The potomac heritage trail spans 710 miles in virginia, maryland, and pennsylvania and the district of columbia. It traverses sky island mountain ranges, the sonoran desert, the worlds largest ponderosa pine forest, the grand canyon, and 9,000foot peaks.
The arizona national scenic trail is a lanky route traversing the entire state, stretching from mexico to utah for 800plus miles and crossing isolated mountain ranges, rolling grasslands, sunspanked desert, forested plateaus and a canyon called grand. Arizona national scenic trail bureau of land management. Guidebook explore the arizona trail arizona trail association. Inspired by the magnificence of the scenery, wildlife, and. The arizona national scenic trail known as the aztstretches 800 miles, from mexico to utah.
It meanders through the santa catalina mountains, over the mogollon rim, past the san francisco peaks and directly through the heart of the grand canyon. The timms hill trail, which connects the ice age trail to wisconsins highest point, timms hill, and the 86mile anvik connector, which joins the iditarod trail to the village of anvik, alaska. Aug 29, 20 the international mountain bicycling association is running a campaign to gain access to national scenic trails, such as the appalachian national scenic trail and the pacific crest national scenic trail, and is being opposed by the american hiking society. A place to share information about hiking the arizona national scenic trail. The arizona national scenic trail runs more than 800 miles from the border with mexico to utah state line, and its open to pedestrians, mountain bikers and equestrians. Whether you plan to attempt the entire azt in one crossing or, like most trail enthusiasts, will spend the next decade sectionhiking or sectionbiking or sectionhorsebackriding the trail one passage at a time, this book will help you plan and navigate appropriately. Arizona national scenic trail exhibit opens at the. Our comprehensive planning team will conduct the environmental analysis necessary to establish the comprehensive plan in. Information about the ice age national scenic trail, a national and state scenic trail located entirely within wisconsin. A two lane paved mountainous road as you drive from apache junction, past the western face of the superstition mountains and into the salt river canyon at canyon lake. This nonmotorized trail showcases arizonas diverse vegetation, wildlife and scenery, as well as unique historic and cultural sites. Complete guide to the arizona national scenic trail features the 800mile trail, section by section 43 passages altogether for dayhikers, thruhikers, mountain bikers, runners, and equestrians. Apache trail national scenic byway is a 40 mile drive on hwy 88 from apache junction to roosevelt dam.
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