What is the best section of the Arizona Trail?

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.

What is the hardest trail in Arizona?

Camelback Mountain is arguably the most popular mountain in the Phoenix area and its Echo Canyon trail is one of the most dangerous. It’s tougher than the Cholla trail and many hikers are unprepared during the warm spring and fall months, especially out-of-towners.

Is the Arizona Trail well marked?

NAVIGATION. The AZT is well marked, but it is not heavily traveled like the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail itself can be challenging to follow at times so you should bring a guidebook or an AZT app on your mobile phone.

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.

When should you start the Arizona Trail?

Thus, ideal timing for a spring NOBO AZT hike is starting after early-to-mid March and finishing by mid-to-late May. Too early and you’ll have snowy patches in the sky islands of the south, and sustained snow north of NOBO mile 460 and especially north of the Grand Canyon around NOBO mile 710.

How long does it take to complete the AZT?

Published by Jeff Garmire on October 5, 2020. The Arizona Trail is a premier spring/fall thru-hike that stretches 800 miles across the entire state of Arizona. It takes 6-8 weeks to complete.

Which hike is harder Camelback or Piestewa?

Piestewa Peak vs. 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. The round trip mileages break down like this: Echo Canyon (Camelback) – 2.5 miles.

How difficult is Pinnacle Peak hike?

The Pinnacle Peak Park trail is a moderate hike with an elevation gain of approximately 1,300 feet. The trail through is smooth with a number of ups and downs over the course of the 1.75 mile trail (each way). At a moderate pace, it takes about two hours to do the trail out and back.

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

A springtime hike of the Arizona Trail is best suited for the northbound (NOBO) direction. Starting at the Mexican border in March or April is ideal timing. Most water sources are flowing and the weather is relatively tame. Spring is a great time to see wildflowers and see the wildlife returning to the sky islands.

Can you camp on Arizona Trail?

Camping Along the Trail Much of the Arizona Trail passes through National Forests and other public lands where camping in Arizona is free. Camping permits are required in Colossal Cave Mountain Park, Saguaro National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park.

Do you need permits for the Arizona Trail?

No permits are required to hike the Arizona Trail, other than camping permits needed to stay overnight in both Saguaro National Park and the Grand Canyon. One benefit for those thru-hiking is that one doesn’t have to apply for a Grand Canyon permit months in advance.

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.

How many sections of the Arizona Trail are there?

The Arizona Trail is broken down into 43 passages or segments, each with its own unique characteristics. On a broad scale, these passages can be grouped into southern, central and northern sections of the trail.

What are the different types of passages on the Arizona Trail?

Passages 1 Arizona Trail Passages. The Arizona Trail is divided into 43 passages. 2 Southern Passages. The passages considered “Southern” run from the Mexico border (Passage 1) to Oracle (Passage 13), just north of Tucson. 3 Central Passages. 4 Northern Passages.

Where can I find an interactive Arizona Trail map?

Arizona Trail App from Guthook. This website’s interactive map can be viewed via a desktop or laptop and through the free ArcGIS app on Android & iOS devices.

Is the Arizona Trail still in progress?

The Arizona Trail is a work in progress. The trail is complete and well-signed, however sections may change or be rerouted (due to wildfire, environmental, or administrative decision). The track and waypoints data offered here attempt to provide the best available information.