Arizona trail here we come! I am starting to hike the Arizona Trail this week. I will heading north from where I left the trail in 2021 at Hwy 87 (AZT mile 378) outside of Phoenix. That is heading straight into the Mazatzal Wilderness. Some of you may remember the series of crazy events that led me to leave the AZT earlier than planned. Just to name a few of those mishaps: stranded in a snow storm in the middle of Tuscan, my wallet stolen while checking in at a motel, more snow storms, miles and miles of burned forest, an incoming new snow storm that I would need to wait out, missing my husband and just really feeling vulnerable. I gave it a go, but knew when enough was enough.
This year, I am looking forward to hiking with my good adventure friend, Michelle. She is a flight nurse and has lots of work schedule flexibility. We have lots of experience hiking and working together as a team, she is super fit, and loves to have fun! We have a few goals for our hike, but hope to hike 300 miles to the South Rim of Grand Canyon and maybe even to the northern terminus (depending on North Rim snow melt). Both of us are looking forward to the simple hiker life of just walking, more walking, looking at maps, planning water and food, sleeping under the stars, and just being outdoors.
Meet Michelle – JMT Donahue Pass 2021
What is the Arizona Trail
The Arizona Trail (AZT) is a rugged and beautifully wild long-distance trail stretching from the borders of Mexico to Utah. Traversing 800 miles, it climbs up and over southern Arizona’s signature sky islands, weaves through extraordinary desert landscapes and mountains, and travels over Arizona’s high country, all before it passes through the iconic Grand Canyon.
The Arizona Trail has it’s own vocabulary and organization. It is divided into sections called Passages and trail towns are called Gateway Communities. From all my reading and the AZT Facebook page, there are friendly hiker support systems and some stocking of important water caches. I am really looking forward to experiencing the Arizona trail life again.
Resources
There is a plethora of information on this trail that is well-done. Here are the main resources I am using:
- GPS – Far Out App This will be my main source of info for navigation, water sources, and town information.
- Guidebook – Your Complete Guide to the Arizona Trail (Kindle Version)
- Maps – Join the Arizona Trail Association to get full access to maps and a databook. I have downdoaded the Avanza App and Map Set- Arizona Trail Website
- The Arizona Trail Association’s Website – This website is very organized and is packed with valuable up to date trail data.
Gear
I changed a few gear items for 2022. The Arizona Trail is very diverse with possible cold, heat, snow, mud, and water carries. I am bringing an extra 2 liter platypus for water, NeoAir Xlite Womens coupled with a Thinlight Pad, a new 20 degree Zpacks sleeping bag, new Nightcore Battery Charger, and leaving behind a few luxury items to save weight (for example: camp shoes). My base weight (all gear without food and water) is around 10 pounds.
Check out all the details on My Gear List page
Resupply – Food
There are many small gateway communities along the way. I am sending food resupply boxes to the following towns: Pine Post Office, Best Western Pony Inn Express in Flagstaff, and Grand Canyon Village.
This year I again made my own dinners. Here are a couple of food blog posts on how I assemble dinners:
Follow Along
- If you want to follow me in real-time, I post regularly on Instagram. Instagram is a great way for me to share my outdoor photos and video where I am and what I am doing. Plus, I just freakin’ love making short Reels to highlight an adventure. I would love for you to follow along. Just go to my profile page and click follow.
- Be sure and not miss out! If you have not already signed up, fill out the quick form the bottom of this blog to receive an email when a new post is up on Lady on a Rock.
I am looking forward to sharing this trail with you. AGAIN.
Happy Adventuring,
Rockin’
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Might want to send an extra layer to Pine. It is colder than you would think up on the plateau. And keep your eyes peeled, I saw a wolf there in 2017. Have fun!
Any stray valentine(s) show up at you place? Emmy & I were just in Oracle for some hike time. Nice. Thanks for keeping connected.
Beyond excited to follow another of your adventures! Stay safe and be well!
Ah thank you!!!! Glad to have you along!