Welcome to the “I Finished the Arizona Trail” blog
The question is asked, “Isn’t there a list of everyone who has finished the Arizona Trail?” Well, no. But now, trail users can record their accomplishment here. Let the world know you’ve crossed Arizona from border-to-border on the Arizona National Scenic Trail.
Post a comment and tell us who you are, when you finished and maybe a little more about you and your trek!
Russell Corfman, 
Laura G, and 70 others are discussing. 
I Finished the Arizona Trail! 
David Kiel 8:34 pm on January 14, 2016 Permalink
I completed the Arizona Trail on July 10, 2015 at State Line, Utah. I started on March 25, 2015. I was fortunate to have been able to hike every step of the way. I am sort of proud about this because I witnessed many seasoned hikers dropping of or skipping sections. You know, so many things can happen on a thru hike. That is why I feel fortunate. However, I did continue on despite a quite a few obstacles. Getting sick with a terrible flu on the North Rim slowed me down for three weeks, where I rested at the hiker biker camp and Kanab and Jacob Lake. I finally finished the last 80 miles to the Utah border in great form.
The AZT is a part of my grand design “Going Loopy in the Wild West!’ Check it out at trailjournals.com/glideon.
I am working on a synopsis of how I hiked from water source to water source successfully, when so many other hikers were have difficulties. I will include in my 2015 AZT trailjournal.
Thanks for all who supported me and the other hikers in so many different ways.
Keep Gliding On Pilgrims, to the Promised Land.
Yours Glider aka David Kiel
Russell Corfman 12:10 pm on October 28, 2015 Permalink
I recently finished backpacking the Arizona Trail in sections. I started last November 22 and finished last Sunday, October 25 with Ron, another section hiker I met last February while on the trail. I was fortunate enough to meet several other hikers while out enjoying the beauty Arizona has to offer.
A big thanks to everyone that is involved with maintaining the Arizona Trail and supporting its users.
— Russell
Laura G 4:03 pm on October 24, 2015 Permalink
After five years of hiking in sections, I have finished the trail on October 13, 2015 and am having a celebration with friends and those that have helped me along the way.
Catherine Crandall 12:51 pm on September 8, 2015 Permalink
My husband George & I finished the trail in 2014. It was our retirement gift to hike our own State of AZ.
We sectioned hiked the Trail starting in 2009. Loved every mile.
guenter 7:15 am on May 16, 2015 Permalink
I hiked the trail for the first time. Just awesome. Thanks to the worker for doing such a great job.
arizonatrail 7:07 pm on March 17, 2015 Permalink
Hi, Jason,
Your question might be better answered by the folks at http://www.aztrail.org/contact.html!
Jason 12:33 pm on March 15, 2015 Permalink
Does anyone out there know if anyone has ridden the entire trail on horseback in one continues trip. Just curious
Scott McBride 12:02 pm on January 31, 2015 Permalink
AZT northbound late February to early May 2014, with a break at Superior for 3 weeks to row the Grand Canyon :)) Thanks to all the trail stewards and friendly people along the way!
I sat out in the sandstone Paria desert, drinking my last liter of water I had filled up 30 miles back on the trail. Realizing there was no ride, I started walking south in flipflops hoping for a passing car before the highway 40 miles ahead. 40mph headwinds, blowing dust, and no cars. Blisters, no more water, but too stubborn to stop or change back into shoes. One day earlier this month I drank 11L of water just to survive, and now there is none for 30 miles around. Finally after 3 hours and 10 miles in sandals the first car picked me up, a carload of 75 year old hiking man-buddies. I tell them about waking up a few days ago with a big animal watching me from 30 feet away. Sleeping out with no tent on the closed North Rim kaibab NF, no humans for miles. And of being so tired that I can fall asleep 5 minutes after my biggest adrenaline rush in years.
After a free beer and good times (and a classic gas station top up – water beer V8 coffee ice cream and chips), it was back to hitching, this time on the highway at the marble canyon bridge, in view of cops securing the bridge for a car ad. After hours, a big rig stops up, and I hop in after texting the plates to a friend. The driver is weaving all over and can barely stay on the no-shoulder 45mph HWY89A. I didn’t realize some semis are auto and he is driving with a couple fingers or his knee. Do mind if I smoke? He asks. No worries, you truck. He replies, weed I mean, I’m way over hours driving from Rifle and need something to stay awake. Still your truck man. So he takes out a prescription bottle and old French fry container and rolls one up, all while driving with one knee. I haven’t been in a big rig since I was a kid, or even in a car for two weeks, and now we are blasting across the painted desert at sunset riding high up above the road. Suddenly we pass two Navajo trooper SUVs, and of course one pulls out behind us. Buddy starts freaking out and ranting about how behind he is on his log book, let alone baked and holding a joint. He dumps the fry container contents and joint out the window, then scrambles with his logbook before giving up. Hasn’t he ever seen COPS – this never works? After a while the SUV blows by us, and we decide to stop for coffee instead.
Smart Scott would have left there, but it was getting dark deep in the Navajo reserve. We carry on, him phoning his wife to tell her about the bad luck with losing the rest of his stash. Coffee works better though, and we make it to Little America in Flag. Old friends are there with a VW bus and drinks on the way to Porter’s. I spend the next couple days in a fleece jumpsuit and AZ flag belt buckle celebrating the comfort and security of town. But will I forget the feeling of being out on the edge, walking for days and weeks alone with the animals? Maybe it will dull as I go back to getting older and softer. Until I need another breath.
Deb 3:20 pm on December 8, 2014 Permalink
My husband Bruce and I finished our southbound hike 11/30/14. We started at the Utah border on 9/15/14 and thru hiked to Pine. We took nearly two weeks off for a family event and some further caching, then started again at Pine and thru hiked to the Mexico border. Besides the time off for our family event, we took one zero day at the North Rim, waiting for a camping permit, but otherwise hiked something every day. We loved that fall seemed to move south as we hiked. We live in AZ, and this introduced us to many areas we might have otherwise never visited. We have a great list of areas to return to.
We found and appreciated great hiker support from That Brewery in Pine, The Chalet Village Motel in Oracle and the Patagonia RV Park. Thank you to a fellow hiker who left excess alcohol fuel at the Roosevelt Marina too. We did not go into every town because we did hidden and mailed food and water caches. Many thanks to the AZT Passage Stewards who helped us determine where we should consider water caches. Many thanks to all who put the trail together, making the hike possible.
Thank you finally to my husband who was more than patient with my slower hiking pace. Using the waiting time to take more pictures and face solar to the sun meant we have more recorded memories and our electronics stayed charged. I would never have tried this alone and am glad we completed it together.
Anyone wanting any further information or help can contact me at my email address wrktoplayus@yahoo.com.
Chris "bambi" Scaniffe 10:25 pm on October 27, 2014 Permalink
I finished my Southbound Thruhike of the AZT this past week. My time on the trail started September 18th, 2014 and I completed the trail on October 22, 2014. If any one has any questions about planning, water sources, or trail towns please feel free to send me an email at chris.scaniffe at gmail. I would be happy to give you any information that I can. Good luck future hikers!
Fireweed 9:29 am on July 4, 2014 Permalink
Trekker–Congrats! Will Bandit be doing the Hayduke? My last hiking partner dog was a Blue Heeler named Sheila. I would like to hear how you managed the dog care logistics….
lynn maring 4:41 pm on July 3, 2014 Permalink
Congratulations Bonnie and I saw you while we were riding the Babbit ranch segment. Glad to hear you made it quite an accomplishment
Bob "Trekker" Brewer 3:34 pm on July 2, 2014 Permalink
AT 2000, COT 2006, AZT 2014(age 70)
MEX to Oracle ——- 2012, w/Loon
Oracle to Flagstaff — 2013 solo
Flagstaff to UT ——- 2014 solo
Nathan and Bandit 11:23 am on June 10, 2014 Permalink
Hey everyone. I completed my through hike on June 6, 2014. It was an amazing adventure to say the least. My dog, a Blue Heeler named Bandit, completed the journey with me as well. The only two saddening moments of the trip were finishing and finding out that the register book at the Utah state line was missing…
Gary (Sunny Daze) Kirkendoll 2:30 pm on May 21, 2014 Permalink
Just finished my AZT thru-hike starting 3/16/2014 and finishing at the state line campground on 5/20/2014. It was for me at 63 a fairly tough hike, but well worth the effort. Many thanks to “Clutch” who kept us updated on water source conditions along the first 2/3 of the trail. Really missed his reports on the later sections, but I muddled thru none the less. Many thanks also to the many trail stewards who help keep the trail in shape. Regards, Gary
Rob Foxtrot Fissel 6:37 am on May 21, 2014 Permalink
I thruhiked the AZT between April 3 and May 12 in 2013 and was pleased with the solitude, friendly towns and arid landscape. So pleased in fact that I hiked the Trail a second time this year beginning March 27, and reaching Utah on May 19. Sobo 2015? 🙂
BASA 7:09 pm on April 29, 2014 Permalink
I started a thru hike of the AZT with NORM on 3/15/2014. We finished the trail on 4/20/2014. The trail was challenging though that was more than offset by the beautiful scenery and the wide variety of wildlife present. The highlight of the trail for me was hiking down into the Grand Canyon. My journal is on Trail Journals. Great Trail!
pops c 7:24 pm on April 15, 2014 Permalink
AZT trailhead kiosk:
“Trail users need to be responsible for their own safety and preparedness. In some cases, route finding skills and the ability to cope with unexpected situations such as weather, natural hazards, venomous creatures and lack of water are essential.”
Having read the AZT sign at numerous Trailheads; north of Blue Ridge I finally photographed one saying “I never want to forget this Text”!
I hiked the AZT 13 Mar – 02 Jun 2013 I couldn’t have enjoyed it more! Having lived at the Columbine Ranger Station (9,000 + feet elevation.) for seven summers had desensitized me to the eco diversity of Arizona. I felt the ecosystem diversity card had been overplayed, boy was I wrong! The Arizona Trail was constantly changing.
Having hiked the Grand Canyon corridor trails on two separate occasions I was not overly excited about the Canyon. But it was even more enjoyable than my 1st crossing in 1971. The Grand Canyon truly is the Crown Jewel of the AZT!
The first night home in my own bed I felt boxed in by the ceiling. I had been sleeping under the stars for so long (only used the tent one night in 10 during the 2.5 month hike). On what other trail could you have used a shelter so little? (it rained just one night, sprinkled one night, buggy and a rattlesnake sighting one night by the Gila River)
In hindsight more pre-training in water treatment would have been helpful.
Felt the timing of the thru-hike was perfect. Patches of snow in the Huachucas and Catalina Mts at the start, and a patch in late May on the North Kaibab Plateau near the end. The Aspens (from South to North) still had not leafed except in a few isolated pockets.
I knew Arizona was a beautiful State, I just didn’t know how beautiful! Afraid I have not words to express; it but this song (although written on the California coast) came to my remembrance often during the hike. I feel the Artist captures the feeling of standing in awe at the beauty of creation, of nature.
Lay Down Your Weary Tune by Bob Dylan
Lay down your weary tune, lay down
Lay down the song you strum
And rest yourself ’neath the strength of strings
No voice can hope to hum
Struck by the sounds before the sun
I knew the night had gone
The morning breeze like a bugle blew
Against the drums of dawn
Lay down your weary tune, lay down
Lay down the song you strum
And rest yourself ’neath the strength of strings
No voice can hope to hum
The ocean wild like an organ played
The seaweed’s wove its strands
The crashin’ waves like cymbals clashed
Against the rocks and sands
Lay down your weary tune, lay down
Lay down the song you strum
And rest yourself ’neath the strength of strings
No voice can hope to hum
I stood unwound beneath the skies
And clouds unbound by laws
The cryin’ rain like a trumpet sang
And asked for no applause
Lay down your weary tune, lay down
Lay down the song you strum
And rest yourself ’neath the strength of strings
No voice can hope to hum
The last of leaves fell from the trees
And clung to a new love’s breast
The branches bare like a banjo played
To the winds that listened best
I gazed down in the river’s mirror
And watched its winding strum
The water smooth ran like a hymn
And like a harp did hum
Lay down your weary tune, lay down
Lay down the song you strum
And rest yourself ’neath the strength of strings
No voice can hope to hum
Copyright © 1964
Kevin “pops c” Coyle
Arizona National Scenic Trail Steward
Passage 9a Hope Camp
Saguaro National Park (Rincon Wilderness)
MustangRising 1:42 pm on December 16, 2013 Permalink
2013 N>S Solo Thru Hike of the AZT. Began on 20 September 2013 and successfully completed the entire trail on 5 December 2013. – LB Goutremout Jr
Fireweed 12:02 am on November 7, 2013 Permalink
Congratulations! I finished in 2012. A great trail–I really enjoyed the gentleness of your video and the wonderful pictures of wildlife.
Sir-Hikes-A-Lot 1:49 pm on November 5, 2013 Permalink
I finished the AZT on Oct 14th, Yay! I hiked from Mexico to Pine in early March and then returned in early Oct to finish. A most magical trail and experience! If interested, I posted a YouTube video of my hike and it can be seen at: http://youtu.be/XqJKseI-S_c
Cheers!
Fireweed 10:05 pm on July 26, 2013 Permalink
Congratulations!!–I remember you Papa Bear–you were hiking with Hiking Dude in 2012. We shared a camp at Horse Camp.I was concerned when I heard you had gone up to the Mogollon Rim right before the big snowstorm. I am off to repeat the PCT in Oregon tomorrow.
Papa Bear 4:55 pm on July 26, 2013 Permalink
I finished the AZT on May 19, 2013. I started in March, 2012, hiked to the Mogollon Rim, at General Springs Cabin, then came down with an illness. I came back this year and hiked with Chia starting May1 from the Rim to Utah. Several snowstorms in 2012, great people, nice trail!
I’ve previously section-hiked the PCT. Leaving to hike the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin next week.
Thank you to all who helped me along the way, including:Garlic and Greasepot, Jerry and Sharon, Bill and Miste, Kyle, and trail angels in Patagonia and elsewhere!
Mike Gasparek 5:38 pm on April 29, 2013 Permalink
I finished the Az Trail on Apr23. Thanks, to Joe Longbotham for picking me up at the State Line. I did the trail in 8 sections of about 100 miles each. It was usefull to me to use White Mountain Passenger Lines ( 928-537-4539) to get between Payson/Sunflower/Phx and Az Shuttle ( 800-888-2749) between Flag/Grand Canyon/Phx. I enjoyed the adventure but at least right now there is a scary section on the North Kaibab were most of the trail has been wiped out by a rock slide and in Passage 40 I had to take the highway due to snow.
lynn maring 7:21 am on April 28, 2013 Permalink
Congratulations Fred–what an accomplishment. It is neat to see the new routes and I think having horseback ridden it in the past and now seeing the new parts really makes one appreciate all the work and efforts of the Arizona Trail organization and its wonderful volunteers.
Fred Gaudet 8:27 am on April 27, 2013 Permalink
I first completed the Arizona Trail in 2002 as a thru-hike between March and early May. At that time the AZT was about 80% complete with ribbons, aluminum hangers, miscellaneous roads, or just cross country for the other 20%. There was a lack of good gps data, decent maps, and lack of information about water sources. Nonetheless, it was an exciting, challenging, most enjoyable hike thru the great diversity of Arizona.What a difference a decade makes: trail 100% complete; good gps data and tracks; maps or mapping capability, a reliable data book, and a continuously updated water information.
My second Arizona Trail adventure started in Jan. 2012 with a hike thru the just completed fantastic Gila River Canyons—ten years previously I had snuck across the railroad bridge and wandered thru the ridges above the Gila eventually finding the artesian well. The next passages were hiked south bound. Much easier, as someone said, since north is up and going south is all downhill. During the spring I hiked most of the desert areas from the rim to American Flag. In the fall I hiked different passages from Utah to Pine and also over the Santa Catalinas and Rincons. Sections hiked were those that were most convenient depending on rides to and from trailheads or hitchhiking options.
In late April 2013 I started at the Mexican border and headed north. I was pleasantly surprised that there was lack of any ‘trash.’ I enjoyed being passed by 50+ polite/positive mountain bikers doing the AZT 300 or 750. Patagonia was celebrating earth day. Continuing north I saw hoof prints of the mustangs going north on the trail. What a great trail that accommodates all non-motorized users: hikers, bikers, equestrians that can go for a mile, a day, a week, a month.
Hiking the Arizona Trail started as a complete change of pace after retirement. It than became something enjoyable, something challenging, something rewarding, and something positive to do. The outcome after hiking the Arizona Trail was a passion for long-distance hiking. I have been very fortunate to having completed other long distance hikes: Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Appalachian Trail as well as shorter hikes such as the Wonderland Trail and the West Coast (Vancouver Island) Trail. An outcome of other hikes is the acceptance that not everything happens according to schedule, but will happen if one is willing to continue.
Repeating the Arizona Trail again a decade after becoming a hiker-holic seemed most appropriate. Completing the Arizona Trail a second time was like returning to something near and dear: sky islands, high and low deserts, rim country, high plateaus, mountains, and THE canyon. What better way to fill the senses, the mind, and the body.
Totrtolita Wolf 10:13 am on April 23, 2013 Permalink
Congrats ! What a great feeling of accomplishment eh? I endured the AZ heat hiking the trail last summer, but I think your conditions were more difficult.
Gary Swing 11:50 pm on April 22, 2013 Permalink
My friend Nathan Ventura (Rainer) and I just thru hiked the Arizona Trail northbound, starting on March 15, 2013 and ending on April 19. We encountered snowstorms, high wind, and severe cold in northern Arizona as we approached Flagstaff and again on the Kaibab Plateau north of the Grand Canyon. Night time temperatures dropped down to ten degrees Fahrenheit or less on the Kaibab Plateau. Many are cold, but few are frozen.
Fireweed 3:37 pm on December 27, 2012 Permalink
Way to go!
shawn feliciano garber 2:54 pm on December 27, 2012 Permalink
I finished the Arizona Trail on November 29th 2012. After a couple of setbacks we regrouped as a team and decided to forge ahead. I hiked to raise money and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis, which I was diagnosed as having in late 2009. I was successful in not only achieving the trail as a thru hike but also in achieving the goals that we set out. I am blessed to have impacted so many lives as well as to have been motivated by so many wonderful people. We thank our family and friends for being supportive and understanding when they sometimes didn’t, to the friends we met on the trail and for all of the people and companies that sponsored and cheered us on. We could not have done it without all this wonderful help and encouragement.
Dave Hillis 9:24 am on November 1, 2012 Permalink
That’s awesome! I finished the AZT in May and will be starting the GET next year also. Maybe see you out there!
Fireweed 12:40 pm on October 31, 2012 Permalink
I finished the Arizona Trail on May 15th 2012. I did 120 miles in 2011 and the rest this year. What a long strange trip it has been!! I enjoyed all the challenges, the beautiful Sonoran desert, and my favorite part was hiking north from Phantom Ranch to the North rim of the Grand Canyon. Another favorite part was Alamo Canyon north of the Gila River. I met some pretty nice people along the way. Thanks to Elderly Ellen and Yeah But for their help. I am doing the Grand Enchantment this spring……
stan clark 7:55 pm on October 16, 2012 Permalink
Turning 60 this past year , I wanted to do something memorable. After listening to a presentation from Sirena Default I decided hiking the AZT was that something. I finished the journey on October 8 this year at the AZ/Utah State Line Campground. I love attaining my fitness goals through the beauty of hiking, I am not a camper. Thus my challenge was to hike the AZT trail doing all “DAY” hikes. With great support from my wife and my jeep was able to logistically put together a plan. After 830.4 miles(a few bonus miles due to utilizing connector routes to enable day hiking access),51 hikes(9 of the 42 passages I divided up into two hikes), I was blessed wirh finishing this great journey. The longest hike was a 26.3 mile hike(passage9) over the Rincon’s Mica Mountain. I want to thank my fellow Heritage Highland hikers who accompanied me on 11 of the first 12 segments during our clubs hiking season Feb-April. They inspired me to then take on the last 600 plus miles on my own hiking periodically from June to my finish on October 8. The only segments I was not able to hike entirley on trail were segments 22 and 23. This was due to this years fire damage. However, the forest service provided maps that allowed me to hike forest roads that ran adjacent to the trail. The crown jewel hike for me was my first Grand Canyon Rim to Rim trek. Thanks to all associated with the develpment, maintenance and facilitation of making this trail a reality for so many of us.
Lynn Maring 12:22 pm on June 30, 2012 Permalink
I completed the Arizona Trail Horseback on September 24, 2011, having started in November 2005. I had never heard of the arizona trail until encountering George Hay, June 3, 2004. I was preparing to ride down the North Kaibab Trail with my daughter, Heather, and good friend Warren Simmons, when George began asking questions about riding private stock in the canyon , little did I know what adventures and friendships would evolve from a few questions! Initally, I started riding with George to help him work toward completing the arizona trail. The trail has a siren call and soon I was hooked. George also passed the reins of stewardship to me in 2007 for segment 40. Horseback on the trail presents a whole different prespective of logistics, conditions, and mentality (the latter often questioned). At this time I believe only 5 of us have ridden the entire trail horseback without switching to hiking or bicycling. Timing is everything as the weather, man-made disasters, and logistics present obstacles to completion. The Arizona Trail, in my mind, is the teacher who continually prods you to learn, read, and explore. I started the trail with Wildfire and finished with Dreamer, Tennessee Walking Horses.
Sue and Mark Johnson 10:35 am on June 25, 2012 Permalink
Congratulations, Dave, on your second trek. Sue and Mark
Dave Hicks 9:20 pm on June 24, 2012 Permalink
AZT Hike 2012
Yesterday, June 23, capped a three month effort section hiking the Arizona Trail. What a wonderful adventure!
Most of you know that my involvement in the AZT and AZTrail Association began with hiking the trail in 2001. Today, the trail is so much better: the path is much more distinct and easier to follow; and signage is much more plentiful – I would say there are 2-3 times as many trail signs now. And best of all the trail is complete across the state. Many of you made all of that possible. Thank you.
On the trail, I never tire of gazing at the very special Arizona blue skies. And the many vast and ever changing views are still jaw dropping. The trail is so scenically diverse. Plus, as a result of the unequalled views, wild life, plant life, or the experience of being in the natural outdoors, a hiker high frequently sets in. It’s a special feeling and causes me to quietly express my good fortune to be in the Arizona outdoors. I am fortunate to have experienced again the many joys of the Arizona Trail. What a great trail!!
Susan Hollis 8:18 pm on June 2, 2012 Permalink
My husband (Randy Park) and I finished the trail on April 25th 2012, at Montezuma Pass. We are part of Larry Linderman’s group from SaddleBrooke and members of the SaddleBrooke Hiking Club. We are very grateful to Larry for organizing the AZT hikers in our hiking club, what a wonderful time we had hiking with the group. Randy and I had a few partial passages of the AZT done prior to our groups start in March 2010, but would never have completed the trail with the support of everyone. Also, what a great way to see parts of Arizona. My non-hiking friends can’t believe my stories about forests, mountains over 8,000 ft elevation, grass lands and the unique/special places we saw on our hikes. Thank you ATA Steward and Organization for such a wonderful trail.
Will Stenzel 8:09 pm on May 30, 2012 Permalink
I hiked the Arizona Trail in four trips from February 2010 through May 2012. My longest trip was from Catalina Highway to Pine, and shortest was from Pine to Flagstaff.
My blog posts are here: http://heavyhiking.blogspot.com/search/label/Arizona%20Trail (or you can search for my blog “Heavy Hiking” and then click on the Arizona Trail tag). My photos are at my Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/13202122@N04/
It’s a great trail, and I enjoyed my time out there. This list of finishers is a great idea, and I’ve enjoyed reading other accounts of the trail.
“You’ll find God in the church of your choice
and you’ll find Woodie Guthrie in Brooklyn State Hospital
And though its only my opinion
I may be right or wrong
You’ll find them both at the Grand Canyon
At sundown”
-Bob Dylan
Dave Hillis 10:20 pm on May 26, 2012 Permalink
I started doing the Arizona Trail in May 2010 with a few friends, and completed the trail on May 19, 2012. We did all 43 segments as day hikes…some segments were longer than others and took a long day, but we did each one that way! In fact, we combined 6/7 and 42/43 on those days and so we actually completed the hike in 41 days. What an amazing experience. I will never forget it! Thanks to all the guys who joined me and made the adventure what it was.
Larry Linderman 3:06 pm on May 22, 2012 Permalink
I live in a retirement community named Saddlebrooke located just north of Tucson. We have a very active hiking club. In March 2010, we had an organizational meeting to consider doing the AZT. About 35 people showed up including five who had already finished it.
We did the Trail in passages depending on the weather, fire conditions, etc. As we ventured farther from Tucson we would stay longer, eg. we did the North Rim to Utah in five days staying at the Jacob Lake Lodge. The Rincons and the Mazatzals were done with mules carrying up our camping gear.
We didn’t hke the Trail the months of June, July, August so the snow-birds wouldn’t miss out. Some people had to drop out for periods of time due to health issues or family matters but they would double up when they returned and they finished on time. So far from the “class’ of 2010 we have had six hikers “graduate.” Another six are close to finishing.
I want to emphasize it was a group effort. People stepped forward and helped with the planning, lodging or camping reservations, arrangements with the wranglers, etc. Others volunteered their autos.
All in all we had a great time. I’m glad it’s finished but I know I’ll miss it. Now we have to support those who need a only few passages to finish.
Larry Linderman
Saddlebrooke
Big Daddy D 8:14 am on May 22, 2012 Permalink
Actually, I meant to write that I finished on MAY 6th!!
Mike Elliott 5:34 pm on May 17, 2012 Permalink
I started the AZT in late February, hiked to Oracle and took a few weeks off for wedding and other business, got back on the trail in late March and finished on May 7th. All in all, a great hike and adventure – temporarily 25 pounds lighter! http://www.trailjournals.com/mikeelliott.
Kudos to the ATA, trail stewards and other volunteers who helped make this possible, not to mention the trail angels along the way!
Mike Elliott 6:44 pm on May 13, 2012 Permalink
I started the AZT in late Feb, hiking to Oracle, and then took a few weeks off for a wedding and other business. Back on the trail on March 31 and finished on May 7. What a great trail experience! Every day is a new day and each passage has its own unique qualities. Kudos to the ATA, trail stewards, and trail angels along the way. Now if I could just get picked up when hitching into a trail town! I have a trail journal at trailjournals.com.
Big Daddy D 8:39 am on May 10, 2012 Permalink
I finished the AZT on April 6th 2012.
I began on March 12th, but had two weather no hike days and I took nine days off to go home (Las Vegas) for my anniversary. In all, I hiked 47 of those 56 days.
My journal is over at trailjournals.com.
Dave 6:17 am on May 3, 2012 Permalink
Sue and Mark. Congratulations. It’s great to hear that you have hung in the on the AZT and have now finished it. I am rehiking it now in sections and hope to finish in late May or June. It is even better the second time!
Dave
Sue and Mark Johnson 10:15 pm on May 1, 2012 Permalink
We finished section hiking the Arizona Trail today. We retired a year ago and finally found the time to finish what we started several years ago. It has been a spectacular experience and we are grateful to all who have worked to complete the trail.
Hiking Dude 10:56 pm on April 28, 2012 Permalink
I just reached the Utah border today at 2pm, having started on St. Patrick’s day (March 17). I think it took 33 days of hiking and 10 zero days due to rest and weather. Feel free to ask me anything you’d like to know about my hike after reviewing my blog and journal at http://HikingDude.com I’d really like to thank all the volunteers that spent so much time cleaning up Passage #1 – saw practically no garbage at all. Also, the hardy souls that did recent brushwork in the Mazatzal Wilderness – it was in fine shape. I got to spend some time hiking with one of the AZT Bike racers out of the Grand Canyon, saw some rattlesnakes, and had just a spectacular trek!
A great big THANK YOU to the ATA folks from a hiker from Minnesota.
Ellen S and Larry S 4:32 pm on April 19, 2012 Permalink
We completed the AZT on 4/15/2012, having spent roughly 3 years doing sections. We finished with what we consider the hardest: the Mazatzal Range. We love the diversity of this hike, but it has a ways to go before it is up to ‘good’ trail standards!
Larry Tyler 2:43 pm on February 28, 2012 Permalink
Sandy and I hiked the AZT from Mexico to the Utah border in 2011. We started on February 16th and finished the AZT on April 21st. We had a great time. There were many highlights along the way but the two weeks we spent exploring the Grand Canyon was at the top of the list. Thanks to all the stewards and members of the AZTA who helped make this a memorable journey.
John Ahrens 2:25 pm on January 14, 2012 Permalink
I completed section-hiking the trail on October 26, 2011 with a backpack trip into the Mazatzal Wilderness (and segment 24). Interestingly enough, I began my AZT hikes in 2002 in the same segment in which I ended.
It took me 101 days to complete the trail. Since I hiked the entire trail alone and much of it out-and-back, my notes show I actually hiked a total of 1375 miles on the trail to compete the 800+ one-way miles of the AZT. Thanks to my wife, Leslie, who served as my trail angel when she could, and to those who were kind enough to pick me up when I opted to hitchike.
Pace 10:03 am on December 30, 2011 Permalink
Whitefish and I were looking for a fall trail to fit in before the winter season. The AZT was perfect though surprisingly tough. Water was nasty and storms got us good a few times. It also reinforced the understanding that cattle are everywhere in the western U.S. and running ahead to poop in your water source. But no, it was a good trail. My first time seeing the Grand Canyon and saguaros. We also saw only one section hiker, so it was a wilderness to ourselves.
It was good to see people out working to finish the trail for the AZ centennial. Now that it’s completed it will be good to focus on some sections that need some serious maintenance like the Mazatzal Wilderness, or they will disappear soon. Can’t let that happen to a good trail. Happy Centennial!
Jonathan Barrett Lemberg 11:37 am on December 14, 2011 Permalink
In 2009 I thru hiked the Arizona Trail south to north (from late Feb. to early April). I loved walking and camping in the desert, canyons, woods, and mountains (and snow) of Arizona and viewing some wildlife along the way too. Highly recomended walk for the adventurous or earth centered spirit. Thanks AZTA.
Joe Longbotham 10:39 pm on December 4, 2011 Permalink
In the years prior to 2011, I had sectioned hiked the northernmost 600+ miles of the Arizona Trail. During seven months of 2011, I sectioned hiked the entire 800+ miles of the Trail. Thank you to Dale for his imagination and perserverance. Thank you to everyone who cares for the trail, and thank you to the other Arizona Trail hikers for inspiring me to try it. As others have already said, my favorite part is the area from Mexico to Utah.
krudmeister 6:50 pm on September 13, 2011 Permalink
Finished 2nd AZT trip. Journal starts here:
http://krudmeister.blogspot.com/2011/04/off-645am.html
Vids here:
http://krudmeister.blogspot.com/2011/08/azt-2011-video-part-1.html
Krudmeister 11:09 am on August 12, 2011 Permalink
AZT 2011 Video Part 1 – 3
AZT 2011 Video Part 1 – 3 Got a vid up over at FSTPKR of the trip here:
krudmeister.blogspot.com/2011/08/azt-2011-video-part-1.html
krudmeister.blogspot.com/2011/08/azt-2011-video-part-ii-and-iii.html
J.J. 1:22 pm on July 25, 2011 Permalink
I’m contemplating a tru-hike, beginning in September 2011, to raise $ for the “800 Miles to End Polio Now” project (AZ Rotary). Is there anyone out there planning on the sane timeframe? If so, & if you might enjoy some hiking company, please contact me for further discussion.
arizonatrail 10:35 am on June 6, 2011 Permalink
Hi, there– Great to hear you found the Arizona Trail. Visit http://www.aztrail.org and you’ll find most all the info you might need, including info for horses. If you don’t, contact the Az Trail Assn at ata@aztrail.org. Become a member ($30) and you’ll be able to get GPS data, some great maps and detailed info.
Enjoy, and hope to see you on the trail. –arizonatrail
JaBoo 9:30 am on June 5, 2011 Permalink
Hello
I took my daughters hiking last weekened and I discovered this trail and site . I was looking for information on doing the Arizona trail by horse back? Anybody have any info for horses? Statring my research now.
Stephan Taroli 11:54 am on April 29, 2011 Permalink
Stephan here, Hi folks. I, along with my hiking partner Brandon Kelone, started the AZTrail on the last day of Feb. 2011 and finished the day before Easter. It was a great hike. I think Greenbear passed us while we were in Pine, But I got to meet the Tylers (epic journey) and Ben Mayberry, who is hiking to Jasper n.p. this summer from Mex.
Anyhow , Thank you so much to all the stewards who helped with info along the way, thanks to the border patrol for h20 on canelo pass. Thanks to my friends Richard, Polly and Tamra who were the best support I could have hoped for.
The trail was such a variety of experiences, it is hard to pin down the best… but some of the most memorable were … helo drug roundup south of Canelo Pass, Antelope Peak just South of Freeman rd. hot but beautiful. Artesian well!! Super moon, 4, yes, Four Mtn lions ( mother and 3 1-2yr. olds) south of Flagstaff. The LF Ranch and Mary Ann…. not to be missed! I mean, I could go on and on. A very cool experience.
Had good luck with weather as we were usually in town when it hit; and though it was dry south of Superior, the rain that night provided enough water for the rest of the trip, along with the snow on Humphreys! Too early for rattlers, fine with me. Really only good things to say. Highly recommend it.
Kirk Barrett (Greenbear) 9:36 am on April 13, 2011 Permalink
I finished thru- hiking the AZT two days ago, it was a perfect walk though great wild country and passing through some great towns. I started in Mexico, Monday, March 14th, thanks to trail angel Debra for the early morning ride to Montezuma’s pass. I finished my walk on Monday, April 11th at the Utah state line and promptly drank a blue ribbon with a friendly carpenter from Leadville, after he came up to me while I was searching for the Utah/Arizona sign I had seen other thru hikers take a picture in front of. I said well it’s an arbitrary line any way but a beer is not arbitrary by any means, so I had him take my picture in front of the State Line Camp Ground sign, which turned out fuzzy, and went back and drank a beer with him in the failing light surrounded by red stone for the first time in awhile , it felt like Utah, a nice end to the walk. Found the sign I was looking for in the dark as I started walking down the road, waiting for the head lights of my truck driven by my sweet girlfriend Carrie Sue, and then next thing I knew I was back home in Zion National Park where I live and work and it was over. My hike took 28 days 13 hours, a new speed record for thru hiking the trail, which is what I set out to get. The previous record was by a great guy and seasoned long distance hiker Matt Signore (WorldWide) with 28 days 22 hours, in 2009. I randomly met him at the Mexican border on that hike , I only made it to Flagstaff after a month that spring. So some more thru-hiker nerdiness action I just found out about: the renowned Adam Bradley (Krudmeister, aka El Monstro) e-mailed me the day I got home from my record hike to let me know he is going to attempt a thru hike of the trail from 4/20/11 to 5/7/11, now that is FAST im looking forward to following his hike on his website FSTPKR. Adam currently holds the PCT speed record, an amazing athlete , he will surely beat my time. I got a hotel room on night 2 of my hike in Patagonia cause I was vomiting in town park from hyponeutrimia , took a rest day in Flag with Carrie Sue, had many leisurely cups of coffee in the morning watching the sun rise from my tarp, and drank a beer at anyplace possible, casual is what I’m trying to get at. This trail we have here is truly world class and a treasure, I plan to get out to Flagstaff in May to do a little more volunteer trail work for the Close The Gap project. My full time job is trail work, so I have to really love the trail to do it on my weekends. I carried snow shoes from Flagstaff north, had to use them to get out of the San Francisco Peaks, (bad post holing), and to get from my hotel room on the South Rim to the South Kaibab Trail Head, got hit by a late season snow storm that laid down 15 inches of powder. And then again from the Coconino layer in the Grand Canyon to the rim and down the road a bit to Jacobs Lake, but a wonderful Park Service employee came down the road an hour in to the road snow show in a bulldozer and made things much easier. The trail from the North Rim to Jacobs Lake was under 4 feet of snow with a foot and a half of fresh powder on top of that, so I felt ok walking the closed and paralleling hwy 67. I declare it the official early spring route for speed thru-hikers, ( I can do that right? since I’ve got the record for the next month) after Jacobs Lake the trail was fine and made it to the border in an afternoon after a wonderful breakfast at the Jacobs Lake Inn. The night previous was the only unpleasant night of the whole trip, camped on the shoulder of hwy 67 on one of the only snow free spots, not on the road lanes (it was closed for the season though) and felt like I was trying to fall asleep in a freezer, woke up with everything covered in frost, rock hard frozen shoes, all water frozen, but the Inn was only 2 miles down the road , with a warm fire inside and coffee and eggs and ketchup what more could you want? OK sorry this post got so long , hope to meet some more people in the AZT tribe, and look forward to hiking slowly with friends along sections of the trail.
Chet Anderson 3:55 pm on March 7, 2011 Permalink
I thru-hiked the Arizona Trail in 2010. My first night on the trail was March 28, my 68th birthday. I finished on May 18. Thanks to helpful information from Arizona Trail stewards, my starting date was perfect for weather. I had plenty of water sources and not too much snow. I had never seen Grand Canyon and hiking 689.3 miles for my first look at it was special. I reached the north rim of Grand Canyon on May 14. The snow was too deep to take the trail so I decided to hike the road to Jacob Lake and then rejoin the trail. I went back in July to hike those trail miles from the north rim to Jacob Lake. AT is a great trail! I loved all the birds and other wildlife, the flowers in bloom, and, most of all, the terrific views. I hope to have my journal posted by April 15, 2011 at http://www.grayghost.info
Judy Eidson 8:07 am on January 6, 2011 Permalink
I finished the AZT 5-21-08. I am doing it again for the 2nd time in segments helping out Nancy Vail that also assisted me on the southern section of Az , we should be completing it by 9-2011. Do to so many trails that have changed & doing abundance in the opposite directions it’s all new experience & in love with it all! Thanks again for all the volunteers & stewards that has made this possible.
Shawn 6:45 pm on December 23, 2010 Permalink
The good news is that 2010 was a great year to do the trail because of above-normal precipitation; the bad news is that 2010 was tough year to do the trail because of above-normal precipitation—deep snow in the mountains.
Given the reports of deep snow in the Huachucas, two of us started at Sunnyside (fourteen trail miles north of the border) on a crisp March 15 morning. My hiking partner left, as planned, at Kentucky Camp and I was on my own. I arrived at Manning Camp March 23 and was turned back by 5+ feet of snow. I exited the mountains at Douglas Spring TH and laid over a day in Tucson; then jumped around the Catalina’s to American Flag, reaching Superior March 29. Laid over for 3 days waiting out a predicted storm (which fizzled). Underway again April 2, I hobbed into Mt Peeley TH April 8 with a sharp and growing pain in my left shin. Got a ride into town where the doc said it was “a stress reaction,” precursor to a stress fracture. So I laid up till May 11, and restarted at Mt Peeley. Mazatzals are a tough slog in places but maintenance is ongoing. Took a day in Pine, one in Flagstaff and two at Tusyan, reached UT June 5 with more stress fracture issues.
Summer was spent as a full time volunteer at The Nature Conservancy’s Hart Prairie Preserve, with the un-hiked 63 miles hanging over my head. With shuttle support from my son I got back on the trail November 9 to finish the bugger. Passage 1 from the border to Sunnyside TH was pristine; clean as a bone—thank you someone. Then we shuttled up to Redington Road where I headed off over the Catalinas to American Flag TH, completing the AZT on November 13.
I first began thinking about the Arizona Trail following a presentation by thru hikers, probably 8-10 years ago. The seed planted at that presentation germinated and grew into a definite plan, with gear purchases, route studying and mapping, learning GPS, and lining up support commitments. Retirement in January allowed me to launch my Grand Adventure.
A huge thank you to the Arizona Trail Association for making the AZT a reality, and Debbra and Jordan for all the help!
If anyone needs help planning or executing the AZT, feel free to get in touch.
ScottM 1:04 pm on December 9, 2010 Permalink
Hello! Scott Morris here. I have ridden the Arizona Trail from Mexico to Utah twice. One time it took 26 days, and I rode with Lee Blackwell. We went to great lengths to stay to the trail as much as possible on a bicycle. It was an amazing trip. About 6 months later, still in 2005, I rode the AZT bike route described in Andrea Lankford’s book, in 7.5 days. I was trying to go as fast as possible, but the main reason it was so fast was that her route detours around unfinished and hike-a-bike segments. In sum my two trips, and their completely different styles, gave me a deep appreciation for the Arizona Trail and our amazing state.
I also run the Arizona Trail 300, and have finished that event several times, sometimes fast, sometimes not. I look forward to riding it every spring (now in its sixth year). The AZT 300 also has a 750 mile, full AZT race, as of 2010. Carrying bike across the canyon mandatory!
More info here: http://topofusion.com/azt/race.php
Many thanks to all involved with the construction, establishment and maintenance of what is one of Arizona’s most important treasures.
Brian Stark 10:58 pm on November 17, 2010 Permalink
I ran the Arizona Trail, from south to north, in the spring of 2001 in 39 beautiful days. I ran solo and unsupported, carrying a 14-pound day pack. When I reached the Mazatzals in a heavy spring snowstorm, I upgraded my pack to a 28-pound winter outfit and shuffle-jogged the rest of the way. Note to future travelers: Don’t do a spring rim-to-rim in the Grand Canyon expecting a feast on the other side!
SlōRide & Shake'n Bake 12:09 pm on September 1, 2010 Permalink
We thru-hiked the AZT with our buddy Griz in 2001. We started April 15 and finished June 8 (same day as Dave Hicks). In 2005, we hiked 300 miles of the AZT southbound from the Utah border to the Mazatzals. This spring (2010) we hiked 550 miles of the Grand Enchantment Trail which follows the AZT for 70 miles.
Ken & Marcia Powers 12:35 pm on August 20, 2010 Permalink
We hiked north from the border starting 5/5/2008 and finishing at the AZ/UT stateline on 6/18/2008. The late season start was due to family commitments. We had a great hike with all kinds of weather. Our hike journal is at http://www.trailjournals.com/gottawalkazt
Scott Stovall (Westrook) 2:44 pm on August 16, 2010 Permalink
I section hiked the Arizona Trail starting in 2007 and finished Dec. 28, 2009. As a native Arizonian, it was truly a pleasure to walk through some of the most spectacular country of my home state. Hats off to the people who work on, for and maintain the AZ trail, it made the hike that more rewarding. For all of you contemplating doing the walk, my suggestion is to go to the trail head, place one foot in front of the other and start your journey. You won’t regret it; and keep a close eye out for the quail, javelina, elk, deer, the multitude of birds, the colorful sunrises and sunsets, the ever changing landscapes and the wonderful vistas.
Ed Cleveland 8:10 pm on August 14, 2010 Permalink
A two day backpack through the Mazatzal Divide in 2008 marked my completion of the Arizona Trail at age 78. Begun almost 10 years earlier through the Huachucas by invitation of three other seniors I hiked the trail in small segments as time and weather permitted. Early on some passages were merely flags or aluminum flashers on trees. When the DOD relaxed restrictions on the accuracy of GPS locations finding the way became much easier. Accompanied on most of the journey by three stalwart women we shared the joys of the every changing scenery, the frustrations of missed turns and the elation of finally sighting the car at the end of a long day. Experiencing the trail from border to state line is a deeply moving (no pun) experience enriched by the company of compatible and like minded companions. Their understanding, patience and support enriched my experience and I’m forever grateful.
Larry Bagley 2:25 pm on August 8, 2010 Permalink
I completed the AZT on 11/29/06 with the logistical help of many friends from the Southern Arizona Hiking Club. The entire trail was hiked as day hikes with no back packing. I carried all of the water needed on every passage except the Grand Canyon crossing. Special thanks to my primary hiking partner, Kathy Gish, who completed the trail prior to me.
John N. Calhoun 2:20 pm on August 6, 2010 Permalink
Roni (from Israel) and I hiked the AZT (with trail Angel Dan Sands help) from March 19 to May 7, 2009. Please see http://www.trailjournals.com/mothernaturesson for more details and photos. John N Calhoun
Brad Buckhout 9:05 pm on August 5, 2010 Permalink
Our older son Marc and I began our trek from Mexico to Utah after seeing the Tighe & Moran book On the Arizona Trail. We started in January 2000 and hiked many sections “out and back” doubling the distance to cover but with only one vehicle we had no other choice. On our second hike in the Huachucas we discovered a first aid kit on the trail that had been dropped by intrepid hiker Chris Townsend. We were able to track him down with the use of the internet and we were able to get his supplies mailed to him at a supply drop that he had arranged with denise home in Scotland.
Our adventure took 52 hikes over 4 years (we have to work ya know)…plus I had an ACL reconstruction done in 2003. It was great to be doing a Rim to Rim across the Grand Canyon on my 50th birthday!
Marc and I finished 6/5/04, the first and apparently only Father+Son team to have completed the Trail and #29 & 30 to do so. I consider this to be one of the major achievements of my life and it certainly allows reflection and a rejuvenation of the soul found only when one can detach from our disturbing world and reconnect with prisitine unspoiled wilderness (found in abundance on this wonderful Trail).
Thanks to Dale and all of the volunteers who have made it a treasure for Arizona.
Bob Luce 1:49 pm on August 5, 2010 Permalink
Tony Soukup, Roger Herbst, and I did a short “can we really do this” trip in 2006,; decided we could, then began in earnest in April 2007. We backpacked the AZT from south to north, logging about 200 miles per year from 2007 to 2010. We finished 0n May 29, 2010 after our longest trip, 212 miles from Flagstaff to the Utah border. Lots of snow on San Francisco Peaks and north of the Grand Canyon as far as Jacob Lake, and we had our coldest night of the AZT (21 degrees F) just north of the Canyon. Between Mexico and Utah we were joined by friends or relatives on some segments, and assisted by several shuttlers. Thanks guys. I learned a lot about my adopted state of AZ during our four-year quest, both caching and backpacking. It has been my pleasure to work with the AZTA trail crews on a couple of occassions, and I just want to say thanks to them for all of the great work.
Brian Poturalski 1:58 pm on August 4, 2010 Permalink
My trek across the Arizona Trail was in February / March of 2004. In part, it was to commemorate my 40th birthday. 40 days and 40 nights… provided me a chance to experience some of Arizona’s most diverse and beautiful landscapes while challenging myself both physically and mentally, and the opportunity to share the memories with my family and close friends. One aspect of the trek that I thoroughly enjoyed was travelling in all forms of non-motorized transportation including snowshoeing, x-country skiing, horseback, mountain biking and hiking. Making my way north to south proved eventful during some significant winter storms, but on the flip-side finding water was never an issue. I traversed about half the trail solo and was joined by a family member or close friend other portions of the trail. It was great sharing the memories with those close to me. Also, I was fortunate to have the assistance of some amazing folks in a support capacity. They helped me immensely… providing food / water, change of gear / mode of transportation, moral support, etc. Their assistance really enriched my experience and I’m grateful for their assistance. My hat’s off to Dale Shewalter and his vision of such an awesome experience… Happy Trails Dale!
Dori Pederson 8:30 am on July 22, 2010 Permalink
I hiked the Arizona Trail in segments starting in 2001. I finished Oct 1 2005. I was told I was # 38 to do so. At that time I was the oldest woman (at 70) to do so. I was only able to do this “Thanks” to Dave Hicks, Laddie Cox, Mat Shannon, Lamont Tushudy (sag) and Chuck Horner. This was one of the best experiences of my life, seeing all the diverse wonders of our great state. Also, I formed life-lasting friendships. When Howard Howell gave me a gift membership to ATA in 2001, unknown to me it would lead to this wonderful experience of a lifetime. Howard was one nice man and we shared lots of hikes on and off the ATA.
Dave 7:52 am on July 18, 2010 Permalink
OK, so I missed the year I hiked the AZT by 9 years. It was 2001 not 2010. But just to add to those who completed the AZT, I will add the below names from the list that I used to keep on my old website. There have been many more since.
AZT Hikers: 1. Dale Shewalter – founder of the AZT (1985) 2. Bill Watson (1999) 3. Glen Anderson 4. Barbara Zinn 5. John Fayhee (1997) 6. Karen Berger (1995) 7. Dan Smith (1995) 8. Carol Davis (1995) 9. Tom Jones (1998) 10. Bill Beardsley 11. Mike Headrick 12. Chris Townsend (2000) 13. Jake Schas (2000) 14. Brian Stark (2001) 15. Chris Timmermann (2001) 16. Lori Adkison (2001) 17. Scott Vasterling (2001) 18. Dave Hicks (2001) 19. Fred Gaudet (2002) 20. Li Brannfors (2003) 21. Jim Stoeckmann (2003) 22. Joe Heil (2003) 23. Dave Adams (2003) 24. Satwant Singh Khalsa (2003) 25. Brain Poturalski (2004) 26. Brett Tucker (2004) 27. Keith Molinek (2004) 28. Joe Lane (2004) 29 and 30. Dad Brad and son Marc Buckout (2004) 31. Laddie Cox (2004) 32 and 33. Brian Frankle and Amity Ludders (Fall 2004) 34. Jim Horan (Dec 2004)
And of course HORSE RIDERS Kelly Tighe and Susan Moran and bikers Andrea Lankford and Beth Overton. And Eric Schlimmer rode his bike across Arizona on the AZT in November, 2002. And Tim McCabe and his bike completed their wild ride on the Arizona Trail in May 2004.
Dave Hicks 9:07 pm on July 17, 2010 Permalink
I section hiked the AZT between March 24 and June 10, 2010. It was certainly an adventure of a lifetime. The sound of my hiking boot quietly crunching along the trail’s tread is still a wonderful feeling and memory. The AZT tests one in many ways but always with a magnificent reward of a panoramic view, a wild critter, a beautiful night or day sky, etc, etc. Since my hike I have been fortunate to be involved in the AZT with the best part being around the finest people in the world and that includes the trail users and volunteers who faithfully work on the trail. I hope to hike the trail again in 2012 after its completion.
Brian (Buck-30) 7:09 pm on July 14, 2010 Permalink
I hiked the AZT in the Fall of 2009. If you like drinking brown cow water most of the way a Fall hike is the way to go! With the exception of a lost boyscout I didn’t see a single other hiker with a backpack in my 39 days. I couldn’t believe how amazing the AZT was. I was really surprised at the diversity and I’ve been telling everyone I know to go hike the AZT!
Bob Pekarske 7:27 am on July 14, 2010 Permalink
I section hiked the AZT from 2000 thru 2005. My trail journals are online at azpotlatch.org. My license plate is AZTRAIL. I love the AZT and I love to swap stories and/or pontificate about it.
John Officer (Gentleman Hiker) 8:06 pm on July 13, 2010 Permalink
I hiked the Arizona National Scenic Trail in 2010. (April 2nd thru May 19th) This was the best time to hike it since we had a really wet winter, the flowers and foliage were in bloom. I am an Arizona Native and have not seen the desert so green and the lakes so full in a long time. I am greatful for the Arizona Trail Association and all the stewards that orginize work projects and maintain their part so others can enjoy what I call the best part of the trail, The piece between the Mexico border and the Utah border.
George Hay 3:59 pm on July 13, 2010 Permalink
It took me over 9 yrs to finish the AZ Trail on horseback. I rode it in sections and sometimes had to ride some sections 2 or 3 times. My last section was from 4 peaks to sunflower. It is a wonderful trail. My favorite section is in the North Kaibab area. I was the trail stewart for section 40, the most beautiful section of the trail (in my opinion). It is too bad the fires and washouts have destroyed parts of the trail, making it impossible for horses and tough for hikers to make it through. I feel satisfied that I have finished and am helping others to finish too.
Tim McCabe 2:53 pm on July 13, 2010 Permalink
This is great to see there used to be a list on David Hicks Yahoo site but I am sure that is way out of date by now. I have done two mountain bike trips using the AZT to cross the state. First in 2004 including a 215 mile detour around the Grand Canyon and again in 2006 including a portage carrying the bike through the Canyon. I have also completed Scott Morris’s AZT 300 race twice once with Zach MacDonald in 2007 and again this year 2010. I go by the handle AZTtripper at the local Tucson mountain bike forum http://www.tucsonmtb.com/ .
Garlic 2:20 pm on July 13, 2010 Permalink
I section-hiked the AZT in 2009 and 2010. I joined the ATA and am helping out as often as I can to help build and maintain the Trail. See you out there!
Michael Headrick 2:10 pm on July 13, 2010 Permalink
I hiked the Arizona Trail in sections over a 20 month period starting in May 2000 and finishing in Jan 2002. Back in those days several segments were not completed so I did some cross country navigation with a gps. Our state has a wonderful diversity of landscapes that I did not fully appreciate prior to hiking the AZT. – Michael Headrick
Zach MacDonald 1:52 pm on July 13, 2010 Permalink
SInce mountain bikes are not yet represented here though there are quite a few finishers, I’ll chime in: I finished the southern 300 miles in one shot from Parker Canyon Lake to Superior in the AZT300 mountain bike “race” in April of 2007 with a friend and AZT finisher Tim McCabe. At the time we were 2 of 3 AZT300 finishers. It is a beautiful but challenging trail. There have since been a few more 800 mile mountain bike finishers. Hope to do the whole thing personally soon – maybe next year…the baby will be a year older (I’m not getting any younger either). Congratulations to all the finishers and hope to hear many more stories.
Lee Blackwell 6:59 pm on July 11, 2010 Permalink
Scott Morris and I biked the AZ trail in April 2005. We went self supported except motels stores and hosts along the way when we could. The ride took us 23 days. We tried to ride as much trail as possible. Our detour around the Superstition Wilderness took us east on a bushwack hike a bike over Gunsight Pass to Roosevelt Lake. When we arrived in Flagstaff it was snowing and everyone said it was impossible to go on but we persisted. We caught a big tailwind and in no time we were on the Coconino Rim trail. We crossed the Grand Canyon carrying our bikes not allowed to ride them in the Canyon. There was lot of snow on the north rim till Jacob Lake. From Jacob on to Utah it was snow free. It was a good ride.
Kimberlie Dame 2:44 pm on July 6, 2010 Permalink
I finished the Arizona Trail all in one season (but not in a straight line) in the very snowy spring of 2010! I’ve lived in this beautiful state all of my life and had NO IDEA about all the hidden paradises that are here! My trip is recorded online at http://www.thenewnomads.com .
hikediva 11:54 am on July 6, 2010 Permalink
Hey, here’s a shout out to all my Arizona Trail tribe! Took me six years of segment hiking, finishing on April 14, 2009. A huge thank you to all who made my journey happen. –Terri Gay
Sirena 7:39 am on July 6, 2010 Permalink
I hiked the Arizona Trail to raise awareness for Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition I have had since 1997. I began the trail in February 2008, and on Fibromyalgia Awareness Day- May 12, 2009, I completed my last passage, ending at the American Flag Trailhead. The Arizona Trail winds its way through many jewels of the state and I feel so fortunate that I was able to immerse myself in its exquisite beauty. I invite you to check out my extensive website with journals, pictures and videos at http://www.aztrail4fms.org for more about my mostly-solo journey.