Arizona Trail

The Arizona Trail is a 1,234-km point-to-point trail in the United States, running from the US-Mexico border to the Arizona-Utah border. Gaining approximately 26,500 m of elevation across 43 passages, it is rated strenuous and ranked among America's great long-distance thru-hikes, crossing Sonoran Desert, sky island mountains, the Grand Canyon, and ponderosa pine forest.

About the Arizona Trail

The Arizona Trail (AZT) is one of eleven National Scenic Trails in the United States, officially designated on March 30, 2009. The concept was born in 1985 when Dale Shewalter, a schoolteacher from Flagstaff, Arizona, envisioned a continuous corridor linking the Mexican border to Utah through the heart of the state. The Arizona Trail Association was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1994 and the trail was completed in its entirety on December 16, 2011.

Running 1,234 km (approximately 800 miles) from south to north, the AZT is divided into 43 numbered passages spanning three broad regions: Southern (passages 1–13), Central (passages 14–30), and Northern (passages 31–43). Elevations range from just 518 m at the Gila River crossing to 2,926 m near the San Francisco Peaks outside Flagstaff, meaning the trail transitions dramatically from cactus-studded Sonoran Desert to subalpine forest and open canyon rim within a single thru-hike.

Unlike many long trails that wind through a single biome, the AZT crosses six of North America's seven life zones, five sky island mountain ranges, and two National Parks. Every day brings a noticeably different landscape. Thru-hikers typically complete the trail in 45 to 75 days, covering an average of 25–30 km per day. The trail is open to hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers (except in designated wilderness areas), making it one of the most multi-use National Scenic Trails in the country. In 2025 alone, over 2,000 volunteers contributed 26,000 hours of trail maintenance to keep the route passable.

Water is the defining planning factor on the AZT. Desert passages can have 30 km or more between reliable sources, and summer heat at lower elevations routinely exceeds 40 °C. Hikers should carry a high-capacity water filter and study source reports closely before each leg. For calorie planning on multi-day desert stretches, see the guide on how many calories you need hiking a full day — desert heat raises your energy output well above the trail-day average.

Route Overview & Stages

The 43 official passages are grouped below into eight major geographic segments for planning purposes. Distances are approximate; precise passage distances are published by the Arizona Trail Association in the official Data Book.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Coronado National Memorial — The southern terminus marks where Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado entered what is now the United States in 1540. The border monument sits at 1,540 m and offers unobstructed views south into Sonora, Mexico. Starting here grounds every northbound thru-hiker in the full sweep of the journey ahead.
• Saguaro National Park East (Rincon Mountain District) — The AZT threads through the park's backcountry between towering saguaro cacti, some over 200 years old and 12 m tall. This is one of the most iconically Arizonan landscapes on the entire trail, best experienced at sunrise when desert light turns the cacti gold.
• Mount Lemmon, Santa Catalina Mountains — At 2,790 m, Mount Lemmon anchors one of Arizona's famous sky islands — isolated mountain ecosystems that rise abruptly above desert basins. Oracle Ridge, just north, offers panoramic views stretching more than 100 km on clear days and marks the transition from desert to forested highland.
• Superstition Wilderness — East of Phoenix, this rugged volcanic landscape is steeped in legend as the rumoured site of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine. Hikers navigate dramatic rock formations, narrow ravines, and sparse water sources across one of the most atmospheric wilderness areas in the American Southwest.
• Four Peaks Wilderness — The distinctive four-summited silhouette visible from Phoenix marks a scenically dramatic stretch where Sonoran Desert transitions sharply to chaparral and amethyst mining country. The views from the ridgeline take in the Verde Valley, the Mazatzal range, and the distant Mogollon Rim.
• Mogollon Rim — This 320-km escarpment marks the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. The AZT climbs dramatically onto the Rim, gaining over 1,000 m in a short stretch and revealing a sweeping 200-km panorama across ponderosa pine forest and deep canyon country — one of the great viewpoints in the American Southwest.
• San Francisco Peaks — At 2,926 m, these are the highest mountains in Arizona and the trail's highest point. The slopes are sacred to more than a dozen Native American nations, including the Navajo and Hopi, and on clear winter days the summit views extend into Utah, New Mexico, and Nevada.
• Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Crossing — The AZT descends from the South Rim via the South Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch (762 m), then climbs the North Kaibab Trail to the North Rim (2,527 m) — an elevation swing of 1,765 m in approximately 35 km. This single segment ranks among the most dramatic walking experiences on earth and requires a separate backcountry permit.

Best Time to Hike the Arizona Trail

The AZT has two main hiking windows: spring for northbound thru-hikers and fall for southbound. Choosing the wrong season at lower elevations is not merely uncomfortable — summer heat at 40–45 °C creates a genuine safety risk.

March–May (Northbound, recommended): The most popular window as of 2026. Beginning at the Mexican border in mid-March allows hikers to follow the warming season north — southern desert sections are cool and wildflowers bloom through April. Daytime temperatures in the desert run 18–28 °C; nights above 2,000 m can still drop to −5 °C, so a three-season sleeping bag rated to −5 °C is essential. By the time hikers reach the Grand Canyon in mid-May, North Rim snowpack has typically receded enough for safe passage.

September–November (Southbound): Starting at the Utah border in mid-September, hikers descend into progressively warmer terrain. The Kaibab Plateau is bright with aspen colour, and North Rim temperatures are perfect in September. By the time hikers reach southern Arizona's desert, November has cooled daytime highs to a manageable 22–30 °C.

June–August (Avoid for thru-hiking): Lower-elevation passages regularly exceed 45 °C in summer. Monsoon rains arriving in July create flash flood risks in canyon sections. Higher terrain such as the San Francisco Peaks and Kaibab Plateau is hikeable in summer, but a full thru-hike should not be attempted in these months.

The single best month to begin a northbound Arizona Trail thru-hike is March. Desert conditions are at their most tolerable, winter rains have replenished water sources at their highest reliability of the year, and a March start provides the necessary buffer to reach the Grand Canyon and northern snow zones before closures or extreme heat become factors.

Practical Information

Accommodation

The Arizona Trail is primarily a camping trail. Dispersed camping is permitted throughout most of the route on National Forest and BLM land at no charge. The main exceptions are Grand Canyon National Park (designated sites only, permit required) and sections crossing private land where camping is prohibited. Below are the main towns offering paid accommodation:

• Patagonia, AZ — Hiker-friendly small town with hostel-style lodging; ~€50–80/night
• Tucson, AZ — Full urban resupply; hostels from ~€30–45/dorm, full hotel range available
• Superior, AZ — Gateway town with budget motels; ~€60–80/night
• Pine / Payson, AZ — Motels and cabin rentals; ~€70–110/night
• Flagstaff, AZ — Main mid-trail hub with hostels (~€35–50/dorm), full resupply, and Amtrak access
• Jacob Lake, AZ — Jacob Lake Inn is the only lodging near the North Rim corridor; book 6+ months ahead; ~€130–170/night

Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon offers dormitory beds and meals; reservations open a full year in advance and typically sell out within minutes. Budget approximately €90–110 per person for a dorm bed with dinner and breakfast included.

Getting There & Back

Southern Terminus: The nearest major airport is Tucson International Airport (TUS), approximately 110 km north of the trailhead at Coronado National Memorial. Seasonal shuttles operate from Tucson via Sierra Vista; a taxi from Sierra Vista to the trailhead (30 km) costs approximately €50–70. There is no scheduled public transport to the terminus itself.

Northern Terminus: The Stateline terminus near Jacob Lake sits approximately 320 km northeast of Las Vegas (LAS) and 500 km south of Salt Lake City (SLC) — either airport serves as a practical return hub. A seasonal shuttle connects Jacob Lake to Kanab, Utah (~80 km), where rental cars and bus connections are available. Plan at least a half-day for the return journey.

Mid-Trail Access via Flagstaff: Flagstaff station is served daily by Amtrak's Southwest Chief, connecting Los Angeles and Chicago. This is the most convenient mid-trail exit, re-entry, or bail-out point for hikers who need to leave the trail temporarily.

Permits & Fees

There is no single thru-hike permit for the Arizona Trail. The majority of the route crosses National Forest and BLM land where no permit or fee is required. The key exception is the Grand Canyon:

• Grand Canyon National Park Backcountry Permit: Required for all overnight camping below the rim. The fee is USD 12 per reservation plus USD 10 per person per night. Apply through the Grand Canyon National Park backcountry office four months in advance on the first of the month. Demand vastly exceeds supply — apply early and have alternative camping dates ready.
• Saguaro National Park: Day-use fee of USD 25 per vehicle or USD 15 per individual hiker (valid 7 days). America the Beautiful annual pass is accepted and pays for itself quickly on a multi-park thru-hike.
• Wilderness Areas: Entry is free; self-registration at most trailheads. Pack stock, goats, and dogs are prohibited in certain passages due to desert bighorn sheep protection — check current ATA passage notes before departing.

Gear & Packing List

Packing for a 45–75-day desert and mountain thru-hike demands careful weight management. Water-carrying capacity of at least 4–6 litres is essential for dry passages; a reliable filter is non-negotiable. Sun protection — wide-brim hat, UPF long-sleeve shirt, SPF 50 sunscreen, and a lightweight umbrella — matters more on the AZT than on almost any other long trail in North America. The desert will punish anyone who underestimates it.

Choosing the right backpack is the single most consequential gear decision for a 1,234-km route. Ultralight options save cumulative fatigue dramatically over the weeks:

• Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 — DCF construction at ~510 g with enough volume for a 7-day carry; the frame transfers load well even when packed with 5+ litres of water weight
• Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider — 34-litre DCF pack at ~620 g; proven performer on long desert routes where moisture resistance and durability matter as much as weight
• Osprey Aether 65 — a 65-litre structured option at ~2.1 kg for hikers who prefer a traditional frame and hip-belt load transfer across the heavily graded mountain sections

For a detailed weight comparison and pack selection methodology, see the best ultralight backpacks of 2026 roundup. Additional essential kit for the AZT:

• Shelter: Lightweight trekking-pole tent or bivy; temperatures swing from 40 °C desert days to −5 °C subalpine nights within the same week
• Footwear: Trail runners are the near-universal choice for AZT thru-hikers; expect to replace 3–4 pairs across the full 1,234 km
• Navigation: Gaia GPS or FarOut app with offline AZT maps downloaded; the official AZT Data Book lists GPS waypoints, water sources, and passage notes for all 43 passages
• Water treatment: Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn BeFree filter; iodine tablets as a backup for turbid desert tanks and cattle troughs
• Heat management: A lightweight umbrella, reflective sun shirt, and a 1-litre spray bottle for cooling can make the difference between a manageable desert day and a dangerous one

Similar Trails You Might Like

The Arizona Trail occupies the southern anchor of the American long-trail ecosystem. If you are drawn to desert endurance routes, canyon landscapes, or North American thru-hiking in general, these trails deserve a place on your list.

• Pacific Crest Trail (United States) — 4,265 km from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington; shares the AZT's desert-to-alpine character on a grander scale and forms part of the Triple Crown alongside it
• Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (United States), 4,988 km — the spine of the Rocky Mountains from New Mexico to Montana; the most remote and logistically complex of the Triple Crown trails
• Mount Whitney Trail (United States) — a concentrated two-day ascent to the highest summit in the contiguous US (4,421 m); a focused peak objective for AZT alumni ready for elevation
• Angels Landing Trail–West Rim Trail (United States) — Zion National Park's iconic exposed ridgeline walk; an intense short route in the same canyon country the AZT's northern passages border
• Half Dome Trail (United States) — Yosemite's signature cable-assisted summit challenge; a natural bucket-list companion to the AZT for hikers moving from desert Southwest to Sierra Nevada granite

For something entirely different in character and geography, the Theth to Valbona hike in Albania offers dramatic alpine scenery, stone guesthouses, and a fraction of the logistical complexity of a long American thru-hike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to hike the Arizona Trail?

March is the single best month to start a northbound thru-hike. Spring conditions bring mild desert temperatures (18–28 °C), reliable water from winter rains, and blooming wildflowers through April. A mid-March start gives hikers the time needed to reach the Grand Canyon and the snow-prone northern sections in May, when North Rim access typically reopens. For southbound hikers, September to October offers the equivalent window from the Utah end.

How difficult is the Arizona Trail?

The Arizona Trail is rated strenuous and demands serious preparation. The challenge comes less from technical terrain than from cumulative factors: 26,500 m of elevation gain across 1,234 km, extreme heat at lower elevations (40–45 °C in summer), passages with 25–30 km between reliable water sources, and remote terrain where emergency rescue can take many hours. Previous multi-day backpacking experience and strong navigational skills are strongly recommended before attempting a thru-hike.

How many kilometres per day should I plan?

Most AZT thru-hikers average 25–35 km per day, completing the full 1,234 km in 45 to 75 days. Expect slower daily distances on mountain passages with heavy elevation change and longer days on flatter plateau sections. Desert water carries can also slow pace significantly — a pack loaded with 5+ litres of water and 5+ days of food adds considerable weight. Build in at least one full rest day per week and plan zero days in Tucson, Flagstaff, and other major resupply towns.

What accommodation options are available along the Arizona Trail?

The trail is primarily a camping route. Dispersed camping is free on National Forest and BLM land for the majority of the 1,234 km. Towns including Patagonia, Tucson, Superior, Pine, and Flagstaff offer hostels and motels at €30–170/night. The Grand Canyon's Phantom Ranch at the canyon bottom must be booked a full year in advance and sells out in minutes. All overnight camping within Grand Canyon National Park requires a backcountry permit regardless of whether you use a dorm or tent site.

Do I need a permit to hike the Arizona Trail?

No single permit covers the entire trail. Most of the route crosses National Forest and BLM land where no permit or fee applies. The critical exception is the Grand Canyon: a backcountry permit is required for all overnight camping below the rim, costing USD 12 per reservation plus USD 10 per person per night. Apply via the National Park Service four months in advance on the first of the month — demand far exceeds supply, so early planning is essential. Saguaro National Park charges a USD 15 day-use fee per hiker.