HomeTrailsArizona Trail vs Crystal Hills Trail

Arizona Trail vs Crystal Hills Trail

A side-by-side look at distance, elevation, difficulty and the best time to hike each — so you can pick the right route.

Units
Arizona Trail Crystal Hills Trail
Distance 767 mi1,234 km 50 mi80 km
Elevation gain 36,148 ft11,018 m 4,334 ft1,321 m
Typical duration 49 days 4 days
Difficulty
Route type Point-to-point Point-to-point
Network National Regional
Country United States United States
Best time to hike Best from December to December Best from September to October
map Route & GPX map Route & GPX

Arizona Trail vs Crystal Hills Trail: which should you hike?

At 767 mi1,234 km, Arizona Trail is the longer route — roughly 717 mi1,154 km more than Crystal Hills Trail (50 mi80 km). If you want the bigger challenge or a longer trip, that's the one; for a shorter or first multi-day hike, Crystal Hills Trail is the gentler pick. Check the elevation and best-season rows above, then open each route for the full guide and a free GPX download.