HistoryARIZONA EVOKES IMAGES of breathtaking landscapes, exotic animals, star-filled skies, and dramatic sunsets. Even for those who have never traveled through this wild part of the West, the very concept of the place suggests mystery, beauty, and allure. Glancing at a map of the state reveals an abundance of national forests, national parks, Native American reservations, and huge tracts of land free of roads, cities, or any other semipermanent footprint of modern society. From rolling grasslands and lush Sonoran Desert to alpine peaks and one of the world’s deepest canyons, it is a land of biodiversity unlike anywhere else on Earth. This is Arizona.
And through its wild heart runs a single trail—an 800-plus-mile path from Mexico to Utah that links mountains, deserts, forests, canyons, rivers, communities, and people. This is the Arizona National Scenic Trail, or the AZT for short.
One of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the country, and only the third to be completed, the AZT beckons the adventurous at heart to explore the more remote and unknown regions of the state. But it also winds through the Grand Canyon, Saguaro National Park, and other famous natural wonders.
The AZT welcomes all nonmotorized forms of locomotion, and the diversity of trail users is one of the many phenomena that make it unique. On this trail, hikers, runners, and backpackers are just as common as mountain bikers and equestrians, and trail conflicts among these groups are almost unheard of. After all, they worked side-by-side to build the trail. At seasonal trail-maintenance events, you’re just as likely to see folks in convertible pants and sun hats as in Lycra and helmets or cowboy hats and Carhartts. Such diversity helps define the trail.
Just because there is a trail through the entire state does not mean it’s easily accessible every step of the way. While trailheads and signs exist, the AZT experience is intended to be a personal encounter with nature on its own terms. Unlike other long-distance trails, the AZT offers the possibility of your going for days without seeing humans other than your own companions. Many miles unfold between resupply services on some AZT passages. In fact, you might even forget that “civilization” exists. Yes, you’ll see trail signs, but relying on them as a primary means of navigation is foolhardy. And then there’s the dry Southwest’s lack of water sources other than what you carry in, making a crossing of Arizona a very serious endeavor.
What you will need on this journey in the Grand Canyon State is a reliable guidebook, especially if you want to get to know Arizona a little more intimately. And now you have it—Your Complete Guide to the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Whether you plan to attempt the entire AZT in one crossing or, like most trail enthusiasts, will spend the next decade section-hiking (or section-biking or section-horseback-riding) the trail one passage at a time, this book will help you plan and navigate appropriately. We created it to inform, entertain, and inspire you.
Directions in these pages will lead you to trailheads, water sources, and the twists and turns you’ll need to stay on the trail and keep from getting lost. You’ll also find profiles on Gateway Communities—the small towns near the trail where you can make segues to basic supplies (such as Advil and peanut butter) and sustenance and services (Mexican food and massage therapy, for instance). Gateway Communities, by the way, make great weekend destinations for your one-day and overnight AZT adventures.
We’ve also included information about Arizona’s geology and botany. The more you learn about the forces that shaped this wild landscape and the organisms that have adapted to live here, the more you’ll become enamored of Arizona.
Most of all, we hope you enjoy the AZT. And in the words of the late, great Edward Abbey (as he wrote in Desert Solitaire), “May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view … where storms come and go as lightning clangs upon the high crags, where something strange and more beautiful and more full of wonder than your deepest dreams waits for you… .”
HistoryDale Shewalter, a fifth-grade schoolteacher, had a dream, and that dream became the AZT. After attending college in Illinois, Dale wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail (AT), but he couldn’t afford to do it right away. As a geophysicist, he felt Tucson would be a promising area for finding work and putting some money into the bank before striking out on the AT. But when he moved to Arizona, in 1974, his priorities soon changed: “I saw the Sonoran Desert, and I was instantly converted,” he said.
Dale busied himself with work, volunteering at local schools, and getting his teaching certificate. He moved to Flagstaff in 1978 to teach full-time. His thirst for exploration was strong, and in 1982 he walked the length of the Mogollon Rim, the fantastic easterly–westerly escarpment that divides the lower-elevation deserts in southern Arizona from the pine-clad plateaus of the north. After completing this route, he started to look for a south–north hike. “I saw all the forests along the way, and I thought I could link them in one continuous hike,” he recalled.
Thus, in 1985, Dale started near Nogales, along the Mexico–U.S. border, and made it to Flagstaff in just a couple of weeks. He continued on to Fredonia, a short distance from the Utah border, proving that a continuous trail linking the wildest parts of Arizona might be possible.
Immediately thereafter, he began traveling around the state giving presentations on his vision of a trail connecting communities, mountains, canyons, deserts, forests, public lands, historic sites, various trail systems, wilderness areas, and other points of interest. The idea was embraced by all types of trails users throughout Arizona and by official bodies that included Arizona State Parks; four national forests—Coconino, Coronado, Kaibab, and Tonto; the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM); and the National Park Service (NPS). (Arizona’s Prescott and Apache National Forests are not on the route, so they were not involved.)
Dale Shewalter, the “Father of the Arizona National Scenic Trail,” walks a sinuous ribbon of trail he helped develop near the mountain town of Flagstaff.
Dale’s presentation to the Arizona Hiking and Equestrian Trails Committee, an advocacy group for nonmotorized trails, was pivotal to the development of the AZT. Members’ instant enthusiasm evolved into strong public and governmental support. Then–Governor Bruce Babbitt created a coalition focused on recreation and public lands, and Shewalter’s dream gained momentum.
In the late 1980s Kaibab National Forest management hired Dale as the first paid coordinator for the AZT, and all the agencies noted above began establishing segments of the envisioned route. In 1988 the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) dedicated the first segment of the trail: it ran 54 miles, from Grand Canyon National Park’s boundary, north toward Utah.
By 1990 two needs became apparent: a formal partnership among all pertinent governmental agencies to better coordinate efforts, coupled with communication and a nonprofit organization to lead the effort and sustain the trail into the future. Arizona State Parks assumed the lead role and employed coordinators for the AZT throughout the 1990s. To accomplish this work, and along with its own financial contributions, Arizona State Parks used funds from the four proximate national forests cited above, and from the BLM and NPS.
Arizona Trail AssociationIn 1994, the Arizona Trail Association (ATA) incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and became an organized advocate for the trail that unites people from throughout the state: day-hikers, backpackers, equestrians, mountain bicyclists, runners, trail builders, nature enthusiasts, cross-country skiers, and packers (folks who use horses, mules, llamas, and other animals to haul gear). These committed individuals provided route identification to close the information gaps along the unfinished route. They became the volunteers necessary for building and maintaining the trail; created maps and provided GPS coordinates; identified water sources and resupply points; and raised money and awareness for the ATA. Individuals, families, and businesses purchasing memberships through the ATA have been a tremendous source of financial support since 1994, and they’ve been as important to building the trail as those physically charting the route.
Organized trail crews spent extended periods of time maintaining and repairing the trail. Those groups included various youth corps crews, Sierra Club service trips, American Hiking Society volunteer vacationers, scouting and college groups, Volunteers for Outdoor Arizona, REI service trips, Backcountry Horsemen of America, International Mountain Bicycling Association trail-care crews, and many others. Much of the work took these trail crews deep into the backcountry, where logistics for a typical weekend volunteer work project are challenging.
Many large donors—from outdoor stores and clubs, to large corporations, to small businesses—have provided valuable funding for the AZT. Because of their generous donations, the trail was completed in record time. Additionally, many Land Managers have aggressively pursued Arizona Heritage Fund grants for the trail.
Since the new century began, the once seemingly impossible milestones include:
Altogether, the above efforts have supported the ATA’s mission to build, maintain, promote, protect, and sustain the AZT as a unique encounter with the land. It is a place for the adventure of a lifetime through some of the most incredible landscapes on Earth.
In sharing the more than 800 miles of the AZT, hikers, backpackers, equestrians, mountain bikers, cross-country skiers, nature photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts also take responsibility for its construction, maintenance, and preservation. The best way to support this spectacular long-distance trail is by becoming a member of the Arizona Trail Association (ATA). A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the ATA welcomes contributions, whether in the form of membership dues or donations designated expressly for trail development. All contributions are tax-deductible.
To help ensure the legacy of the AZT and its important role in Arizona’s history and its future, please contact the ATA:
P.O. Box 36736
Phoenix, AZ 85067
602-252-4794
The ATA website provides up-to-date narrative information about the trail, GPS and map data, and a comprehensive databook. The latter is an online spreadsheet giving a play-by-play of the entire trail’s water sources, intersections, and other vital information. The ATA relies on your membership dollars to support such endeavors.
Additionally, as a member, you can communicate with other long-distance trail users, land-management personnel, the 5 regional stewards, and some 100 trail stewards. The ATA website offers a complete, up-to-date list of the trail stewards, who are excellent resources regarding specific AZT passages. These committed individuals help keep the entire trail corridor healthy—physically maintaining the tread. They do this individually, with friends, and, when the need arises, with organized, major work events.
Use at Your Own RiskWithin nature are the great unknowns, that which attracts the adventurous among us to explore, attempt, and risk, with the hope of gaining an experience that will enrich our lives. Risk is always a factor in backcountry travel. Many of the activities described in this book can be dangerous, especially when weather is adverse or unpredictable or when unforeseen events or conditions create a hazardous situation.
The ATA has done its best to provide the reader with accurate information about backcountry travel, as well as point out some of its potential hazards. It is the responsibility of the users of this guide to learn the necessary skills for safe backcountry travel and to exercise caution in potentially hazardous areas. The ATA disclaims any liability for injury or other damage caused by backcountry traveling or performing any other activity described in this book. Use it at your own risk, accept responsibility for yourself and those around you, and be prepared for anything you may encounter along the way.
Planning Your TripCareful planning can eliminate many problems on the trail. For a long hike, you need to prepare an itinerary, arrange food drops and water caches, acquire and break in the gear you’ll need, and get in shape—not necessarily in that order. Make a detailed checklist and review it carefully. No matter how much you prepare, however, you must remain flexible once you hit the trail because bad weather, illness, and other problems may upset the best-laid plans. In the words of AZT hiker and former Executive Director Dave Hicks, “Fail to plan—plan to fail.”
When to GoAvoid low deserts in the summer months and higher alpine areas in late fall, winter, and early spring. South–north travelers usually start sometime in late winter or early spring, while north–south travelers will need to start in late summer or early autumn. To maximize the experience and take advantage of the seasons, travel from Mexico’s border to the Mogollon Rim in the springtime to catch the wildflowers, and from Utah to the Mogollon Rim in autumn to see the changing colors.
PermitsThe NPS tightly regulates camping and travel in Saguaro National Park (Passage 9) and Grand Canyon National Park (Passages 37–39). Backpackers wishing to stay in these areas must reserve campsites well in advance. Permits are not required on most of the AZT as long as you’re passing through, but you must get a permit to camp along the trail in certain areas.
The USFS and the BLM allow camping anywhere along the trail on most of the land they manage. Camping in Saguaro National Park and Grand Canyon National Park, both of which are managed by the NPS, requires a permit and is restricted to designated campgrounds. Colossal Cave Mountain Park charges a fee, and you must stay within the designated campground.
All areas of Arizona State Land require a permit if you camp or travel outside the 15-foot trail corridor. Approximately 95 miles of the AZT cross State Land. Though a permit is not required to use this part of the trail, trail users are encouraged to purchase one. That permit allows users to lawfully camp and wander outside the trail corridor, and funds collected from permits benefit state schools and other nonprofit organizations.
For a complete list of Land Managers and the contact information to obtain permits, consult Appendix 2, “Land-Management Agencies”.
Fences and GatesArizona has a long history of cattle ranching, mining, and homesteading. These brave families attempt to carve out a living in an inhospitable environment, and many of them have been in operation for generations. The AZT corridor was established with support from many of these families, with the understanding that trail users would have minimal impact upon the land and no adverse effect on their operations. Every trail user is an ambassador, and maintaining positive relationships with ranching families is necessary to keep this 800-plus-mile path from Mexico to Utah open and available to all.
You will encounter many gates and fences along the way, and because every one of them has pedestrian access, you’ll never have to hop over a fence. The standard rule is this: close the gate unless it’s been intentionally wired open. Even if you find the gate open, please close it. Gates that are accidentally left open, blown open by storms, or by cattle rubbing against them can separate animals from their water sources—a death sentence for the animal and a loss of precious resources for the family.
The AZT was intentionally routed through wild, remote parts of the state to provide the backcountry traveler a primitive experience. In some places help will be far away, so preparing for hazards is essential. Anyone considering a hike along the AZT should carefully evaluate his or her ability to cope with potential dangers. Remember that self-rescue is always the primary means of dealing with an emergency, and is often the fastest. Search-and-rescue missions to assist lost or injured trail users can take a very long time, depending on how far from the nearest road they are.
Mobile-phone coverage is intermittent and unreliable along much of the AZT. Carrying a satellite telephone or personal rescue transponder is a better option, but neither of these pieces of equipment is a substitute for good trail sense and on-the-ground experience.
It’s always smart to leave a detailed itinerary with a reliable friend or family member and check in regularly to acknowledge that you’re OK and on-track. Knowing when a person was last seen or heard from is a vital piece of information for rescue personnel.
WaterThe single biggest challenge of the AZT is finding, carrying—and consuming—enough water. Because water does not occur naturally throughout most of the state, you must carry enough for yourself or cache it ahead of time along the trail. Bringing enough of it can mean carrying an additional 25–30 pounds of liquid on your back for some passages. Consult Appendix 1, “Water Sources, Along the AZT”, to determine which passages may require caches of water.
The ATA has been building and installing bear boxes and metal storage containers at key locations along the trail to provide designated locations, reduce trash along the trail, minimize plastic bottles’ sun exposure, and give trail angels specific places to leave fresh bottles for the next thirsty trail user. Community water caches are typically visible to the public, while private caches are usually hidden or marked with dates of anticipated use. Passages 1, 4, 5, 7, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 27, 31, 32, 33, and 40 list alternate access points in addition to the main southern and northern access points. Keep those passages in mind for expanding your proximity to water sources or for starting a hike or ride with ample water.
Rancher-developed water on leased federal land or State Land is the rancher’s private property and cannot be used without first getting permission from the rancher, unless it’s a life-or-death situation. Please respect the property rights of others.
You’re more likely to encounter algae-filled cattle tanks than sparkling mountain streams on the AZT, but each water source is precious and should not be overlooked.
A GPS unit may be useful for making and finding water caches, but remember that the GPS is not foolproof and is subject to failure or operator error. Be confident that you can find your water caches without it.
Contaminated WaterThe greatest peril of drinking natural water is contamination, especially from Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium, small parasites that cause severe intestinal distress in humans. A lightweight water-filtration system is the best defense against such impurities. Always carry two means to treat water (chemical, mechanical, or ultraviolet, for example), in case one system fails or your supply dwindles. Drinking contaminated water is a better option than not drinking at all; you can survive a bout with giardia, but dehydration kills quickly.
DehydrationArizona’s low humidity, combined with the increased breathing rate you will likely experience when hiking strenuously, can result in potentially dangerous dehydration. Hikers may need a gallon of water per day, which they must carry or cache ahead of time along the route unless there are guaranteed natural sources. Consult “Appendix 1: Water Sources,” as well as the ATA’s website (aztrail.org; see the drop-down “Trail Resources” menu). On the website, you can easily connect with stewards, land managers, and many recent trail users to confirm water availability. (Also see “Conserve Water.)
Heat ExhaustionThe intense sun and heat along much of the AZT can pose a serious health threat during at least half the year. Heat exhaustion can overtake a person rapidly, and because disorientation and confusion are common symptoms, victims may never realize they are in trouble. Keep an eye on yourself and your companions, and take seriously such warning signs as chills, clammy skin, stumbling, muscle weakness, or nausea.
If heat exhaustion advances, it may turn into heatstroke, which is even more serious than heat exhaustion—and often deadly. Signs include the skin going from clammy to hot and dry, and unconsciousness may follow. Rapid and immediate cooling of the entire body is the only backcountry response, and emergency medical personnel should be contacted immediately.
HypothermiaArizona’s weather is extreme and can change at any time. Even in the low-elevation deserts, snow and cold rain are possible. An emergency Mylar blanket, which is easy to fit into your first-aid kit, can help retain body heat in emergency situations.
Flash FloodsFloods kill several people each year, and often with just a few seconds’ warning. Survivors have described flash floods as sudden, raging walls of water—not gradually increasing flows. To avoid these calamities, stay aware of the weather and the terrain. Flash floods occur when thunderstorms drop a large amount of rain and the ground cannot quickly absorb all of the water. Obviously, dark skies and the sound of distant thunder are warning signs, but floods can develop many miles away, and the storm may not be evident downstream.
As for terrain, floods follow established waterways and seek the lowest ground. Thus it is important not to camp or linger in dry washes or near streams or rivers, especially during the rainy season or thunderstorms. Low-lying areas that are not obvious waterways can also be inundated. Err on the side of caution and always camp on high ground. Never enter an enclosed canyon when thunderstorms are present or likely.
LightningThis danger can strike anywhere, but it is most threatening at exposed high elevations, such as Arizona’s sky islands, isolated mountain ranges rising from valleys or flat lands. Other examples the AZT user will encounter include the high ridges of such wilderness areas as the Superstitions, Mazatzals, and San Francisco Peaks. Lightning is most likely during Arizona’s monsoon rainstorms of June, July, and August, and it usually occurs in the afternoon. If you become caught in a storm, look for a low, treeless spot, and squat there until the weather passes. A low-elevation stand of trees of uniform height can also make for a suitable shelter. Hiding in caves is dangerous as they provide an ideal conduit for ground currents.
Animals, Reptiles, and InsectsMost animals you encounter in the backcountry will be more frightened of you than you are of them. However, a large animal occasionally may exhibit protective or aggressive behavior. Animals and their prey, may be attracted by the smell of food. Maintain a clean camp and keep food in one place (such as a stuff sack) 100 yards from your tent to minimize the chance of confronting a hungry visitor. When there are trees near your campsite, hang food high off the ground from a slender branch.
Mountain lions and black bears inhabit Arizona but, for the most part, they are shy of humans. Black bears, which can be black or brown, have poor eyesight and will often stand up on their hind legs simply to get a better look at you. In the unlikely event that you have a threatening encounter with either creature, experts suggest standing up tall, waving your arms, making noise, and slowly backing up. Throwing rocks or a walking stick at a persistent mountain lion may also be effective. If a mountain lion attacks you, fight back.
The best defense against snakes, scorpions, and spiders is to avoid putting your hands and feet in places you can’t see into, such as deep grass, rock crevices, and holes. The majority of snakebites occur on the hands and faces of victims because they are harassing the snake. If you see a rattlesnake, back away and leave the snake an escape route. This beautiful creature uses camouflage as its primary defense, its rattle as a secondary defense, and ots fangs as a last resort.
In spite of their reputation, rattlesnake bites are rarely fatal, although they are extremely painful and victims who are envenomated can lose muscle and tissue to necrosis. If you are bitten, remain as calm as you can and get professional medical attention as soon as possible. Keeping your heart rate down slows the spread of venom through your body. Do not apply a tourniquet, pack the bit with ice or ice water, cut the wound, or suck out the venom by mouth.
Arizona is home to 13 species of rattlesnakes, and during the warmer months you’re likely to share the trail with a few of them.
The Gila monster is a rare creature, one of only two venomous lizards in the world, with the ability to lock its jaw on a victim and pump venom into the wounds from ridges in its teeth. It has a flat snout, a thick, stubby tail, and black and orange (sometimes pink) dots. Watch it from a distance without harassing it, and you’ll enjoy an exciting and rare sighting.
Africanized honeybees, also called killer bees, are hybrids of African bees and European honeybees, the most common bees in North America. Africanized bees are more aggressive and persistent, attack in larger numbers, and may pursue intruders farther from their hives than European bees do. Their venom is the same as that of the European bee. Because it is difficult to distinguish between the two kinds of bees, it is best to treat all bees with respect. Wear light-colored clothing and avoid shiny jewelry. If you enter an area with a lot of bees, move away calmly. Never swat or kill a bee, because sudden movements and the odor of an injured bee stimulate the attack instinct in Africanized bees.
If you are attacked by Africanized bees, run away and keep running. Cover your head and face with clothing, because these are the first places bees will sting. Seek shelter. Unleash pets so they can escape too. If you are stung, scrape away the stinger; squeezing it releases more venom.
Children are more vulnerable to all wild creatures than adults are, so keep an eye on them. Avoid direct physical contact with any wild animal, regardless of its size, and never feed them.
Mine ShaftsThousands of abandoned mine shafts dot the hillsides of Arizona. They are unmaintained and are extremely dangerous. Not only are they subject to collapsing rock, but they also may contain toxic fumes that could overcome a careless explorer. And there is very little to see; they have been picked clean of any interesting artifacts. Give them a wide berth, and avoid the temptation to use them as shelter from rainstorms.
SnagsSnags are dead trees whose root structures may be decayed to the point that the tree is ready to topple over. They are particularly prevalent in burned areas that, unfortunately, are common along the AZT. Although the danger of being hit by a falling tree is slight, snags have killed people. Don’t camp under snags (or large dead branches on live trees), and remember that even live trees are susceptible to blowing over in a strong storm.
As the popularity of backcountry adventures grows, it’s the responsibility of each one of us who visits the American wilderness to preserve it in its natural state. Toward this end, the USFS and various partners developed the principles of Leave No Trace, which should govern the behavior of every visitor along the Arizona National Scenic Trail.
For more information on low-impact hiking and camping in various environments, contact the Leave No Trace organization at 800-332-4100 or lnt.org.
Plan Ahead and PrepareBy equipping yourself with the right equipment, maps, and information, you can reduce your impact on the land. If you know your route, for example, you’re less likely to get lost and trample the vegetation. If you have an adequate sleeping bag, you won’t need to build fires in sensitive resource areas to keep warm. Gathering knowledge of the terrain before your trip will help you pick appropriate campsites, plan your use of water, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Backcountry EtiquetteRespect other visitors’ desire for a remote backcountry experience by keeping a low profile and picking campsites screened from the trail by trees or terrain features—always following permit requirements (see “Permits,”). When you meet other trail users, be courteous and give them room to pass. The standard rule is that mountain bikers and hikers yield to horses, and bikers yield to hikers—but the prudent hiker always makes room for a mountain biker. When encountering a horse or other livestock, move off the trail on the lowest side and talk to the rider and animal until everyone has passed. Don’t make sudden movements or loud noises that might spook the horse or livestock.
Travel and Camp on Durable SurfacesMost of the AZT follows established trails and roads. Hiking single-file and staying on the trail keeps you from trampling fragile plants and soft ground, which can take years to recover from boots, hooves, and tires. Be especially careful to avoid cryptobiotic soil (soil with primitive organisms), which is essential to the ecology of arid lands. Please avoid disturbing these very sensitive soils.
In places where there is no trail or where it is necessary to leave the trail, walk on the most durable surfaces: rocks, dry ground, or a carpet of pine needles. Groups should fan out to disperse their impact. Equestrians should avoid stepping off the trail and traveling cross-country whenever possible. Mountain bikers should be cautious to avoid riding after storms, when tire tracks will create channels in muddy soils.
When camping, try to select an established campsite that has already seen a lot of use; camping in an established site helps preserve the surrounding area. For a tent site, choose hard, dry ground with the least amount of vegetation. Make sure your camp is at least 200 feet from streams, lakes, and trails. While moving about camp, be aware that each step is potentially harmful. If you are in a heavily used area, choose existing trails instead of tromping down new ones. In less-visited areas, try not to take the same route each time you travel around camp; this practice preserves any single area from becoming worn. Switch from hard-soled hiking boots to lightweight shoes once you arrive at camp.
EquestriansHorses and mules are welcomed on the AZT, but please be sure they are in good condition. Several sections of the trail are unsafe for equines; plan your ride accordingly, and check the ATA website for current conditions. Forest fires, flash floods, and other uncontrollable events can impact the suitability of any one section of the trail.
If you plan to use pack animals on the trail, please learn to minimize the impact of large creatures. Bring collapsible buckets to carry water to the animals so they do not drink directly from streams and thereby damage stream banks. At camp, hitch horses to a highline. Avoid tethering them in a small area, which will concentrate their impact. Bring your own feed, and make sure it is certified weed-free to avoid introducing invasive plant species.
Locating adequate water for equines is a challenge on many passages. Often, you will need to haul water in for horses. You may want to carry a list of veterinarians willing to make “trail calls” from nearby communities, but be as self-sufficient in this regard as possible.
Leave What You FindLeave the natural wonders along the trail for other visitors to enjoy. Don’t break boughs off trees, hammer nails into trees, or pick flowers. It is unethical and illegal to remove cultural artifacts, such as potsherds and flaked stone. If you encounter ruins, consider viewing them from a distance.
Use Fire ResponsiblyTravelers in the natural world have long regarded campfires as a source of warmth and comfort, providing a sense of security in the vast darkness of the outdoors. But fires have an unnatural impact on the environment, leaving scars, gobbling up nutrients, and sterilizing the soil. Mismanaged campfires have burned hundreds of thousands of acres throughout the Southwest, including portions of the AZT. A small backpacking stove provides a quick, efficient way to cook.
The AZT hiker is encouraged to experience the darkness of the forest or the desert on its own terms, without the glaring interruption of a fire. You’ll see things you would have missed when blinded by flames, and you will hear sounds otherwise drowned out. If you must build a fire, make sure it’s far from water sources or wetlands, in an area where there is an abundant supply of dead and downed wood. Never cut firewood from a standing tree, even if the tree is dead. Never build a new fire ring, though it’s okay to use an existing ring. Or learn how to build a low-impact mound fire if you don’t already know how. You can find how-to videos online.
Conserve WaterIn the deserts and arid forests of Arizona, water is precious. Use it sparingly and avoid polluting it. On many stretches of the AZT, you’ll have to carry your own water or cache it along the way. When you do encounter a water source, camp at least 200 yards away from it whenever possible. Use containers to carry water far from its source to bathe or cook. Don’t let your animals trample stream banks or relieve themselves in water sources.
Arizona’s rare riparian corridors—green strips of life cutting a line through the surrounding dry land—are inviting places for campers and hikers. But avoid the temptation to linger in these places. The vegetation is easily trampled, and the animals that rely on the water are frightened away by human presence.
Water is life, but it may be here today and can be gone tomorrow. If we treat it with care and respect, it’s likely to be around a little bit longer.
Pack It In, Pack It OutPlease do not leave anything in the forest or the desert that wasn’t there before you arrived, with the exception of human waste. Everything else, including toilet paper, personal hygiene items, and uneaten food, should be packed out. Most trash, even paper, will not burn completely in a campfire. Also, never feed animals. Leaving food for animals or feeding them directly habituates them to humans, alters their diet, and makes them less self-sufficient.
Fragile ecosystems, such as those along the Tonto Platform of the Grand Canyon, should be traversed with care. Here, plants grow by the inch and die by the foot.
Waste DisposalThe best way to dispose of solid human waste is with the cathole method, which entails digging a hole 6–8 inches deep and filling it in with dirt after you use it. Catholes should be at least 200 feet from water or potential waterways, such as dry washes. Toilet paper should be packed out; a double plastic bag works well for this.
Use soap sparingly; even so-called biodegradable soap is an unnatural chemical in an outdoor environment. Never use soap near a water source. Use a small strainer to remove food particles when rinsing plates and pans, and pack out the solids. Spread the remaining wastewater over a large, dry area to disperse its concentration.
Wilderness AreasThe AZT passes through many designated wilderness areas. Within national forests are specially protected areas where, as the Wilderness Act of 1964 defines them, “the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” Please follow these guidelines while traveling through the wilderness:
≈ Camp out of sight, at least 200 feet from lakes and streams, on dry, durable surfaces.
≈ Use a campstove. If you must have a fire, use existing fire rings, or build mound fires.
≈ Keep water sources clean by washing at least 200 feet from them.
≈ Bury human waste 6–8 inches deep and 200 feet from lakes and streams.
≈ Pack out toilet paper and other used toiletry items.
≈ Hobble or picket livestock at least 200 feet from lakes and streams, and use only treated, weed-free feed and grain.
≈ Keep all dogs on a leash.
≈ Do not ride a mountain bike in the wilderness.
≈ Pack out all trash; don’t burn it.