Monday, February 16, 2015

Planning for the Arizona Trail

I’m thrilled to say that I'm heading out to hike for a month on the Arizona Trail, starting in early March.

The Arizona Trail is 800 miles long and runs north-to-south along the length of the state.  While it is a designated National Scenic Trail, I’ve been told (by my friends that have hiked both the PCT and AZT) that the Arizona Trail is much more rugged, requires excellent map and compass skills (because it’s not as well marked), and water sources are more difficult compared to the PCT.  On the other hand, the scenery is going to be totally spectacular and we will hopefully see spring wildflowers.
Overview of the Arizona Trail hike that we are planning.
Because I have limited time for this trip, we are only going to be doing the southern section, starting from the Mexican border.  The trail will take us through the Huachuca, Santa Rita, and Rincon Mountains, into Saguaro National Park and the Catalinas (near Tucson), and then through a long dry stretch before entering the Superstitions (east of Phoenix)

I will be hiking with Jan (Beekeeper), who I met in California last year when I was recovering from my stress fracture.  We both went to the Gossamer Gear Trail Ambassador trip to Moab in January, and then spent a week hiking and camping in Utah.  In Moab, we were fortunate to meet Sirena, who is the liaison for the Arizona Trail Association, and inspired us with her photos of her Arizona Trail hikes. 

Planning, training, and preparations are hectic right now, so it's likely that I will not be doing many blog posts prior to the hike.  As always, you can see my recent photos on Instagram, and I’ve also started a facebook page for this blog.
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10 comments:

  1. UnknownFebruary 16, 2015 at 1:49 PM

    Sounds like a great new adventure. Looking forward to your trip reports and those wonderful photos.

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    1. Joan WestFebruary 16, 2015 at 4:33 PM

      Thanks so much, Tracy! I'm so looking forward to getting back out on the trail.

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    2. AnonymousMarch 1, 2016 at 3:21 PM

      Joan I have questions about the trail, and hiking in general I am going to do the Arizona Trail, solo first time and need pointers. Can we communicate via email me alenadawnbostad@gmail.com

      Delete
  2. MaryFebruary 16, 2015 at 2:48 PM

    Darn it, lost my post. Anyway, the Saguaro section is awesome! Wish I could join. WELL, I wasn't invited. But you know. Work. I'll be in Cedar City the week of March 20..is that anywhere close?

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    1. Joan WestFebruary 16, 2015 at 4:32 PM

      Cedar City is only 400 miles away from Phoenix-- I'd say that's pretty close in the grand scheme of things. There'll be wildflowers after all. You should totally come join us!

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    2. Joan WestFebruary 16, 2015 at 4:32 PM

      PS you have a standing invitation-- would be great to meet you one of these days!

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    3. AnonymousFebruary 17, 2015 at 8:46 AM

      Mary, you have a standing invitation from me also!

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    4. AnonymousFebruary 17, 2015 at 8:49 AM

      Mary, Cedar City is fairly close to the Hayduke Trail which you might be tempted to explore. I know one section intersects in Zion with the Weeping Rock Trail. I'm guessing there are sections even nearer to you as it continues to cross through Zion. With it being more route than trail, it sounds like your kind of fun. Check out the website and the book. http://www.hayduketrail.org/

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  3. MistiFebruary 20, 2015 at 7:26 AM

    Ack, don't think my post posted---delete if this is a dupe...

    Excellent! Between your hike and Wired's hike of the Hayduke, I'll have some great hiking reading this spring! Now, just need to find an AT blog to follow. :)

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    Replies
    1. Joan WestFebruary 20, 2015 at 4:53 PM

      I'm excited to read Wired's account of the Hayduke too!

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