The Arizona Trail was the dream of Dale Shewalter, known as the "Father of the Arizona Trail" and the guiding spirit for the Arizona Trail Association (ATA). A Flagstaff schoolteacher, Dale envisioned a cross-state trail in the 1970s and, in 1985, he walked from Nogales, Arizona to the Utah border to explore the feasibility of a trail traversing the length of the state. He then began traveling around the state giving presentations and building support among agencies and trails groups. A grassroots effort to develop the trail blossomed. 

Cooperation between the various land management agencies and the ATA over the ensuing years has resulted in the completion of a connected route divided into 43 passages or segments. The trail stretches from Mexico's Huachuca Mountains in the south to the Utah border in Northern Arizona at Buckskin Mountain Passage. Congress designated the Arizona Trail a National Scenic Trail in 2009 with an amendment to the National Scenic Trails Act, and the final links were completed in 2011.  

While these are tremendous accomplishments, there is still more to do. Many segments need improvement and maintenance. Some sections will need to be rerouted off-road in the future. The Arizona Trail Association continues to play a crucial role in helping the agencies meet these challenges.  

The Arizona Trail Association’s homepage contains more information about the trail. This is also where you can find volunteer opportunities and the latest updates on trail conditions.

The Arizona Trail and the U.S. Forest Service

The Arizona Trail passes through various federal lands, including four National Forests maintained by the Forest Service. The trail begins a the border with Mexico with a stretch through the Coronado National Forest, then goes north through the Tonto, Coconino, and Kaibab National Forests.