FAQs
For comprehensive trip planning, you can find a wealth of information from various sources:
- Arizona Trail Association (ATA) Website: The ATA website is a primary resource, offering detailed information, maps (including topographic maps, passage maps, and mountain bike route maps), water source locations and quality, key contacts for each passage, Gateway Community maps and trail services, current trail conditions, news, a data book for turns/waypoints, and a link to a trail user forum. The ATA also provides the Arizona Trail Day Hiker’s Guide for those interested in shorter sections, and a guidebook, Your Complete Guide to the Arizona National Scenic Trail.
- Arizona State Parks and Trails (ASPT) Website: The ASPT website contains technical reports, economic impact studies related to motorized and non-motorized trail use.
- USDA Forest Service AZNST Website: This page provides information about the administration of the AZNST, partnerships, safety, ethics, passes and permits, and notices about trail closures and emergencies. The Forest Service also maintains an authoritative Geographic Information Systems (GIS) geodatabase of the trail route, compiled with data from federal and state agencies, and continuously updated.
- Digital Maps and Apps: There are a variety of digital tools available to help you navigate and explore the Arizona Trail. FarOut App offers offline maps with water sources, amenities, closures, and trail-user updates. There's also an interactive map, downloadable Google Earth data, and a variety of topographic maps for planning and navigation.
- Trailhead Kiosks and Signage: Information kiosks are located along the trail, especially at larger trailheads, providing general trail information, safety tips, and maps. Directional signs and location indicators at frequent intervals also assist users.
- Word-of-Mouth: This is identified as one of the most frequently used tools for finding and using trails.
The managed uses of the Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZNST) are the authorized modes of travel that guide its administration and management.
The managed uses of the AZNST include:
- Hiking, with an emphasis on long-distance backpacking and day hiking.
- Bicycling, primarily mountain biking.
- Pack and Saddle Stock Use.
In addition to these primary managed uses, the trail is designed to accommodate other forms of non-motorized trail use such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and trail running. The comprehensive plan also aims to maximize the outdoor recreation potential by providing nationally significant opportunities for these activities where appropriate and allowed by local management.
More information about the different uses of the AZNST can be found on the Recreation Opportunities webpage.
Yes and No. While bicycling, particularly mountain biking, is one of the primary managed non-motorized uses of the AZNST, there are specific restrictions. For sections where mountain biking is restricted, mountain bike bypass routes have been identified and are available on the Arizona Trail Association website. **There is also an equestrian route around Flagstaff to avoid busy city traffic and safely cross Interstate 40.
- Wilderness Areas: Bicycle use is prohibited within Congressionally designated wilderness areas and recommended wilderness areas along the trail. Approximately 16% of the AZNST's length (130 miles) passes through seven federally designated wilderness areas.
- National Park Units: Mountain biking is not allowed on some trails within national park units. For example, in Grand Canyon National Park, mountain bikers have the option of packing their bike through the canyon or sending it to the opposite side by shuttle or other means.
- E-bikes: Electronic bicycles (e-bikes) are generally classified as motorized vehicles by all federal agencies and are therefore prohibited on the AZNST with few exceptions. E-bikes are permitted on paved sections like the Greenway Trail at Grand Canyon National Park, South Rim, but these are considered interim routes for the trail, and a relocation or realignment is recommended.
Yes, a robust support network of government agencies, non-profit organizations, and volunteers is actively involved in the AZNST's management and maintenance.
- Arizona Trail Association (ATA): Established in 1994, the ATA is the primary non-profit managing partner for the AZNST. Its mission is to "protect, maintain, enhance, promote and sustain the Arizona Trail." The ATA is deeply involved in all aspects of trail development, maintenance, and volunteer training and management, engaging volunteers, youth, and veterans. They also provide vital visitor information through their website, social media, and guidebooks.
- USDA Forest Service: As the administering agency for the AZNST, the Forest Service is responsible for overall administration, trail-wide leadership, planning, and partnership development. They work closely with federal, state, and local agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
- Arizona State Parks and Trails (ASPT): ASPT actively participates in planning, establishing, developing, maintaining, and preserving the trail. They coordinate with the Forest Service, administer grant funds from the Recreational Trails Program and Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Fund, and provide information on trail design, corridors, and signage to promote uniformity. ASPT also manages the OHV Ambassador Volunteer Program.
- Other Agencies: This includes the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Park Service (NPS), Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), Arizona State Land Department (ASLD), counties, cities, towns, and other non-profit organizations. These entities collaborate on management, resource allocation, and maintaining the trail.
- Volunteer Programs: There are many ways to support and care for the AZNST throughout the year. Support the Trail through hands-on trail work, donate your professional skills, join the VETS program, become a section steward, report conditions while hiking and riding. Become a member of the Arizona Trail Association. Help at community events, volunteer as a group, or serve as a gateway community ambassador to keep local information current. Don't forget to log your hours with the AZTA and earn rewards.
- Thru-Hiking Seasons: The AZNST sees the most thru-hiking use in spring and fall. The average time to complete the trail for thru-hikers is 43 days, with 60 days being common. Thru-hikers have a limited window to avoid mountain snow and desert heat.
- Northbound (NOBO) Thru-Travel: Typically starts in February or March (high-use season from Feb. 15 – May 15). March is the most common start month.
- Southbound (SOBO) Thru-Travel: Typically starts in mid-September or October (high-use season from Sept. 15 - Nov. 15). October is the most common start month.
- Section Hiking: The AZNST provides opportunities for shorter trips, ranging from day hiking to multi-day backpacking on specific sections or "passages".
- Flexibility: Day hiking and section hiking have fewer constraints on timing and season of use compared to thru-hiking.
- Varied Landscapes: The AZNST traverses diverse landscapes, from deserts to high-elevation forests. This diversity allows for different sections to be enjoyable at different times of the year:
- Winter/Spring (cooler months): Southern desert sections near Tucson and Phoenix would be ideal, as these areas experience intense summer heat.
- Summer/Fall (warmer months): Higher elevation areas in the north, such as the Mogollon Rim, San Francisco Peaks, and Kaibab Plateau, offer cooler temperatures and diverse forest environments.
- The Arizona Trail Association has a Day Hiker’s Guide that breaks down the entire AZNST into 89 day hikes, averaging around nine miles each, which can help in planning section hikes.
Permits are generally not required for a long-distance hike or ride along the entire AZNST. However, permits are required for overnight camping in a few specific areas:
- National Park Service Units: The AZNST passes through two NPS units where backcountry camping permits are required due to limited designated campsites.
- Saguaro National Park: Camping permits are required and limited to designated campgrounds (Passages 8 and 9, Rincon Mountains).
- Grand Canyon National Park: Camping permits are required and limited to designated campgrounds. Permits are limited and generally must be arranged in advance.
- Colossal Cave Mountain Park: A fee is required for camping, and it's limited to designated campgrounds.
- Arizona State Trust Lands: A state land recreation permit is required to camp outside the designated trail right-of-way on Arizona State Trust Lands.
- The Arizona Trail Association website maintains contact information and links for these various agency permit requirements.
Dogs are allowed on the Arizona National Scenic Trail but you must abide by leash laws and never leave your dog unattended. Additionally, protection of diverse ecological communities, valued wildlife species, and sensitive natural resources are important characteristics of the trail. The impacts from Fido on habitats and cultural sites, including interacting with wildlife, vegetation damage, and the introduction of invasive species is always possible. When recreating in natural areas, it's generally good practice (and the law) to keep pets leashed and manage their waste to minimize impacts on wildlife and the environment.
You may want to check with individual land managing agencies (Forest Service, BLM, National Parks, State Parks) for their specific pet policies on the sections of the trail you plan to visit, as rules can vary by jurisdiction.
While the AZNST is described as a "primitive" trail in many sections, it also aims to connect communities. The Forest Service will continue to work with partners to identify trail segments best suited for wheelchairs or mobility devices. Near towns and developed recreation facilities, the AZNST may become a more accessible and highly developed route with amenities accessible via connector trails.
The AZNST's "nature and purposes" emphasize natural quiet, wildness, remoteness, and solitude, and the conservation of scenic beauty. Projects should also "minimize the impact of artificial lighting upon dark skies". While photography is generally allowed on public lands, the operation of drones could potentially conflict with the desired qualities of "natural quiet" and impact the experience of other trail users seeking solitude. Additionally, the Comprehensive Plan highlights the importance of protecting cultural resources. Disturbing cultural sites for photography or drone operation is discouraged and potentially illegal under state and federal laws (e.g., Arizona Antiquities Act, Archaeological Resources Protection Act). Therefore, while not explicitly prohibited by these sources, responsible use that aligns with the trail's core values of quiet, solitude, and resource protection would be expected. You may want to check with the specific land managing agency for any updated regulations on drone use in the particular section of the trail you plan to visit, as these rules can vary.
Sponsoring Competitive or Charity Events:
- Permits Required: Special events, including competitive events and organized trail running or mountain biking events, are permitted activities that require approved permits issued by the appropriate land management agency in consultation with the Arizona Trail Association.
- Compatibility: Proposed events must be consistent with the AZNST’s nature and purposes and should not "substantially interfere with the nature and purposes of the trail". Managers will consider if the activity is dependent on the national scenic trail setting or could be accommodated elsewhere. Competitive events, in particular, promote faster travel and have a greater potential for interfering with other users' enjoyment.
- Management Considerations: Agencies will assess social concerns like user conflicts, displacement, or safety issues. They may limit the number of large group events during peak thru-hiking seasons (February-April northbound, October-December southbound) and may adjust timing to avoid busy periods.
- Benefits: The potential benefits an event provides to the AZNST, trail users, and local communities will be considered. Event information and permitted activities are encouraged to include Leave No Trace™ and Share the Trail ethics.
- Coordination: Special use activities must be coordinated with managing agency recreation and trails staff and management, and the Arizona Trail Association.
Volunteering on the Trail or Bringing a Group:
- Highly Encouraged: Volunteer involvement is a cornerstone of the AZNST's management and is highly encouraged. The National Trails System Act specifically encourages and assists volunteer citizen involvement in planning, development, maintenance, and management.
- Key Partner: The Arizona Trail Association (ATA) is the primary non-profit partner that coordinates volunteer programs for trail development, maintenance, and training.
- Opportunities: Volunteer activities include routine upkeep of designated trails and routes, clean-up efforts, eradicating invasive species, and supporting specific programs like the OHV Ambassador program.
- Training and Resources: Volunteers are often properly trained in sustainable trail maintenance, design, and cultural/natural resource preservation. Training materials and a central clearinghouse for resources are also being developed. Non-profit organizations like the Arizona Conservation Corps and AmeriCorps are utilized for volunteer coordination and training.
- Getting Involved: You can find helpful resources for volunteering at:
No. The Arizona Trail logo is a registered service mark of the US Forest Service and can not be used without license. The Arizona National Scenic Trail Sign Guidelines detail how the official service mark should be used, including prominently featuring it on trailhead kiosks and navigation markers. Given that it is a federally registered service mark, there are restrictions on its independent commercial or promotional use without explicit permission. contactt the Arizona Trail Administrator or the Arizona Trail Association for guidance on their policies regarding the use of the official service mark.