Plan Your Visit
The Arizona National Scenic Trail is unlike any other. Whether you are making the entire 800+ mile trek in one go, or just tackling a certain passage, your adventure will be that much greater if you plan ahead effectively.
Passages of the Arizona Trail
A hiker on passage 20 of the AZNST, Tonto National Forest.
(Photo courtesy of Larry Simkins)The AZNST is divided into 43 passages. The first passage begins right outside the Coronado National Forest, on the border with Mexico. The final passage ends north of the Grand Canyon on the border with Utah. These passages pass through land managed by the National Forest Service, National Parks Service, Arizona State Parks, and the Bureau of Land Management.
Visitors might choose to complete all passages at once (through-hike), or slowly chip away at the trail by completing passages during several different trips.
How to Travel the Trail
The AZNST is managed for for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking (outside of wilderness areas).
Some activities may be restricted to certain areas, seasons, or require permits or licenses; be sure to check with the local land manager for rules and regulations while planning your trip.
Thru-Hiking Gear List Biking the Trail
When Should I Travel the Trail?
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. We recommend sticking to higher elevations in the warmer months, and lower elevations in the cooler months. Be sure to check the forest's alerts and current conditions when planning your trip.
If you are thru-hiking, the recommendation for northbound travel would be to start in late February or March. If you wish to go southbound, you should start in late September or October. These recommended start times give thru-hikers the best chances of avoiding severe weather. Regardless of direction, completing the entire trail typically takes around 60 days.
Gateway Communities
Cities and towns along the trail that are close to access points are known as gateway communities. If you're on a multi-day trip, these are the places to resupply or find a hot shower.
Resources for Your Trip
Top photo: Horseback riders traverse a desert stretch of the AZNST. (Photo courtesy of the Arizona Trail Association)