Partnerships
The Arizona National Scenic Trail exists because of strong partnerships. Volunteers, communities, nonprofits, and agencies come together to care for the trail, making it possible for everyone to enjoy Arizona’s landscapes and history.
The Arizona National Scenic Trail is a shared vision built through collaboration. The Forest Service works closely with the Arizona Trail Association, local communities, volunteers, nonprofits, and other public agencies to plan, build, maintain, and protect the trail. These partnerships combine resources, expertise, and thousands of volunteer hours each year to create a world-class experience for hikers, bikers, equestrians, and nature lovers. Together, we safeguard the trail’s natural and cultural treasures, connect people with the land, and ensure that the Arizona Trail thrives for generations to come.
Federal-Level Partnerships
The Arizona National Scenic Trail crosses multiple federal, state, and tribal lands, making strong interagency collaboration essential. The Forest Service partners with the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, state agencies, and tribal governments to coordinate planning, stewardship, and visitor experiences across boundaries. These federal partnerships align policies, share expertise, and pool resources to protect the trail’s natural, cultural, and recreational values. Through joint planning and shared investment, partners tackle large-scale projects—such as fire recovery, habitat restoration, and infrastructure improvements—that sustain the trail and surrounding landscapes. This coordinated approach ensures the Arizona Trail remains connected, resilient, and accessible for future generations.
Volunteers & Communities
The Arizona Trail is sustained by people who care deeply about the land. Volunteers are at the core of this effort, contributing thousands of hours each year to maintain the trail, restore damaged landscapes, and protect natural and cultural resources. Their dedication stretches limited funding and ensures the trail remains safe, scenic, and welcoming to all.
Beyond the trail itself, nearby communities play a vital role. Towns, nonprofits, and local businesses provide services, donations, and leadership that strengthen both the trail and the places it connects. These partnerships boost tourism, create shared stewardship, and generate economic benefits that ripple across Arizona.
Together, volunteers and communities form a powerful network of support—linking people to the trail and to each other, ensuring its legacy endures for future generations.
Top photo: Volunteers from the Arizona Trail Association work on the Highline Trail, Tonto National Forest. (Photo courtesy of Wendy Lotze)