The Final Information to Climbing the Arizona Path

A hike on the Arizona Path (AZT) is a very distinctive expertise. In truth, the Sonoran Desert is essentially the most biodiverse desert area on this planet – boasting an entire host of plant and animal life that may solely be discovered right here. The AZT will take you on an unforgettable 800-mile trek like no different by means of an ever-changing panorama.

We completely cherished mountaineering this path, and we expect you’ve made a great determination in selecting to stroll this path. We’ll offer you all of the assets you want for a profitable journey on the AZT on this information. And should you haven’t fairly determined what your subsequent path might be, scope out your different choices from our in depth catalog of journey guides.

Fast Details

• Distance: 800 miles 
• Time Wanted: 6-8 weeks
• Highest Elevation: 9,141 ft. – Kaibab Plateau
• Lowest Elevation: 1,646 ft. – Gila River
• Elevation Acquire (approx.): 113,000 ft. 
• Finest Time to Hike: Most individuals begin within the south and go north (NOBO) through the springtime – often beginning in early or mid-March and ending in April. Hikers going north to south (SOBO) usually begin in October after monsoons have completed, and so they full the path in November.
• Permits: There’s no allow for the AZT, however Colossal Cave Mountain Park, Saguaro Nationwide Park & Grand Canyon Nationwide Park require tenting permits should you plan to remain. SNP additionally requires an entrance payment.
• Problem: Difficult

Highlights

• Amazingly numerous vary of landscapes, crops, and animals
• Tons of wildflowers within the spring/altering leaves within the fall
• Climbing by means of the Grand Canyon
• Solitude in a rugged wilderness setting
• Pleasant path cities and strong community of path angels (good individuals who assist out thru-hikers alongside the path hall)
• Properly-marked and maintained
• Feeling amazingly succesful and assured on the finish of the journey
• You get a hand-crafted copper belt buckle for ending

Lowlights

• Not as social as many different long-distance trails
• Some sections are very rocky
• Overgrown prickly crops in some sections
• May be laborious on footwear/gear
• Discovering water is a problem in dry years
• Snakes, spiders & scorpions should you’re bothered by creepy-crawlies
• Numerous solar publicity

Finest Time to Hike

The Arizona Path has two distinct seasons for thru-hikes, however there are alternatives to do many sections year-round. The most important issues for once you begin your hike might be temperature and water availability. Desert environments are vulnerable to wild temperature swings and fast modifications in climate patterns. It’s possible you’ll expertise snow, heavy rain, or 100°+ temperatures on this path.

Northbound (NOBO) is the most typical path for hikers to finish a thru-hike – the NOBO season begins within the spring. Most hikers will set off from the Mexican border in early to mid-March with the objective of ending earlier than Might. This timeline means that you can take pleasure in extra water than the autumn mountaineering season as a result of winter snowmelt, and you’ll anticipate temperatures to remain above freezing most nights and under 90° most days. Climate and water are simpler to plan for within the spring, so that is the season we typically suggest.

SOBO hikers start their journey south from the Utah border in fall – usually in early October – and intention to finish the path earlier than the top of November. Water availability within the fall relies upon virtually completely on how moist the summer time monsoon season is in Arizona, so it modifications tremendously from 12 months to 12 months. However typically, fewer water sources are flowing through the SOBO season. Fall temperatures can range loads alongside the AZT. You’ll possible expertise some nighttime temperatures effectively under freezing for the primary 250 or so miles on the plateau sections, and you may encounter lingering 100°+ temperatures the additional south you go.

Many individuals select to section-hike the AZT, breaking the 800-mile journey into smaller chunks – and this has large benefits for selecting essentially the most nice circumstances to hike in. Part mountaineering means that you can select what’s most essential to you – skipping the cruel Arizona warmth, hitting the path when water is most ample, or avoiding freezing temperatures and snow – for every part of the path so you may simply benefit from the stroll.

How Lengthy Does it Take to Hike?

It takes most hikers about 6-8 weeks to finish a hike on the AZT. Some backpackers definitely hike this path in much less time, however the terrain, climate, and availability of water could make big-mile days troublesome. Most individuals take the path at an fulfilling tempo and calculate in just a few“zero” days (relaxation days) and “nero” days (quick for “practically zero”) to permit the physique to recoup. This can be a good possibility if you would like an extended and difficult expertise however don’t fairly have the 3-5 months it takes to complete off the Pacific Crest Path or Appalachian Path.

Problem of Path

The AZT is well-maintained, well-marked, and straightforward to comply with for a lot of the hike, so navigation isn’t a difficulty. The primary difficulties on this path are the solar publicity, availability of water, terrain/setting, and the size of the path. 

SUN EXPOSURE

The AZT cuts a path by means of the Sonoran Desert, and as you would possibly anticipate, it’s a reasonably sunny place. There’s little or no shade on most sections of the path, so we take into account sunscreen, a solar shirt, sun shades, and a solar umbrella necessities for this hike. Conserving your pores and skin protected is tremendous essential in your general well being, and having a shaded place to take a break below your umbrella can do wonders for morale on particularly sizzling days.

See our 20 Suggestions for Backpacking within the Desert Information for extra recommendation on staying protected and cozy on the AZT.

WATER

It could shock you to study that the majority of Arizona’s water sources are recharged by snow. The state doesn’t see a lot rainfall outdoors of its summer time monsoon season, however the high-elevation areas get a good quantity of snow in most years. Because of this most individuals go for a spring NOBO hike on the AZT – water is extra ample. Don’t take that to imply you’ll see it typically, although. Until you hike in a extremely excessive snow 12 months, you’re prone to have just a few giant gaps (20+ miles) between water sources alongside your 800-mile journey. 

It’s a good suggestion to have the flexibility to hold at the least 4 liters of water for actually sizzling, dry stretches. We carried two 1-liter Smartwater bottles and a Platy Bottle per individual, in addition to a Vargo BOT that doubled as a cookset and additional water capability.

TERRAIN/ENVIRONMENT

Many sections of the AZT are extremely rocky, and it might probably actually take a toll in your footwear and the underside of your toes. Many hikers received’t make it by means of the entire path with a single pair of footwear, so it’s essential to issue this in when constructing your funds. 

It is best to select footwear with ample cushion in case your toes aren’t accustomed to mountaineering on rocks all day as a result of it might probably grow to be downright painful after just a few hours straight of stepping on jagged rocks. 

After all, you’ll additionally encounter tons of Arizona’s iconic cacti alongside the journey. These crops are stunning, however they’ll trigger some actual harm should you get too shut. Particularly, you need to watch out round “leaping cholla” (pronounced choy-a). These cacti will depart you lined in prickles from the lightest brush towards its fruits, and what’s worse is that they drop spine-covered balls all around the floor that may be robust to keep away from. You’ll want to deliver a small pair of tweezers in your first-aid package to tug cactus spines off of your clothes, pores and skin, and equipment.

TRIP LENGTH

The AZT is 800 miles lengthy which is a big bodily problem, but it surely additionally requires a big money and time dedication. We usually funds $2-$3 per mile for a thru-hike, and we suggest letting your loved ones and office learn about your plans as far upfront as potential to rearrange for time away. Not everybody has the liberty or monetary assets to step away from society for thus lengthy, so many hikers select to finish the path in smaller sections.

Northbound vs. Southbound Routes

Northbound (NOBO) is the extra widespread path to journey on the AZT, however each choices have their advantages. We hiked the primary 300 miles NOBO within the spring after which did the remaining 500 miles southbound (SOBO) within the fall, so we acquired a reasonably good concept of the professionals and cons of each instructions.

NOBO

PROS

• Nicer common temperatures for a majority of the path
• Water is often extra ample within the spring NOBO season
• You save the Grand Canyon for (virtually) final
• There are extra individuals on path to work together with should you’re on the lookout for a social expertise
• Resupply cities get farther aside the additional north you go, so that you hit longer meals carries after you’re already warmed up
• Wildflowers bloom within the spring

CONS

• The path begins with some robust climbs from the southern terminus
• Lingering snow would possibly stay at excessive elevation

SOBO

PROS

• In our opinion, the path will increase in magnificence as you journey south
• The primary 250 miles or so are comparatively simple (aside from the Grand Canyon), so that you get a pleasant warm-up
• Aspens within the north change coloration within the fall

CONS

• Fewer individuals to work together with should you’re on the lookout for a social expertise
• Cities are extra unfold out within the north, so you’ve got longer meals carries earlier than you’re warmed up
• It’s possible you’ll take care of early-season snow within the north and lingering excessive temperatures within the decrease desert

Getting There

NOBO

For those who’re mountaineering NOBO on the AZT, the best method to get to the southern terminus is to fly into Tucson and rent a shuttle from there. We used the Discovering True North shuttle service which was fairly priced and our driver was pleasant and protected. For those who go together with a unique shuttle driver, be certain they’re prepared to take you all the best way to the trailhead at Montezuma Move. It requires driving virtually 9 miles up a considerably tough grime highway.

SOBO

There are a few alternative ways to get to the northern terminus, however the best possibility is to fly into Web page, AZ by way of the Phoenix airport after which get a shuttle or a trip from a path angel to the Stateline Campground.

Planning Your Itinerary

Planning a free every day itinerary isn’t vital, however we’ve discovered from previous thru-hikes that it’s very useful. Most individuals take 6-8 weeks to finish the AZT, with a mean of round 14-20 miles a day. We suggest overestimating the time it can take you to finish the path as a result of it’s simpler to get off early than it’s to get off late you probably have obligations to return to. Take into consideration your means, mountaineering type, zero days, and slightly leeway for sudden hiccups when creating your mileage plan.

The FarOut app is our most well-liked useful resource for planning and navigation on path as a result of you may see the place water sources and potential campsites are, what providers can be found in path cities, and you’ll depart and browse feedback different hikers left concerning the standing of water or locations they loved in cities.

One other invaluable useful resource for this hike is the Arizona Path Affiliation’s (ATA) web site. Right here you could find descriptions of every part of the path (referred to as passages on the AZT), entry a listing of shuttles and path angels, and a lot extra.

Permits

There isn’t a allow for the AZT, however you move by means of two nationwide parks that do require permits. 

It’s essential to get hold of a backcountry allow for Saguaro Nationwide Park earlier than getting into the park boundary, and there are solely two locations to camp there – Manning Park and Grass Shack – which additionally require permits of their very own. You may get entrance permits and tenting permits.

Grand Canyon Nationwide Park additionally requires permits for tenting within the park. Most hikers will keep in at the least certainly one of these websites: North Rim, Shiny Angel, and Mather (South Rim). There are backcountry places of work on each rims of the park, and you need to go to certainly one of these to speak to a ranger about tenting permits. They’re often capable of get you a web site on the backside of the canyon inside one or two days of your arrival should you’re not planning on doing rim-to-rim in someday. We stayed at Shiny Angel Campground within the canyon, and we extremely suggest taking this chance. Exterior of an AZT thru-hike it’s fairly robust to get permits to camp within the canyon.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park additionally requires a allow (bought on the Cave Store) should you plan to camp at certainly one of their two campgrounds, however there’s loads of free dispersed tenting alongside the path earlier than and after the park. We suggest skipping the payment space and discovering some flat floor to sleep on on the AZT.

Water

Water availability on the AZT fluctuates drastically based mostly in your begin date, snowpack, and the climate. Water sources could be far aside and unreliable within the desert, and most of them are off path. We suggest having a water capability of at least 4 liters with you simply in case. Light-weight foldable bladders, like Platy Bottles, come in useful for giant water carries.

Our greatest recommendation is to top off wherever you may, by no means depart a supply thirsty, and carry greater than you suppose you want. The FarOut app is nice for planning your water carries as a result of you may see different hikers’ reviews about which water sources are flowing forward. Nonetheless, there’s no assure you’ll discover water at a supply once you get there.

Lots of the water sources alongside the AZT are very muddy and contaminated by livestock, so it’s essential to pack a dependable water filter. We used a Platypus Quickdraw and a Katadyn BeFree as a result of they’re light-weight and comparatively simple to scrub within the subject. As a result of there’s a lot grime in most of the water sources, you need to anticipate to need to backflush your filter frequently to revive the move fee.

Utilizing electrolyte mixes in your water may also assist masks any bizarre flavors and hold you higher hydrated.

Meals Storage

There are bears, mice, and different scavengers alongside the AZT, so correct meals storage is a should. We every carried an Ursack Main to maintain our meals protected from animals, however most of this path isn’t conducive to hanging a bear bag. We often simply positioned our Ursacks outdoors of the tent the place we may see them in case we would have liked to scare away a critter.

The place to Resupply

Since you’ll be on path for just a few weeks, you received’t be capable of carry all of your meals without delay – you’ll must cease and resupply periodically. Most individuals resupply 8-10 instances, stopping each 80-100 miles. Resupplying typically is fairly simple for a lot of the AZT if you wish to reduce down on meals weight in your pack, however remember that city stops could be costly and time-consuming. 

You’ll be able to resupply by mailing packing containers forward of time to a submit workplace or a spot on the town that provides to carry packing containers for hikers (like a gear store) or getting a trip into a close-by city for the grocery retailer. In case your resupply plan entails mailing packages, you’ll need to ship them effectively upfront to verify they arrive in time so that you can decide them up.

For those who’re mailing your resupply packing containers to a submit workplace (be certain that the PO in your goal city accepts basic supply), that is the way you’ll need to deal with your field:

• Your Title
  c/o Common Supply
  City Title, AZ 01234
  Arriving By: ETA

It’s additionally a good suggestion to jot down your identify or put a particular marker (like colourful doodles or stickers) on all sides of the field to make it simpler for postal employees to seek out it amongst the heaps of different packing containers.

Patagonia (AZT NOBO mile 52.4)

This was our favourite path city – everybody was so pleasant, the city itself could be very charming, and the grocery retailer is among the greatest we’ve seen in a small city.

Keep right here: Terra Sol is a really snug and welcoming place to pitch your tent, do laundry, and take a bathe. Hikers have entry to an out of doors kitchen, a fireplace pit, and a screened shelter, and the center of city is a brief stroll from right here for resupply.

Eat right here: We ended up at Gathering Grounds by likelihood because it was the one factor open after we got here by means of, but it surely didn’t disappoint. The sandwiches and drinks listed below are superior, and different hikers appear to agree that this is among the greatest eats on the town.

Resupply right here: Crimson Mountain Meals is an efficient possibility for vegans/vegetarians/individuals with dietary restrictions. They’ve plenty of good produce and a terrific choice of bars. Patagonia Market’s choice is a little more fundamental than Crimson Mountain however we used it to complement our resupply. They’ve many hiker staples, like ramen, dehydrated refried beans, and electrolyte mixes.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park (AZT NOBO mile 125.7)

This park is a brief jaunt off the path, and so they’ll maintain resupply packages for thru-hikers. We despatched packing containers right here, and the employees allow us to sit on the patio and cost our electronics whereas we loved some fries and prickly pear margaritas from the snack stand with a gaggle of different hikers.

Summerhaven (AZT NOBO mile 190.2)

This can be a tiny city that you simply’ll move proper by means of on path on the prime of the Mt. Lemmon climb. We don’t suggest staying right here because it’s a spendy resort city, however we grabbed just a few issues from the surprisingly well-stocked Mt. Lemmon Common Retailer to get us to Oracle the following day. You’ll in all probability hear buzz concerning the Cookie Cabin on the best way right here, however we don’t suppose it’s value a cease. The pizza and cookies had been very costly (although they’re additionally fairly giant) and actually simply weren’t that good – even after the strenuous climb up Lemmon. Save your cash and deal with your self to a pleasant, large meal in your subsequent city cease.

Oracle (AZT NOBO mile 204.3)

Oracle isn’t the world’s biggest path cease, as a result of it’s not very walkable and there aren’t many lodging for staying in a single day. However should you’re not choosy, the city does have a Greenback Common and a terrific espresso store.

Keep right here: We didn’t truly keep in Oracle, however everybody recommends the Resting Oak – a home owned by a pair that caters to hikers. Their information could be discovered on the FarOut app within the middle of Oracle. We had been feeling fancy, so we cut up an Airbnb with a buddy within the close by city of Catalina for some grilling and bathtub soaks.

Eat right here: The quirky Approach of the Bean Espresso Membership is technically a personal membership, however the proprietor provides hikers free day passes. The drinks right here had been superb, and the ambiance is tremendous enjoyable. Additionally they serve breakfast meals and pastries.

Resupply right here: Your solely resupply choices in Oracle are Greenback Common and Circle Okay (a small comfort retailer). Vegans, vegetarians, and folks with dietary restrictions could have a tough time discovering good meals choices. The city of Catalina has a Bashas’ grocery retailer and is 20 minutes south. You might be able to hitch or take an Uber (what we did) there if vital.

Kearny (AZT NOBO mile 268.4)

We didn’t go to Kearny, however we sort of want we had. Numerous AZT hikers say that is their favourite city on the path, and we heard nothing however good issues concerning the form individuals there.

Keep right here: There are some of us on the town that frequently host hikers, however they’re by word-of-mouth. You’ll need to get their information from the FarOut app if you wish to keep at their hiker haven on the town.

Eat right here: Outdated Time Pizza is the spot everybody talks about from Kearny, and it’s the final word hiker-friendly cease from what we hear. The proprietor frequently provides hikers rides to and from path.

Resupply right here: There’s an IGA grocery retailer on the town that has a wide variety and provides thru-hikers a free espresso and donut for stopping in.

Superior (AZT NOBO mile 306.3)

Superior is an in depth second on our listing of favourite AZT path cities. We put our hike on pause right here within the spring, so this was our official ending spot within the fall. It’s an outdated mining group that has a ton of Wild West attraction. 

Keep right here: We stayed on the Copper Mountain Motel within the spring, and the household that runs it was very pleasant and accommodating. The rooms are fundamental however cute, and there’s a Household Greenback throughout the road in addition to a number of eating places close by. 

Once we returned within the fall, we stayed with the legendary path angel MJ whose information could be discovered on the FarOut app. She welcomes hikers into her residence and treats them like household, and she or he’s solely a few blocks from the downtown strip the place the higher grocery retailer is.

Eat right here: We completely cherished Miner’s on Important. It’s a Fifties-style diner within the coronary heart of downtown that serves breakfast staples, burgers, and milkshakes.

Mountainside espresso can be incredible – we went there a number of instances, and the employees members had been all so candy.

Resupply right here: There’s a Household Greenback proper on the town on the primary freeway should you’re in a rush, however we favor the choice on the Save Cash Market on the historic strip.

Roosevelt Lake Marina (AZT NOBO mile 349.6)

The marina at Roosevelt Lake holds packages for hikers, so we despatched a field right here. There’s a small retailer that wouldn’t be a great possibility for a full resupply, but it surely does have just a few hiker staples should you’re simply on the lookout for a few fundamentals.

Payson (AZT NOBO mile 390.6)

Payson is a few 30-minute trip from path, however we had been in determined want of some new socks so we caught a hitch in. This can be a fairly large city with a number of eating places and three large grocery shops proper throughout the road from one another.

Keep right here: We loved a stick with some path angels down the highway in Tonto Basin, however Payson has a bunch of motels to select from. The Majestic Mountain Inn has affordable charges and is shut sufficient to the grocery shops to stroll.

Eat right here: We ate at The Pinon Café which served large parts and was completely scrumptious. We after all needed to deal with ourselves to pumpkin drinks at Starbucks too for the reason that grocery retailer we shopped at has one inside.

Resupply right here: Walmart, Bashas’, and Safeway are all on the primary highway by means of city, and so they’re proper throughout the road from one another. We selected Bashas’ just because it’s an Arizona chain, however any of those may have all of the choices you may ever need.

If it is advisable change gear, there’s a Large 5 Sporting Items, Walmart, and a really hiker-friendly footwear store referred to as Rim Runners.

Pine/Strawberry (AZT NOBO mile 462.2)

Pine is a mile off path, so most hikers (us included) simply stroll into city. The small group of Strawberry is simply three miles up the highway, and we had no downside getting there and again from Pine. 

North of Pine, resupply choices are extra restricted. There are just a few locations close to the path that settle for resupply packages, however they’re solely open seasonally. We opted to do longer meals carries and solely hit the most important resupply stops as a result of the path turns into a lot simpler north of right here.

Keep right here: We stayed on the Strawberry Chalet N Keep, which was very hiker-friendly. That they had affordable room charges and gave us a voucher to make use of towards a meal on the bar subsequent door.

There aren’t many lodging within the city of Pine, however many hikers select to remain there with a path angel.

Eat right here: Early Fowl Cafe in Pine was an enormous spotlight for us – they’ve completely large parts, affordable costs, pleasant employees, and the meals is nice. Positively attempt one of many specialty sizzling cocoas!

THAT Brewery in Pine is one other very hiker-friendly institution that has a hiker field, accepts mailed resupply packages, and donates a number of the proceeds from certainly one of their beers to the Arizona Path Affiliation. They’ve additionally acquired normal brewery meals choices like burgers and sandwiches.

For those who keep in Strawberry, you’ll possible eat lunch or dinner on the Sportsman’s Chalet for the reason that motel provides you a voucher to make use of there. Throughout the road is Pie Bar which will get an extended line the second they open, however we braved the gang to get some empanadas to pack out for path.

Resupply right here: The small Ponderosa Market in Pine has an okay choice of hiker meals. You probably have dietary restrictions it may be higher to mail your self a field to THAT Brewery or hitchhike 20 minutes down the highway to Payson.

Flagstaff (AZT NOBO mile 570.4)

The town of Flagstaff could be accessed just a few alternative ways – most hikers select to hike in on the city route which begins at NOBO mile 570.4. The “official” path is definitely thought of the equestrian route, and strolling both possibility counts as having accomplished the part. For those who select to hike the equestrian route, remember that there’s a tenting ban from about mile 569 to mile 606, however you may get a straightforward hitch into city from mile 590.

Keep right here: We arrived in Flagstaff on a Saturday, so accommodations and motels had been fairly costly. There are a ton of room choices on the town although, and most hikers simply select no matter is most cost-effective on the time and most centrally positioned. Flagstaff has a reasonably good bus system that’ll get you the place it is advisable go. We selected to stick with a path angel on the town and had a terrific expertise. 

Eat right here: Flagstaff has all of the eateries you may ever need, and there are various choices for vegans and vegetarians as effectively. We didn’t attempt it, however most hikers say MartAnnes Burrito Palace hits the spot.

Resupply right here: This can be a metropolis, so any grocery retailer you need is right here. We cut up our resupply between Fry’s and Entire Meals (for the ample vegan proteins). There’s additionally an REI on the town in addition to a number of native outfitters, so that is one of the best time to interchange your footwear in the event that they’ve been eaten up by all of the rocks on path.

South Rim Grand Canyon (AZT NOBO mile 698.8)

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon has an entire village with a surprisingly well-stocked and fairly priced grocery retailer, laundry, and showers. This can be a good place to relaxation and take within the sights earlier than shifting on. 

That is the most suitable choice for resupply between the Grand Canyon and the northern terminus, because the North Rim is simply open just a few months out of the 12 months and has a much less spectacular retailer. Some hikers select to cease within the small group of Jacob Lake at mile 771.8, however we expect carrying some further meals weight by means of the Grand Canyon from right here is the higher guess.

Keep right here: There’s a delegated thru-hiker web site at Mather Campground close to the village. Verify in with a ranger on the campground kiosk, and so they’ll set you up with a pleasant spot for a small payment. 

Eat right here: There’s a small deli within the grocery retailer that has okay meals, but it surely’s fairly costly. We opted to prepare dinner our meals on the campsite.

Resupply right here: There’s a basic retailer within the village that shares all of the hiker staples, and we had been capable of do a full resupply right here for surprisingly low-cost.

Backpacking Gear – What to Pack

It’s crucial to maintain your pack weight to a minimal when setting out on a thru-hike. Dialing in your gear could be costly and really feel overwhelming, however we promise that taking the time to plan and enhance your gear setup will make your trek a much more fulfilling and profitable expertise. 

Since we did the path in two seasons, we had two fully totally different units of drugs. Under we’ll listing our prime suggestions from the gear we carried, seasonal gear ideas, and issues we might have most well-liked to have.

TENT

We used a Zpacks Duplex Zip for the northern 500 miles of the path, and we had a terrific expertise with it. It’s ultralight, spacious, and packs down fairly small for a Dyneema shelter. Since you’re unlikely to come across precipitation on this path, the usual Duplex – which omits the zipper on the vestibules – will do exactly nice and prices much less. Pairs of hikers wanting further area will love the bigger Zpacks Triplex, although you might need some hassle discovering tent areas to suit it in. Be taught extra concerning the Zpacks Plex tents and our different prime thru-hiking tent suggestions on our listing of the Finest Ultralight Tents.

Many hikers select to cowboy camp (sleep below the celebs as a substitute of a shelter) for a lot of the path – and we suggest all hikers do that for at the least one night time. The climate is often nice sufficient for this to be completely doable and cozy, however you need to all the time carry some kind of shelter simply in case. For those who plan to do lots of cowboy tenting, you might favor to hold a tarp. Our prime tarp advice is the versatile and ridiculously mild Zpacks 7×9 Flat Tarp.

SLEEPING BAG/QUILT

Temperatures range dramatically at night time, and also you’ll go from low to excessive elevation fairly frequently. We packed for the bottom temperatures we anticipated to come across, which meant 20°F sleep sacks for each the spring and fall legs of our hike. We truly skilled temperatures within the teenagers for just a few nights on our fall hike within the north, however we managed to maintain heat and cozy with what we had.

A quilt is an efficient possibility for this path due to its versatility – you may drape it over you want a blanket on heat nights or cinch it tight to lure warmth when it’s chilly. We used the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 20 (spring) and the Hammock Gear Burrow 20 (fall). The Burrow is hotter than the Unbound so it was good for fall, and the Unbound is lighter than the Burrow so it was good for spring. We love them each and you can even discover extra information on our listing of the Finest Backpacking Quilts.

SLEEPING PAD

We had a heat sleeper who used the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT for its mix of sturdiness and low weight and a chilly sleeper who carried the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XTherm NXT for further heat. Relying on the way you sleep, both of those choices can be a good selection for the spring or fall. You may as well take a look at much more choices on our listing of the Finest Sleeping Pads.

BACKPACK

We examined 4 totally different backpacks on this path, and our general prime decide is the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 55. It has a really handy pocket setup, supportive design, and it completely balances weight and sturdiness.

One other widespread possibility we noticed a ton of hikers utilizing is the ULA Circuit. It has a bigger capability than the Unbound and a extra supportive body, so it’s good for the longer meals and water carries you’ll expertise on the AZT.

You’ll be able to’t go incorrect with both selection or any possibility on our listing of the Finest Backpacking Backpacks for that matter.

WATER

There are some fairly gnarly water sources alongside the AZT, so it’s essential to pack a dependable water filter that’s simple to scrub. We used the Platypus Quickdraw paired with a Smartwater bottle and a Katadyn BeFree. Each of those are microfilters, so that they misplaced move fee rapidly as a result of all of the muddy water we filtered. However each are additionally fairly simple to scrub within the subject, so we had been pleased with our selections.

We additionally carried chlorine dioxide tabs as backup, which is one thing we suggest doing for this path. We met a hiker whose filter had frozen on an unexpectedly chilly night time. They’d have been left and not using a method to deal with their water for some time in the event that they hadn’t additionally carried a chemical backup.

For water storage, we every had 4 liters whole capability. We carried two one-liter water bottles every and one Platy Bottle every and a Vargo BOT for further water capability if we would have liked it.

Be taught extra concerning the filters and vessels we carried on our lists of the Finest Water Filters and Finest Water Bottles. Since that is the desert, we take into account electrolyte dietary supplements a necessity that will help you keep hydrated. Verify our Finest Hydration Mixes Information to see our prime suggestions.

FOOTWEAR

Most hikers select to put on path runners for this hike as a result of they’re light-weight, breathable, and cozy. For those who go this route, you need to anticipate to wish two pairs as a result of the rocks on the AZT eat by means of the comfortable rubber tread and tear up the mesh uppers.

We exhausted a pair of Altra Lone Peaks (males’s / ladies’s) on this hike and acquired a brand new pair in Flagstaff (slightly over 500 miles whole into our journey, plus we’d performed some smaller, pre-AZT hikes in them). We (and lots of different hikers we met) had been pleased with these path runners as a result of they’ve wonderful grip, low weight, and a large toe field. A well-liked possibility for hikers wanting extra cushion between their toes and the rocks can be HOKA Speedgoats (males’s / ladies’s). Each of those footwear are prime picks on our lists of the Finest Climbing Footwear for Males and Ladies.

We additionally wore Chaco Z/1 Basic Sandals (males’s / ladies’s) (sure, sandals) which we cherished however isn’t one thing we’d suggest to hikers who aren’t accustomed to sporting sandals on rugged trails. However should you’re curious, you may study extra about them on our lists of the Finest Climbing Sandals for Males and Ladies.

HEADLAMP

We used rechargeable headlamps for this journey – the Black Diamond Spot 400-R and Petzl Actik CORE – and we had been pleased with each lights. They’re each brilliant, light-weight, and have an extended burn time. The Spot and Actik are a few of our favorites and there are much more on our listing of the Finest Headlamps.

COOKING SYSTEM

We carried a SOTO Windmaster Range, Vargo BOT, and Toaks Titanium 650 Pot. We cherished the range as a result of it’s typically windy on the AZT, and – because the identify would suggest – the Windmaster works very effectively within the wind. 

The BOT is one other favourite as a result of it’s giant sufficient to boil water for a number of meals, it has a screw-on lid that got here in helpful after we needed to cold-soak lunch, and it doubled as a water bottle for after we wanted further water capability. We additionally carried the Toaks Pot for nights after we needed to boil water individually, and it’s the right possibility for solo hikers seeking to hold pack weight low.

Extra information on the Windmaster could be discovered on our listing of the Finest Backpacking Stoves, and the BOT and Toaks 750 (a barely bigger model of what we carried) are each on our listing of the Finest Backpacking Cookware.

FOOD & FOOD STORAGE

Try our Finest Light-weight Backpacking Meals Information, Finest Freeze Dried Backpacking Meals listing, Finest Power Bars listing, and our different Meals Guides for our prime hiker-food suggestions.

We every carried an Ursack Main to maintain our meals shielded from animals. Be taught extra about it on our Finest Stuff Sacks listing.

CLOTHING

Under is the listing of clothes we suggest for this path, and you need to use it as a suggestion to construct your preferrred clothes system. In the end one of the best clothes to take would be the stuff you like and that make you’re feeling most snug. Head over to our Backpacking & Climbing Clothes 101 submit and our Attire Gear Guides for extra recommendation on placing collectively your preferrred layering system.

NAVIGATION

We used the FarOut Arizona Path Information which was a vital device for locating water. Most AZT hikers use this app, however the ATA additionally has some nice assets which can be particularly helpful for part hikers.

FIRST AID KIT

It is best to all the time deliver a small, customized first help package when heading into the backcountry. We used a customized package that we pieced collectively utilizing the AMK .3 Ultralight Equipment, a ton of ibuprofen, just a few benadryl tabs, and cut-up strips of RockTape. Try our Finest First Help Kits listing for more information.

SUN PROTECTION

You’ll be uncovered to the solar for a lot of the AZT, and UV rays are intense within the open desert. Polarized sun shades, sunscreen, and SPF lip balm are all important, and we had been very happy with our determination to deliver solar umbrellas. We additionally extremely suggest sporting a UPF mountaineering shirt.

POCKET KNIFE

We swap out our pocket knife for a small pair of ultralight scissors on longer hikes, as a result of it’s lighter and extra sensible for our wants. For those who favor a knife, we suggest the Benchmade Mini Bugout from our Finest Pocket Knives listing as a result of it’s light-weight and compact. The Swiss Military Basic SD can be a terrific possibility should you’re on the lookout for a multitool.

OTHER ITEMS

For extra suggestions on our favourite light-weight backpacking tools, take a look at the CleverHiker Gear Information and our High Picks web page.

Go away No Hint

Stopping and minimizing human influence is essential to the well being of our wilderness. Individually, you might suppose your hearth, shallow cathole, or meals scraps within the river aren’t going to hurt an ecosystem, however there’s a big cumulative influence.

We share this area with 1000’s of individuals mountaineering alongside the AZT yearly, in addition to the varied array of plant and animal life, so all of us must do our half to guard it. It solely takes a couple of minutes to brush up on Go away No Hint pointers earlier than you head out.

Grow to be a Member of the Arizona Path Affiliation

The Arizona Path Affiliation (ATA) protects and maintains the AZT. With out the laborious work of their employees and volunteers, there can be no path. We extremely suggest changing into a donating member of this wonderful group to assist make sure the AZT stays round for future generations to take pleasure in. The ATA additionally commemorates profitable thru-hikers with a hand-crafted copper belt buckle – actually the best path completion present we’ve ever seen.

Extra Data

We hope this information helps you propose an unforgettable journey alongside the Arizona Path. For extra widespread CleverHiker content material, take a look at the next hyperlinks: