So…..
The purpose of this blog is simple. Document my AZT day hikes…. out and back so if anyone else wants to use the information for their own journey. It’s here.
Just remember, this is just the way I did it. You might wish to create your own trails and plans. Most of all my hikes are between 10 and 20 miles and with proper planning, including drive time and a good hiking pace, you can accomplish most all the out and backs in about 6 to 12 hours…. starting from Phoenix of course. Now the AZT is not an easy hike and it can be remote at times, even doing out and backs. One stretch of day hikes I recall I did not see another hiker for about 100 or so miles. Cell service most of the time is non-existent so GPS is a very very good idea. Please also know your hiking capabilities and be prepared. Even a 10 miles hike, can be dangerous with weather and terrain. Always be prepared.
Five things I found critical in planning the hikes and I strongly recommend you think about are:
1.) Become an Arizona Trail Association Member. This is a great way to support the trail and it’s future. http://www.aztrail.org/membership/join.html
2.) Purchase the AZTrails Guthooks app for your phone. These guys are great and their app rocks!!! All the planning for my hikes would not have been possible if not for this app. Also the many times I got lost off trail, the gps would guide me right back…. bush wracking and bolder scrambling all the way. The elevation charts and maps in this blog and screenshot from guthooks. http://atlasguides.com/
3.) Purchase the “Complete Guide to the Arizona National Scenic Trail” by Matthew J Nelson. This book uses the ATA passages and has awesome, charts, maps, history, vegetation, geology, everything you really need to know. Great buy. I do like the layout of the passages but it will not work well for out and backers. They are more created for point to point hikers.
4.) Buy good gear. Check out my gear section for my thoughts.
5.) Bring lots of Water….. duh…. but seriously bring at least 3-4 liters of water per person on each hike. Just to be safe.
If you have any questions or want to join a hike, please contact me….. Jim T.
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