Route Editor
Route Scout
 Hike: This passage begins on Winter Road (BLM Road #1025) about one mile north of the Kaibab National Forest boundary. The route proceeds in a northerly direction and then reaches Dead Man Canyon. After crossing that drainage it continues north and crosses Red Canyon. There is a road crossing and another one a half mile later. After reaching Basin Canyon, the trail switchbacks in and then out of that canyon and crosses another road. The trail crosses an unnamed small canyon and on the top of this canyon the trail goes through a gate and then does another road crossing. There is a hard turn to the east and then a slight turn to the northeast. After crossing another road, the trail works its way through the upper end of North Larkum Canyon. It parallels this canyon for a while and then comes to the edge of a plateau. The trail executes some 22 switchbacks, working it's way down off the plateau and then crosses sage-covered flats to the Utah border trailhead. Southern Trailhead: Winter Road - BLM road #1025 Northern Trailhead: Utah Border Trailhead - BLM road #1025 Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Gate Policy: If a gate is closed upon arrival, leave it closed after you go through. If it is open, leave it open. Leaving a closed gate open may put cattle in danger. Closing an open gate may cut them off from water. Please be respectful, leave gates as found. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Buckskin Mountain - AZT #43
AZT: Mormon Lake to Utah
I'm not even sure how to approach a trip log of this magnitude, so I'll try to keep it short and focus on the highlights/lowlights.
The hike took place between May 31st and June 16th. We had 2 zero days (one in Flagstaff, one in Tusayan), and one "nero" out of Tusayan. We averaged 25 - 30 miles a day, except for in the Grand Canyon. This trip started out with a few hiccups (feet, gear, fires, heat...) but after Tusayan we had the kinks worked out and I felt like a well oiled long distance hiking machine.
Hightlights
Humphrey's Summit Side Trip
We decided to include a side trip to Humphrey's Peak. It was a great way to escape the hottest part of the first weekend and let things cool down below 9000ft, even if the summit was swarming with gnats and people.
On the way back down, I met @joebartels and @the_eagle. Very cool! Nice to have met you both!
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim was AMAZING. The scenery had my jaw on the ground nearly the entire time! I was extremely nervous about doing this passage in June and thought it was nearly impossible to score walk-in permits, but the stars aligned and we had no issues grabbing permits for both campgrounds.
We did it over 3 days to beat the heat, camping at Bright Angel and Cottonwood campgrounds, moving only between the hours of 5am - 9am. Soaking in Bright Angel Creek made the heat tolerable, and it was a nice change of pace compared to the 25 - 30 mile days we were doing above the rims.
One of the rangers issuing the permits gave us some dire warnings about "130 degrees in the sun", and how "nobody has fun down there this time of year." I even asked him about soaking in the creek to ward off the heat and he made it sound like it was only mildly effective. Contrary to what he said, it probably never got above 105 in the sun and sitting in the creek was actually extremely relaxing.
We took the short side trip to Ribbon Falls and it was totally worth it. What a neat little oasis in the canyon! We saw a beaver in the creek between Bright Angel and Cottonwood campgrounds, I never expected to see that.
The climb out of the Canyon from Cottonwood to the North Rim was well graded, and we topped out in about 2 hours 45 mins.
There is definitely a lot more Grand Canyon hiking in my future come fall/winter/spring.
North Rim + Kaibab Plateau
It was so nice to get a break from the hot temperatures when we topped out on the North Rim. They didn't last for long, though. As soon as we were back down around 7000 ft it was getting warm again.
The aspen and fir lined meadows were also a nice change of scenery. Easy going, dreamy hiking. It was also cool starting the day at Cottonwood and within a few hours being in a drastically different environment.
We ran out of food just before highway 89A, so we went in to Jacob Lake for a small resupply and also had a great breakfast at the restaurant. We probably had less than 2000 calories per day from the North Rim to Jacob Lake, needless to say the hiker hunger was strong when we reached Jacob Lake.
Finishing the AZT
Damn did it feel good.
Lowlights
Feet Issues
On day one I had a nasty blister form on the bottom of my foot due to AZ rocks tearing up the tread on my one month old Altra shoes. When we reached Flagstaff I initially tried to remedy the problem by buying thicker insoles (SuperFeet) for my shoes and taping up my foot with climbing tape. I was apprehensive about getting new shoes because I've always had issues with breaking in new shoes, even trail runners. The tape and thicker insoles worked for about half of a day. I think the tape actually might have made matters worse. I decided the next day after leaving Flag to hitch back into town from Snowbowl Rd in order to pop the blister and let it heal with a zero day. We got a ride by the first vehicle that I thumbed!
Popping the blister and staying off of it for a day helped, but after our Humphrey Summit and a couple more days of hiking the blister was back with a vengeance by the time we reached the Babbit Ranch passage. I was very nervous about going forward from Babbit Ranch because it would mean committing to about 60 miles before any relief in Tusayan. I nearly walked out to the highway from the TH and called for pickup. But after sleeping on it, I sucked it up and continued. Eventually, after hiking on it for another 40 miles, it stopped hurting so much.
When we reached Tusayan I decided to bite the bullet and take a shuttle back to Flagstaff to get some new shoes. I bought some Brooks Cascadia 11's, swapped out the insoles with the SuperFeet I bought, and never had a single foot issue the rest of the trip.
Gear Issues
Sleeping pad got punctured and I lost my sunglasses the very first night. These items were replaced on the first visit to REI in Flag. Somewhere along the way, the "stay bar" in my backpack ripped through the bottom of my pack again and went missing.
Fires
The nearby fires on the rim made the miles into Flagstaff smokey. It was particularly bad on the second day when we woke up at the Horse Mesa Trailhead with thick smoke to hike through til Marshall Lake. Those were some lightheaded, oxygen deprived miles.
Heat
When I planned this trip, I expected the highs to be in the high 70s to low 80s, actual highs were in the high 80s to low 90s for the entire trip, expect for the North Rim and Kaibab Plateau South & Central passages. As expected, it reached low triple digits in the Grand Canyon. We combated the heat by taking a long 2 hour break during the hottest part of the day under a cedar or pine. If there was a good enough breeze, usually we could still hike in the heat. We were also consuming up to 2 gallons of water a day.
Final AZT Thoughts
In my opinion, the Grand Canyon takes the cake for the most scenic passage of the trail. That being said, I believe that below the Mogollon Rim the AZT is way more scenic per-mile than on top of the plateau. It's easy to keep motivated below the Rim when you're getting drowned in gorgeous wide open views in every direction, and hard to keep motivated above the Rim when all you're seeing most of the day is the next ponderosa or ceder 10 yards ahead of you. Just my opinion, though.
AZ rocks with eat up your shoes.
If I was to ever attempt a thru-hike of the trail, I would most likely start in the early fall and head south. The terminus in Utah isn't a terrible place to end, but Miller Peak and Mexico would have been a much grander ending.
The hike took place between May 31st and June 16th. We had 2 zero days (one in Flagstaff, one in Tusayan), and one "nero" out of Tusayan. We averaged 25 - 30 miles a day, except for in the Grand Canyon. This trip started out with a few hiccups (feet, gear, fires, heat...) but after Tusayan we had the kinks worked out and I felt like a well oiled long distance hiking machine.
Hightlights
Humphrey's Summit Side Trip
We decided to include a side trip to Humphrey's Peak. It was a great way to escape the hottest part of the first weekend and let things cool down below 9000ft, even if the summit was swarming with gnats and people.
On the way back down, I met @joebartels and @the_eagle. Very cool! Nice to have met you both!
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim was AMAZING. The scenery had my jaw on the ground nearly the entire time! I was extremely nervous about doing this passage in June and thought it was nearly impossible to score walk-in permits, but the stars aligned and we had no issues grabbing permits for both campgrounds.
We did it over 3 days to beat the heat, camping at Bright Angel and Cottonwood campgrounds, moving only between the hours of 5am - 9am. Soaking in Bright Angel Creek made the heat tolerable, and it was a nice change of pace compared to the 25 - 30 mile days we were doing above the rims.
One of the rangers issuing the permits gave us some dire warnings about "130 degrees in the sun", and how "nobody has fun down there this time of year." I even asked him about soaking in the creek to ward off the heat and he made it sound like it was only mildly effective. Contrary to what he said, it probably never got above 105 in the sun and sitting in the creek was actually extremely relaxing.
We took the short side trip to Ribbon Falls and it was totally worth it. What a neat little oasis in the canyon! We saw a beaver in the creek between Bright Angel and Cottonwood campgrounds, I never expected to see that.
The climb out of the Canyon from Cottonwood to the North Rim was well graded, and we topped out in about 2 hours 45 mins.
There is definitely a lot more Grand Canyon hiking in my future come fall/winter/spring.
North Rim + Kaibab Plateau
It was so nice to get a break from the hot temperatures when we topped out on the North Rim. They didn't last for long, though. As soon as we were back down around 7000 ft it was getting warm again.
The aspen and fir lined meadows were also a nice change of scenery. Easy going, dreamy hiking. It was also cool starting the day at Cottonwood and within a few hours being in a drastically different environment.
We ran out of food just before highway 89A, so we went in to Jacob Lake for a small resupply and also had a great breakfast at the restaurant. We probably had less than 2000 calories per day from the North Rim to Jacob Lake, needless to say the hiker hunger was strong when we reached Jacob Lake.
Finishing the AZT
Damn did it feel good.
Lowlights
Feet Issues
On day one I had a nasty blister form on the bottom of my foot due to AZ rocks tearing up the tread on my one month old Altra shoes. When we reached Flagstaff I initially tried to remedy the problem by buying thicker insoles (SuperFeet) for my shoes and taping up my foot with climbing tape. I was apprehensive about getting new shoes because I've always had issues with breaking in new shoes, even trail runners. The tape and thicker insoles worked for about half of a day. I think the tape actually might have made matters worse. I decided the next day after leaving Flag to hitch back into town from Snowbowl Rd in order to pop the blister and let it heal with a zero day. We got a ride by the first vehicle that I thumbed!
Popping the blister and staying off of it for a day helped, but after our Humphrey Summit and a couple more days of hiking the blister was back with a vengeance by the time we reached the Babbit Ranch passage. I was very nervous about going forward from Babbit Ranch because it would mean committing to about 60 miles before any relief in Tusayan. I nearly walked out to the highway from the TH and called for pickup. But after sleeping on it, I sucked it up and continued. Eventually, after hiking on it for another 40 miles, it stopped hurting so much.
When we reached Tusayan I decided to bite the bullet and take a shuttle back to Flagstaff to get some new shoes. I bought some Brooks Cascadia 11's, swapped out the insoles with the SuperFeet I bought, and never had a single foot issue the rest of the trip.
Gear Issues
Sleeping pad got punctured and I lost my sunglasses the very first night. These items were replaced on the first visit to REI in Flag. Somewhere along the way, the "stay bar" in my backpack ripped through the bottom of my pack again and went missing.
Fires
The nearby fires on the rim made the miles into Flagstaff smokey. It was particularly bad on the second day when we woke up at the Horse Mesa Trailhead with thick smoke to hike through til Marshall Lake. Those were some lightheaded, oxygen deprived miles.
Heat
When I planned this trip, I expected the highs to be in the high 70s to low 80s, actual highs were in the high 80s to low 90s for the entire trip, expect for the North Rim and Kaibab Plateau South & Central passages. As expected, it reached low triple digits in the Grand Canyon. We combated the heat by taking a long 2 hour break during the hottest part of the day under a cedar or pine. If there was a good enough breeze, usually we could still hike in the heat. We were also consuming up to 2 gallons of water a day.
Final AZT Thoughts
In my opinion, the Grand Canyon takes the cake for the most scenic passage of the trail. That being said, I believe that below the Mogollon Rim the AZT is way more scenic per-mile than on top of the plateau. It's easy to keep motivated below the Rim when you're getting drowned in gorgeous wide open views in every direction, and hard to keep motivated above the Rim when all you're seeing most of the day is the next ponderosa or ceder 10 yards ahead of you. Just my opinion, though.
AZ rocks with eat up your shoes.
If I was to ever attempt a thru-hike of the trail, I would most likely start in the early fall and head south. The terminus in Utah isn't a terrible place to end, but Miller Peak and Mexico would have been a much grander ending.
2016-06-01 DallinW
Buckskin Mountain - AZT #43
I went to the AZT Gateway City event in Page. Met Sirena, the organizer of the event, for the first time. It was fun! Some of us went in a van to the Stateline Trailhead and went on a short hike. Not really sure how far it was or how much AEG because I had forgotten new batteries for the GPS. Also forgot the camera. But it was a memorable day. I even met the mayor of Page!
2016-03-12 azbackpackr
Buckskin Mountain - AZT #43
Arizona Trail Trek
I woke up underneath my juniper tree at my last camp of the Arizona Trail Trek, glad that I had a little time to myself before everyone arrived to hike the last 11 miles to the Utah border with me. I wrote in my journal, something I'd done very little of this hike. Sure, I'd jotted down notes and things to remember, but not the kind of writing outdoors that feeds my soul.
Scott, who had been on several of my other hikes along the way, popped out at Winter Road around 8:30 am. He'd started in the dark at Jacob Lake and had already hiked 17 miles. He was glad he'd caught me for the final hike into Utah. Around 9 am, my dad arrived with my mom and other hikers Anne and Steve and my husband Brian came with Levi, the videographer.
The trail rolled through the sagebrush and in and out of several canyons. It was a gorgeous day with big fluffy clouds and a nice breeze to keep the temperatures down. We went into Larkum Canyon and strange rocks appeared. There are baseball to softball sized round inclusions pitting the rock faces along the trail, I would love to know what causes this.
The trail climbed out of the canyon and wound through the junipers before coming to a spectacular overlook where we took our lunch break. You could see all the way into Utah, colorful sandstone and rock formations and the Coyote Valley below. The Stateline Trailhead became visible in the valley and I knew my journey was soon coming to an end. We hiked the 22 switchbacks into the Coyote Valley and then through the sagebrush.
I could see my husband Brian in the distance and he yelled "Arizona Trail!!!" I yelled it back, feeling triumphant. I had just hiked here all the way from Mexico!! I stopped for a picture at my favorite hole in the rock near the trailhead before continuing the rest of the way to the Utah border.
My dad was there to welcome me and Brian had put the Arizona Trail Trek banner up on the gazebo at the Stateline Trailhead. We all cheered as I reached the border and Brian had set up a celebration with champagne and cupcakes to toast the succesful completion of the Arizona Trail Trek.
I didn't have a lot of time to savor the moment, because we were on a schedule to be back in the Gateway Community of Page for the big finale celebration. It was bittersweet leaving the state line- I was so proud of what I'd accomplished with the hike, the events, and raising awareness for the trail, yet now it was over.
The finale was hosted by Sanderson's Into the Grand, a museum dedicated to the history of commercial river rafting on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Hoss and Karen Sanderson were incredible hosts and cooked up a delicious dutch oven meal and Bob Paluzzi provided the entertainment. It was a fitting place to end the hike, as I will be starting my season as a guide on the river at the end of June.
It was a most jovial atmosphere, with people coming up to congratulate me left and right. I got to tell a bunch of stories and celebrate the realization of a dream I have had since 2007. Seven years since I'd first had the inspiration to thru-hike the Arizona Trail and it was totally worth the wait.
After the event, we went to Antelope Point Marina, who was kind enough to donate a houseboat for the evening. We stargazed on the top deck and saw many shooting stars. It was a fantastic way to end the hike!
What an experience. It's something that I'm going to be processing for a long time.
I wouldn't have been able to hike across the state without the help of many wonderful people who volunteered their time and talents to make this happen. A million thanks to the following:
-My sponsors- Arizona Highways Photo Workshops, That Brewery, Peace Surplus, and Summit Hut!!
-All the folks who donated through the Indiegogo campaign or at the events- the Arizona Trail Trek raised $17,800 for the Arizona Trail Association!
-All the businesses that hosted and the musicians that provided the entertainment at the 13 Gateway Community events- thanks for creating a space for people to enjoy themselves while talking trail! Special HAZer shout-out to JJ for hosting a great event at Juan Jaime's Scottsdale location!
-Folks that helped with shuttles and vital water caches up and down the state, volunteering their time and gas money to make the public hikes and backpacking trips happen
-People that hosted me and my dad in the Gateway communities- thank you for opening your homes to us!
-My backpacking bestie HAZer Writelots for helping with planning, logistics, food, and keeping me sane.
-HAZer Desertgirl for her help with the Indiegogo campaign
-HAZer Sarae for designing my sweet Arizona Trail Trek logo
-Leigh Anne Thrasher and Jasmine the mini-donkey for being so supportive and a delight to hike with!
-Christy Snow and Jeff Harris for all the wonderful things you do.
-The Arizona Trail Association for being composed of the nicest and most supportive people you could hope to meet- I have made countless friends through the ATA, people who are willing to go the extra mile to support the trail they love so much.
-My fantastic husband Brian for supporting my dreams and helping at the events when he came to visit me.
-Saving the biggest thanks for last- my dad came out from Chicago for two months to support me on my journey, driving countless miles and running supplies. It was always such a treat to see him waiting for me at the trailhead and I cherish the time we were able to spend together.
Amazing that it all came together as well as it did. There were so many different pieces that had to work properly and I consider myself very fortunate that everyone involved stayed safe and healthy.
So now I've hiked the Arizona Trail twice, and am proud to be part of a pretty short list of repeaters. I'd hike it a third time, that's how spectacular this trail is. Next time it will be southbound in the fall to see a different perspective. Who knows when that will be, for now I've got to shift my focus to my upcoming season as a guide on the Colorado River. The only thing keeping me sane after my hike is that I know that I'll be spending my summer in my favorite place, the Grand Canyon.
Whether you came to the events and hikes or virtually followed along, it was great to share this incredible journey with you. Thanks for being a part of it!
I woke up underneath my juniper tree at my last camp of the Arizona Trail Trek, glad that I had a little time to myself before everyone arrived to hike the last 11 miles to the Utah border with me. I wrote in my journal, something I'd done very little of this hike. Sure, I'd jotted down notes and things to remember, but not the kind of writing outdoors that feeds my soul.
Scott, who had been on several of my other hikes along the way, popped out at Winter Road around 8:30 am. He'd started in the dark at Jacob Lake and had already hiked 17 miles. He was glad he'd caught me for the final hike into Utah. Around 9 am, my dad arrived with my mom and other hikers Anne and Steve and my husband Brian came with Levi, the videographer.
The trail rolled through the sagebrush and in and out of several canyons. It was a gorgeous day with big fluffy clouds and a nice breeze to keep the temperatures down. We went into Larkum Canyon and strange rocks appeared. There are baseball to softball sized round inclusions pitting the rock faces along the trail, I would love to know what causes this.
The trail climbed out of the canyon and wound through the junipers before coming to a spectacular overlook where we took our lunch break. You could see all the way into Utah, colorful sandstone and rock formations and the Coyote Valley below. The Stateline Trailhead became visible in the valley and I knew my journey was soon coming to an end. We hiked the 22 switchbacks into the Coyote Valley and then through the sagebrush.
I could see my husband Brian in the distance and he yelled "Arizona Trail!!!" I yelled it back, feeling triumphant. I had just hiked here all the way from Mexico!! I stopped for a picture at my favorite hole in the rock near the trailhead before continuing the rest of the way to the Utah border.
My dad was there to welcome me and Brian had put the Arizona Trail Trek banner up on the gazebo at the Stateline Trailhead. We all cheered as I reached the border and Brian had set up a celebration with champagne and cupcakes to toast the succesful completion of the Arizona Trail Trek.
I didn't have a lot of time to savor the moment, because we were on a schedule to be back in the Gateway Community of Page for the big finale celebration. It was bittersweet leaving the state line- I was so proud of what I'd accomplished with the hike, the events, and raising awareness for the trail, yet now it was over.
The finale was hosted by Sanderson's Into the Grand, a museum dedicated to the history of commercial river rafting on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Hoss and Karen Sanderson were incredible hosts and cooked up a delicious dutch oven meal and Bob Paluzzi provided the entertainment. It was a fitting place to end the hike, as I will be starting my season as a guide on the river at the end of June.
It was a most jovial atmosphere, with people coming up to congratulate me left and right. I got to tell a bunch of stories and celebrate the realization of a dream I have had since 2007. Seven years since I'd first had the inspiration to thru-hike the Arizona Trail and it was totally worth the wait.
After the event, we went to Antelope Point Marina, who was kind enough to donate a houseboat for the evening. We stargazed on the top deck and saw many shooting stars. It was a fantastic way to end the hike!
What an experience. It's something that I'm going to be processing for a long time.
I wouldn't have been able to hike across the state without the help of many wonderful people who volunteered their time and talents to make this happen. A million thanks to the following:
-My sponsors- Arizona Highways Photo Workshops, That Brewery, Peace Surplus, and Summit Hut!!
-All the folks who donated through the Indiegogo campaign or at the events- the Arizona Trail Trek raised $17,800 for the Arizona Trail Association!
-All the businesses that hosted and the musicians that provided the entertainment at the 13 Gateway Community events- thanks for creating a space for people to enjoy themselves while talking trail! Special HAZer shout-out to JJ for hosting a great event at Juan Jaime's Scottsdale location!
-Folks that helped with shuttles and vital water caches up and down the state, volunteering their time and gas money to make the public hikes and backpacking trips happen
-People that hosted me and my dad in the Gateway communities- thank you for opening your homes to us!
-My backpacking bestie HAZer Writelots for helping with planning, logistics, food, and keeping me sane.
-HAZer Desertgirl for her help with the Indiegogo campaign
-HAZer Sarae for designing my sweet Arizona Trail Trek logo
-Leigh Anne Thrasher and Jasmine the mini-donkey for being so supportive and a delight to hike with!
-Christy Snow and Jeff Harris for all the wonderful things you do.
-The Arizona Trail Association for being composed of the nicest and most supportive people you could hope to meet- I have made countless friends through the ATA, people who are willing to go the extra mile to support the trail they love so much.
-My fantastic husband Brian for supporting my dreams and helping at the events when he came to visit me.
-Saving the biggest thanks for last- my dad came out from Chicago for two months to support me on my journey, driving countless miles and running supplies. It was always such a treat to see him waiting for me at the trailhead and I cherish the time we were able to spend together.
Amazing that it all came together as well as it did. There were so many different pieces that had to work properly and I consider myself very fortunate that everyone involved stayed safe and healthy.
So now I've hiked the Arizona Trail twice, and am proud to be part of a pretty short list of repeaters. I'd hike it a third time, that's how spectacular this trail is. Next time it will be southbound in the fall to see a different perspective. Who knows when that will be, for now I've got to shift my focus to my upcoming season as a guide on the Colorado River. The only thing keeping me sane after my hike is that I know that I'll be spending my summer in my favorite place, the Grand Canyon.
Whether you came to the events and hikes or virtually followed along, it was great to share this incredible journey with you. Thanks for being a part of it!
2014-05-31 sirena
Buckskin Mountain - AZT #43
the last segment of the azt. not MY last, but the last 
for some reason i figured this would be the write off segment of the trip. instead i loved it! rolling, winding wonderful single track with drop dead views out towards the vermillion cliffs towards the end. holding up pretty well with all the miles logged in the previous days, my feet did start to scream near mid way point. dave, jj and i cruised it the last part and my feet felt drastically better as a result. i was really stoked to bring this one home and finish off 80-ish miles of the northern azt in splendid fashion.
it was a treat to be there with denny, bruce and dave as they crossed the finish line and completed their epic adventure. joe will be there soon enough.
set up camp out in nowhere and enjoyed a perfect evening in a perfect place with a great group of guys (yes, even you bruce).
thanks for everything dave. what a great trip we had
554.38 miles of azt finished
for some reason i figured this would be the write off segment of the trip. instead i loved it! rolling, winding wonderful single track with drop dead views out towards the vermillion cliffs towards the end. holding up pretty well with all the miles logged in the previous days, my feet did start to scream near mid way point. dave, jj and i cruised it the last part and my feet felt drastically better as a result. i was really stoked to bring this one home and finish off 80-ish miles of the northern azt in splendid fashion.
it was a treat to be there with denny, bruce and dave as they crossed the finish line and completed their epic adventure. joe will be there soon enough.
set up camp out in nowhere and enjoyed a perfect evening in a perfect place with a great group of guys (yes, even you bruce).
thanks for everything dave. what a great trip we had
554.38 miles of azt finished
2012-05-19 fricknaley
Buckskin Mountain - AZT #43
Ahhh, the LAST SEGMENT. It seemed kind of weird as I crossed that dirt road to begin the final segment of the AZT, after nearly 2 years of plugging away at it with the eagle, the turtle, and the ? (what do you call Joe? Words can't describe him...)
We started the segment, but Ben, one of our new AZT hikers, started having a little trouble and slowed down during the end of 42 and into 43. Not being used to that slower pace, I was popping Motrin and Aleve to try to make it work, but it wasn't working. After a break about 3 miles into the segment, I decided at first to hike ahead of everyone and take breaks to allow them to catch up, so that I could go faster. Shortly afterward, though, frick and juanjaimeiii took my cue and took off with me and there was no turning back. The faster pace worked out the lactic acid buildup in my feet and legs and started making them feel a LOT better. There were also some really interesting rock formations on this segment; in the cliffs are these globe-shaped rocks the size of softballs. Frick, jj3 and I were trying to figure out how so many of these formed in the rock cliffs along the trail but were unsure (air pockets, maybe?).
By the end as we were doing the final big descent toward the campground, I took off ahead in a full jog, having a blast, soaking up the views of the Vermillion Cliffs.
Less than 3 1/2 hours later, I was at the Utah border. Just under 1/8 of a mile on a rock outcrop above the campground, I saw the border and stopped. NO WAY, after two years of doing this with these guys, was I gonna cross without them! I hung out for 10 minutes, and frick and jj3 made their way to me. Then another 12 minutes later, Joe, Denny and Bruce arrived. We then descended to the finish line, all together except for Ben who was a ways back still.
Bruce, Denny and I crossed the finish line at 4:47pm! Denny had a Diet Pepsi while Bruce and I had a nice microbrew, and Nick even joined us in the celebration.
It was kind of weird when we got there to see no real finish line. No marker that send "End of the Trail," or "Welcome to Utah" or anything. We started walking around the campground thinking we had a little bit farther to go, but nope, that entrance into the campground was it.
Soon after, Ben showed up, and he and jj3 left so that they could set themselves up for AZT hikes the following day. Since the campground was full, Denny, Nick, Bruce, Joe and I set ourselves up on our own campsite southwest of the campground on the dirt road to Fredonia. Beautiful sunset views lighting up the Vermillion Cliffs!
On my way home the next day, I had a second flat. We later found out though that, over this weekend, this was the final damage:
- David's car: 2 flat tires
- Ben's truck: 1 flat tire, & the alternator died
- JJ3's car: 3 flat tires.
That's 6 flats on this trip up north!
The AZT didn't give up the end easily, that was for sure! But it was SO worth it. Thanks, guys, for all of the hundreds of miles of good times...the lame jokes, the even lamer songs we made up on the way, and the laughs and great adventures. I will never forget them. We celebrated at the campsite with a beer and some cinnamon apple crisp that I cooked up (
yum). I got a little choked up after it was over, though I tried to hide it...so did Joe, Bruce and Denny (although they did just about as bad a job of it as I did 
). This adventure will be one I will carry with me for the rest of my days as a true highlight of my life!
We started the segment, but Ben, one of our new AZT hikers, started having a little trouble and slowed down during the end of 42 and into 43. Not being used to that slower pace, I was popping Motrin and Aleve to try to make it work, but it wasn't working. After a break about 3 miles into the segment, I decided at first to hike ahead of everyone and take breaks to allow them to catch up, so that I could go faster. Shortly afterward, though, frick and juanjaimeiii took my cue and took off with me and there was no turning back. The faster pace worked out the lactic acid buildup in my feet and legs and started making them feel a LOT better. There were also some really interesting rock formations on this segment; in the cliffs are these globe-shaped rocks the size of softballs. Frick, jj3 and I were trying to figure out how so many of these formed in the rock cliffs along the trail but were unsure (air pockets, maybe?).
By the end as we were doing the final big descent toward the campground, I took off ahead in a full jog, having a blast, soaking up the views of the Vermillion Cliffs.
Less than 3 1/2 hours later, I was at the Utah border. Just under 1/8 of a mile on a rock outcrop above the campground, I saw the border and stopped. NO WAY, after two years of doing this with these guys, was I gonna cross without them! I hung out for 10 minutes, and frick and jj3 made their way to me. Then another 12 minutes later, Joe, Denny and Bruce arrived. We then descended to the finish line, all together except for Ben who was a ways back still.
Bruce, Denny and I crossed the finish line at 4:47pm! Denny had a Diet Pepsi while Bruce and I had a nice microbrew, and Nick even joined us in the celebration.
It was kind of weird when we got there to see no real finish line. No marker that send "End of the Trail," or "Welcome to Utah" or anything. We started walking around the campground thinking we had a little bit farther to go, but nope, that entrance into the campground was it.
Soon after, Ben showed up, and he and jj3 left so that they could set themselves up for AZT hikes the following day. Since the campground was full, Denny, Nick, Bruce, Joe and I set ourselves up on our own campsite southwest of the campground on the dirt road to Fredonia. Beautiful sunset views lighting up the Vermillion Cliffs!
On my way home the next day, I had a second flat. We later found out though that, over this weekend, this was the final damage:
- David's car: 2 flat tires
- Ben's truck: 1 flat tire, & the alternator died
- JJ3's car: 3 flat tires.
That's 6 flats on this trip up north!
The AZT didn't give up the end easily, that was for sure! But it was SO worth it. Thanks, guys, for all of the hundreds of miles of good times...the lame jokes, the even lamer songs we made up on the way, and the laughs and great adventures. I will never forget them. We celebrated at the campsite with a beer and some cinnamon apple crisp that I cooked up (
yum). I got a little choked up after it was over, though I tried to hide it...so did Joe, Bruce and Denny (although they did just about as bad a job of it as I did ). This adventure will be one I will carry with me for the rest of my days as a true highlight of my life!
2012-05-19 azdesertfather
Buckskin Mountain - AZT #43
AZT 42 & 43
AZT #42
This one starts 2.5 miles eastish of Jacobs Lake right at the intersection of 89a and FR205.
We had the largest group for any of the Arizona Trail Passages on hand today. Seven screwball hikers.
The Core Four, made up of Joe Denny, and Dave and myself.
Nick, who started started with us at AZT#1 back in August of 2010 and has done quite a few with us.
John who started in April of this year and who I thought might finish before us.
And Ben, who had helped Mike Armstrong (the blind AZT hiker) who needed the passages north of the Canyon.
You get a bit of elevation gain in the first 1.5 miles and then it's gently downhill for awhile.
Single track through more pines crossing Forest Roads every now and then. A perfect morning all around. You get a few views through the Forrest cover into Orderville canyon and then later on Summit Valley. 16.5 miles from the start you are at Old Arizona Road (FR6493).
This marks the end of AZT 42, and the old familiar metal Arizona sign, marks the final passage of the AZT, Buckskin Mountain - AZT #43.
AZT#43
I had low expectations for this passage. The one thing I've learned while hiking from Mexico to Utah, is that this great state does not disappoint. Every single passage, but maybe one, had at least one thing that made the entire hike worth it.
This one was the views to the east to Coyote Buttes once you got out of the larger scrub and started the drop down to the Border. Wow, the pictures I took don't even come close to doing it justice.
The Downside to this passage for me... there is nothing definitive to let you know you are done. Draw me a line or show me a Utah border sign.
The AZT....Done?
I entered this day with mixed emotions. Happy that I accomplished something I never even dreamed of doing, let alone completing, and at the same time, sad that its done. I've seen a lot of this state since starting. Places I never even dreamed of going. I've made some real good friends. What a great group of guys.
None of this could have happened without the help of all involved. There were some hairy shuttle set ups at weird hours, by people I didn't even know. I don't even want to begin to think how many miles we put on vehicles. Thanks to all that helped make this possible!
By my count:
43 - AZT Passages Completed
809.4 - AZT Miles Completed
853 - Total miles completed in hiking the AZT
130,925' - Accumulated Elevation Gain (AEG)
7/23/2010 - First Passage AZT #27 Highline
5/19/2012 - Last Passage AZT #43 Buckskin Mountain
666 Days - to complete from Start to finish
41 - Days of Hiking
352 Hours and 10 minutes - of Hiking
This one starts 2.5 miles eastish of Jacobs Lake right at the intersection of 89a and FR205.
We had the largest group for any of the Arizona Trail Passages on hand today. Seven screwball hikers.
The Core Four, made up of Joe Denny, and Dave and myself.
Nick, who started started with us at AZT#1 back in August of 2010 and has done quite a few with us.
John who started in April of this year and who I thought might finish before us.
And Ben, who had helped Mike Armstrong (the blind AZT hiker) who needed the passages north of the Canyon.
You get a bit of elevation gain in the first 1.5 miles and then it's gently downhill for awhile.
Single track through more pines crossing Forest Roads every now and then. A perfect morning all around. You get a few views through the Forrest cover into Orderville canyon and then later on Summit Valley. 16.5 miles from the start you are at Old Arizona Road (FR6493).
This marks the end of AZT 42, and the old familiar metal Arizona sign, marks the final passage of the AZT, Buckskin Mountain - AZT #43.
AZT#43
I had low expectations for this passage. The one thing I've learned while hiking from Mexico to Utah, is that this great state does not disappoint. Every single passage, but maybe one, had at least one thing that made the entire hike worth it.
This one was the views to the east to Coyote Buttes once you got out of the larger scrub and started the drop down to the Border. Wow, the pictures I took don't even come close to doing it justice.
The Downside to this passage for me... there is nothing definitive to let you know you are done. Draw me a line or show me a Utah border sign.
The AZT....Done?
I entered this day with mixed emotions. Happy that I accomplished something I never even dreamed of doing, let alone completing, and at the same time, sad that its done. I've seen a lot of this state since starting. Places I never even dreamed of going. I've made some real good friends. What a great group of guys.
None of this could have happened without the help of all involved. There were some hairy shuttle set ups at weird hours, by people I didn't even know. I don't even want to begin to think how many miles we put on vehicles. Thanks to all that helped make this possible!
By my count:
43 - AZT Passages Completed
809.4 - AZT Miles Completed
853 - Total miles completed in hiking the AZT
130,925' - Accumulated Elevation Gain (AEG)
7/23/2010 - First Passage AZT #27 Highline
5/19/2012 - Last Passage AZT #43 Buckskin Mountain
666 Days - to complete from Start to finish
41 - Days of Hiking
352 Hours and 10 minutes - of Hiking
2012-05-19 The_Eagle
Buckskin Mountain - AZT #43
AZT 42 & 43
For Dave, Denny and Bruce this was the grand finale! It ended well too.
Two years ago Denny asked if I'd be interested in hiking some of the Arizona Trail segments with him on Fridays. At that time casual trail hiking was not my peak interest as off-trail suited me fine. Yet the opportunity to see parts of Arizona I'd only heard about was too good to pass up.
After two or three segments Dave and Bruce were tagging along. Nick joined for most of the southern passages. Wally joined in on a couple as did Bob on one segment too! jj3 got the AZT Bug after nearly knocking out 100 Hikes in AZ.
Kaibab Plateau North - AZT #42
#42 starts out in a beautiful and mature pine forest. There were dozen(s) of trees with the brown metal squirrel signs "Wildlife Tree - Do not cut" right next to each other. I've only seen these on rare occasions in the past. Perhaps they needed to use the rest as the pine forest was coming to an end?
The cool pines continued on for the majority of nine miles until we reached Summit Valley. This valley is chock full of 2-4 foot chapparel as far as you can see. It's stunted pine type trunk with sage type leaves that are very fragrant when picked. The first thought that ran through my mind was okay the good stuff is over to the border. Seconds later I noticed the far distance cliffs. They appeared far away in Utah yet I was excited to experience the transition.
The trail hugs the eastern edge of Summit Valley. At 11.7 miles it crosses a meadow break in the junipers. Just as the junipers pick up again at 11.9 miles we met two thru hikers enjoying the shade of a juniper. We lunched on the flip side of another meadow at 13.9mi
At 14.4mi you leave Summit Valley and get into increasingly intense junipers. These have more presence than what you find from Prescott to Sedona and provide slivers of shade along the way. Which was appreciated as the temps were on the rise. Dave took on the roll of master of ceremonies for an excellent round of Arizona Trail trivia.
At 16.4 the final segment greeted.
Buckskin Mountain - AZT #43
My expectations were rock bottom for this segment. I never got much chance to wine. It stays on the eastern side of the plateau. Yet not so far as to endure the wrath of the countless ravines that make up the eastern flank of the mysteriously enchanting Kaibab Plateau.
The going is easy. You enter a subtle ravine at 6.2mi. It matures a little. Then out of nowhere you enter unexpected life in North Larkum Canyon! This shallow ravine digs in a little. Turns. Cuts. Without explanation a band of baby soft oak leaves brush you in passing. Okay that was a fluke, right. Minutes later you are bushwhacking through a short fifty foot section. I almost fear mentioning it as "maintenance" may ruin this slice of life.
At 7.4mi I almost wept as the trail left North Larkum. The tear didn't build up enough mass to part before I laid my eyes on the western flank of the Paria Canyon Vermilion Cliffs. I've driven House Rock several times and I've been to the Wave but this cool overhead view was new to me!
Grand Finale (for the three amigos, I still have some to do)
Ben was on his longest hike ever and likely at a quicker pace too. He did very well and I'm glad he was able to join.
The group broke up a couple miles before Larkum. Dave was kind enough to wait and finish with Bruce and Denny. The final hundred yards seemed to go in slow motion. I doubt a screaming mountain lion could have captured the attention of those three fixated on the moment at hand. Congratulations Dave, Denny and Bruce! Thank you to all for allowing me to join on this incredible journey.
And to Denny, what can I say. Those pearly white legs, that mustache and all... just stop it. Thank you for everything!
oh btw... a little present to the three amigos so you don't forgot me off the trail
Two years ago Denny asked if I'd be interested in hiking some of the Arizona Trail segments with him on Fridays. At that time casual trail hiking was not my peak interest as off-trail suited me fine. Yet the opportunity to see parts of Arizona I'd only heard about was too good to pass up.
After two or three segments Dave and Bruce were tagging along. Nick joined for most of the southern passages. Wally joined in on a couple as did Bob on one segment too! jj3 got the AZT Bug after nearly knocking out 100 Hikes in AZ.
Kaibab Plateau North - AZT #42
#42 starts out in a beautiful and mature pine forest. There were dozen(s) of trees with the brown metal squirrel signs "Wildlife Tree - Do not cut" right next to each other. I've only seen these on rare occasions in the past. Perhaps they needed to use the rest as the pine forest was coming to an end?
The cool pines continued on for the majority of nine miles until we reached Summit Valley. This valley is chock full of 2-4 foot chapparel as far as you can see. It's stunted pine type trunk with sage type leaves that are very fragrant when picked. The first thought that ran through my mind was okay the good stuff is over to the border. Seconds later I noticed the far distance cliffs. They appeared far away in Utah yet I was excited to experience the transition.
The trail hugs the eastern edge of Summit Valley. At 11.7 miles it crosses a meadow break in the junipers. Just as the junipers pick up again at 11.9 miles we met two thru hikers enjoying the shade of a juniper. We lunched on the flip side of another meadow at 13.9mi
At 14.4mi you leave Summit Valley and get into increasingly intense junipers. These have more presence than what you find from Prescott to Sedona and provide slivers of shade along the way. Which was appreciated as the temps were on the rise. Dave took on the roll of master of ceremonies for an excellent round of Arizona Trail trivia.
At 16.4 the final segment greeted.
Buckskin Mountain - AZT #43
My expectations were rock bottom for this segment. I never got much chance to wine. It stays on the eastern side of the plateau. Yet not so far as to endure the wrath of the countless ravines that make up the eastern flank of the mysteriously enchanting Kaibab Plateau.
The going is easy. You enter a subtle ravine at 6.2mi. It matures a little. Then out of nowhere you enter unexpected life in North Larkum Canyon! This shallow ravine digs in a little. Turns. Cuts. Without explanation a band of baby soft oak leaves brush you in passing. Okay that was a fluke, right. Minutes later you are bushwhacking through a short fifty foot section. I almost fear mentioning it as "maintenance" may ruin this slice of life.
At 7.4mi I almost wept as the trail left North Larkum. The tear didn't build up enough mass to part before I laid my eyes on the western flank of the Paria Canyon Vermilion Cliffs. I've driven House Rock several times and I've been to the Wave but this cool overhead view was new to me!
Grand Finale (for the three amigos, I still have some to do)
Ben was on his longest hike ever and likely at a quicker pace too. He did very well and I'm glad he was able to join.
The group broke up a couple miles before Larkum. Dave was kind enough to wait and finish with Bruce and Denny. The final hundred yards seemed to go in slow motion. I doubt a screaming mountain lion could have captured the attention of those three fixated on the moment at hand. Congratulations Dave, Denny and Bruce! Thank you to all for allowing me to join on this incredible journey.
And to Denny, what can I say. Those pearly white legs, that mustache and all... just stop it. Thank you for everything!
oh btw... a little present to the three amigos so you don't forgot me off the trail
2012-05-19 joebartels
Buckskin Mountain - AZT #43
There are parts of the Arizona Trail that are scenic and stunning. There are other parts that are connectors. This stretch is more like a connector. Heading north from 89A you start out in a nice Ponderosa forest. After a couple of miles this transitions to a Pinyon-Juniper habitat. Then you are in a sage meadow on an old unused two-track road. Lots of rusted cans, probably from cowboy & ranching days before LNT. Saw lots of jackrabbits. Great mule deer country and we saw signs of mule deer but they appeared to have migrated north to Utah already. Not much AEG on this section, just a nice long trek. We saw what we think were abandoned badger dens and an unidentified skull that we think is either bobcat or badger.
2008-05-02 Al_HikesAZ
Buckskin Mountain - AZT #43
This is the northernmost section of the Arizona Trail. It starts in the middle of nowhere just off Houserock Road at the Utah border. Very nice trailhead. The sign-in sheet had maybe 10 people a week from all over the world. But I think most just do an out-and-back or just sign the register. The trail starts climbing on some well-constructed and well-engineered switchbacks. Once up on the Kaibab Plateau you are in a Pinyon-juniper habitat that heads generally south to Winter Road. There is a nice campsite just west of the Winter Road Trailhead. We had packed light expecting nighttime temperatures in the upper 30's. It hit the low(low) 20's so we were cold.
2008-05-01 Al_HikesAZ
