best time of the year to start the hike

[nadeemkazmi]

Hello, I would like to hike the whole Arizona trail from Utah to Mexico next year. what is the best time of the year to start the hike? Is 10 miles a day is enough to complete the hike in a reasonable time? How many general post offices are there along the trail? Is there any pubic transportation from Utah to the trail head?


Best regards

Nadeem Kazmi

[chumley]

Hi Nadeem.

I don't know if you read any of the other AZT posts here, but this one might answer some of your questions.
viewtopic.php?f=78&t=6918

Most people hike south to north in the spring, but there are some who start the hike at the Utah border in the fall and head south.

Here on HAZ you can find descriptions, trailheads, GPS tracks, and other info on the various segments all on this page: http://hikearizona.com/national.php

The aztrail.org website has information about some of the other resources you inquired about.

[Marg]

@nadeemkazmi
Hi Nadeem, I am interested in hiking the trail next year too, perhaps we could correspond. You can contact me at msaul@shaw.ca Thanks, Marg

[mptattwo]

@nadeemkazmi
I too am thinking of doing the southbound hike thru next year. You can email me also at mptattwo@gmail.com

[igellen]

Southbound hikers usually start late summer/early fall. It's nice to get to the N Rim of the Grand Canyon before the post office, store, showers, etc close for the season. Also means that by the time you are hitting Pine (south of Flagstaff and at a lower elevation), it's starting to cool off a bit. The big problem with fall hiking is that water sources may be dry, certainly drier than when one does a springtime northbound hike.

[scottpowell83]

I'm doing the Appalachian Trail this summer, and I'm highly interested in just shooting out to AZ for the Arizona Trail when I'm done, as the timing would be perfect for a SOBO. Keep me posted on if you guys are still interested!

[unicycle6869]

So I'm thinking of mountain unicycling the Arizona Trail next spring, northbound from Mexico to Utah. I know most people start in the spring but any suggestions on the best day? April 1st? May 1st? In between? Later or Earlier? Thanks in advnace.

[big_load]

@unicycle6869 What are you planning to do in the designated Wilderness Areas?

[cavaroc]

April/May are generally considered to be pretty late starts. A lot of the reliable water from snow melt may start to dry up in places. Many people typically start within the first couple of weeks of March, depending on weather. Also, big_load raises a good point - you'll probably have to stick to the bike route.