Arizona Trail Shuttles/long term parking

[Rak126]

Hey-My boyfriend and I are planning to thru-hike the AZT north to south starting at the end of October and are trying to figure out the best and most affordable shuttles and best place to leave a car long term. We will be driving from North Carolina so it doesn't matter where we leave the car, as long as its safe and somewhat affordable. Any ideas? Thanks!

[Rak126]

has anyone left a car long-term at a parking lot at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon? Thanks

[Sredfield]

I have not, but I suspect there may be options, maybe by the Back Country Office. If you do, let them know you are leaving it there.

Hope you are studying the weather patterns, you will likely encounter some snow in the northern end. I guess it depends on what kind of mileage you do each day.

[Rak126]

Hey-
Yes, we have studied the weather patterns a little and expect some snow, we hope to put in pretty good mileage. I don't mind hiking in a little snow but we hope that we won't encounter any big snow storms. We are most concerned about the area around Flagstaff for cold/snow. Is snow likely south of Flagstaff in mid Nov/ early Dec?

[chumley]

In my opinion, it would be difficult to say that snow is likely, but it is certainly possible. Until you get below the rim (#27), you will be hiking at elevations above 7000-feet.

While November is usually a fairly dry month across the state, any storms that do come through certainly have a good chance at dropping frozen precipitation due to elevation.

I cut my Christmas tree in the first or second week of December on the rim near #28 and in the past 10 years or so there has been snow on the ground about half the time. Usually it's just a few inches and can be hiked through, but one thing is certain ... it can be very cold overnight up there. Teens and 20s. The air is very dry and the days are short. As soon as the sun sets, the mercury plummets.

[azbackpackr]

Hey-My boyfriend and I are planning to thru-hike the AZT north to south starting at the end of October and are trying to figure out the best and most affordable shuttles and best place to leave a car long term. We will be driving from North Carolina so it doesn't matter where we leave the car, as long as its safe and somewhat affordable. Any ideas? Thanks!

I'm wondering if you could hire someone from this website to go with you in your car to the trailhead, then that person could drive your car and keep it at their house, and then pick you up at trail's end. I can't be that person, I'm trying to move right now, and also I really do live a long way from anywhere, like the old song. Good luck!

[Rak126]

Thanks for the responses. Yes, that's a good idea, we are looking into more options for parking now. And thanks for the weather info!