Advice for new AZTer?

[mikka]

Hi, I'm considering hiking the first 4 AZT passages the last week in May. Since Monday's Memorial day that week, it's only 4 days off work. But I haven't been able to drum up any hiking partners. So my questions are ... a) does anyone want to do those passages then, and b) can you suggest another roughly 70-mile passage that would be appropriate for late May for a solo hiker? I'd like to do 10-12 miles per day depending on elevation. I have the Guidebook and have been checking out HAZ. Thanks for any suggestions

[gummo]

@mikka
The first 4 being near the MX border or near the UT border?

[azbackpackr]

Heading north in late May? Very hot and very, very dry. Why not do a higher elevation section in the middle of the trail somewhere?

[mikka]

@gummo
Heading north, starting at Mexico border

[mikka]

@azbackpackr
yes, I was thinking maybe some of the sections around Flag?

[azbackpackr]

@azbackpackr
yes, I was thinking maybe some of the sections around Flag?

I'm not the best person to ask, but I'd say around Flag, or up north just above the town of Payson. Someone else (who likely is hiking right now, and not sitting at home writing a history paper, as I am) likely will chime in. Stay tuned!

[gummo]

@gummo
Heading north, starting at Mexico border

If I don't take the Spanish class that I'm looking at this summer, I can go with you on at least one of the days between Monday and Thursday, if it's in the southern section. I need to scope out that area anyway to do some snake hunting later this summer. Most likely, I'll be taking the Spanish class, but I'll let you know.

[mikka]

@azbackpackr
OK, thanks, I'll look at those sections in the Guidebook. I wanted to start at the Mexico border, but don't want to make the water situation any more difficult than it needs to be. Besides I was a little worried about going alone because of the situation re immigration at the border - do you know what's up with that? ps, bummer about the history paper!

[mikka]

@gummo
OK, thanks. Let me know. I have a good deal of flexibility about what passages I hike - just don't want to go anywhere too hot in late May or that wouldn't be good for a solo hiker.

[azbackpackr]

Late May through June are the hottest months in Arizona, and usually the driest. Monsoon season generally begins in July. The desert cools off to a reasonable temperature for hiking (in my estimation) not until October, however. The high country is another thing. Summertime hiking above about 6500 feet is generally pretty nice and dreamy, beautiful, especially later in summer when it has been raining for a while, say mid to late August. That is wildflower season in the pine forested areas above 6500 feet (or so). The wildflowers usually will last most of September as well.

As for the border issues, someone else can address that, since things change. It used to be inadvisable to hike alone near the border.

[Sredfield]

The "immigrant" question is probably the most common one asked about the AZT. As one informed source has said, "Some hikers and mountain bikers have seen immigrants in the Huachuca Mountains near the border, and there is no doubt that the Arizona Trail is used as a walking path for people crossing into the United States, but there have been a total of ZERO negative encounters."

I hiked it in 2010, and am involved with the AZT daily, and have yet to hear of an incident or anyone who regrets the experience.

That said, if the concern makes you uncomfortable, go with a group or hike the northern passages, if it isn't fun, why do it.

[mikka]

@Sredfield
Thanks. That's pretty much what I decided - it's probably perfectly safe but if I'm worried about it I may as well wait until I have hiking partners.

[mikka]

@azbackpackr
thanks for all the specific information! I live at the beach in NC but travel regularly to Phoenix and Tucson for work. The first time I set foot in the Sonoran desert I feel in love – more than that, it was a spiritual experience. I’ve been hiking your beautiful state ever since. I recently decided to section hike the AZT – a tall order since it’s such a haul for me to get there. But I’m having the most fun planning – reading all the sections of the Guidebook trying to decide where to go! Thanks for the tip about the wildflowers up north – I’ll definitely find time to hike then.