HikeArizona.COM

Hi, I'm starting a thru-hike of the AZ in April. I've been reading up on whatever I can about the Trail. Regarding the area through the Huachuca Mountains, I've heard/read that the trail is difficult to follow at times, being confused with criss-crossing trails from immigrants. Is this so? And, if so, how difficult?

In reading the guide book, it explains all the turns and places to recover the trail across parking lots, etc. It sounds confusing - what I'm wondering is if it's clearly marked, so that a person with good hiking experience and common sense would reasonably be able to find their way?

Any advice or help would be appreciated.

Thank you.

j.

My semi-standard "advice":

Study the ATA website and links, it has all the information you need.

Starting the first few days in April will put you a little late and you will likely encounter some pretty warm temps along the Gila River. "Typical" start time is mid-March.

Water sources are rated on the source page. The reliability varies according to the amount of moisture the area has received. As you hike it, you will gain an understanding of the reliability. In a wet year the 2's and many 1's will have water, in a dry year they probably won't. It's a rather subjective system, but seems to work.

Longest dry stretch seems to be south of the Gila River. Freeman Road cache is "usually" stocked but don't bet your life on caches. Cache your own before you start if you live in the area. Take care of your empty's, either leave them in the supply boxes or come back and get them. It's beginning to be a problem. Study the data book and water source information so you have an idea of where the next water is.

I carried a filter-many people do it with chemicals. Some of the water sources are pretty skanky, and will taste awful if you don't filter them.

Trail is mostly well marked, except for those places you hit while tired or distracted. The classic "lost the trail" situation is where it leaves a two - track road. Carrying and knowing how to read a topo map is a handy skill. Use a GPS if you know how. It's 800 miles long in very diverse terrain, you will likely get off trail a few times.

I used a 20 degree REI bag, took long underwear and a down type jacket for the first few weeks and the high country. Note the elevation, the trail goes over several "sky islands" in the southern reaches. The lower elevations will be much warmer than the tops of the mountains you will cross.

Take the gear you are comfortable with, light-heavy-whatever works for you. If you don't have this settled, no long trail is the place to do it. That said, I changed tents the week before I started, to a tent tarp and was quite happy with it.

Study the ATA website, it has all the information you need. (I know, but it's worth repeating.)
Buy and carry the topo maps; the miles you hike while lost are hard ones.
Take more pictures.
Never leave a water source with an emtpy belly--drink till you slosh.
Look behind you once in a while--it's encouraging.
Once you get to the Mogollon Rim you have it made.
Don't quit in the rain, the sun's coming out.
The bypass around Flagstaff is incredible, and you can get to town easily from where it crosses the highway east of town.
Slow down, it's not a race. Soak it up.

That'll be $.02
Enjoy!

@Sredfield
randoo;

Justin and I are leaving on April 23rd heading north. We both live in the East Valley and have most of our plans set. You are welcome to join us.

@Bob Lacourse An April 23 start would be borderline brutal for the average joe, unacclimated and all. That isn't you and yours, as I understand it. Kudos for your willingness to add recruits to the troupe, but those who've gone before would be remiss if we didn't keep beating that dead horse about heat in the lower deserts (and likely reduced availability of water, spent water caches, etc). That's all I'll say on this (finally, and good riddance). Good luck to one and all.

@randoo
Justin was able to get a earlier start date from his employer. Our revised start date is now Friday April 3.
We've been hiking different passages the past 2 weekends to cache water.
Maybe we'll see you on the trail.

@Sredfield
Thanks for the info - it's good to have information and stats straight from someone who knows the trail. I have the guide, but wanted to have some direct communication.

I have all the gear I'm comfortable with, filter, pad, pack, etc. - still wondering how the northern climbs will be in late May? thinking of sleeping in thermals and my poncho liner with sleeping pad for the southern part, but considering bringing a bag, anyway. just trying to consider weight.

I'm also looking for info on the usual drop points, to leave or mail boxes for General Delivery. Trail Angels? etc.

thanks much for this info. Good messaging with you. I might ask a few more questions when they occur, if that's okay. ?

john

@Bob Lacourse
You are most kind, Bob. I would enjoy that - but I'm needing to leave no later than April 1st, due to personal schedules here at home.


Good luck to you and Justin!

john

@blisterfree

I hear you about the heat and water. (I read your reply to Bob, hope you don't mind.) it's wise to keep reminding people - one never knows who will or will not be prepared and acclimated!

j.

@Bob Lacourse

we just might see one another, indeed!

@randoo
Hi John:
Good luck and be safe.
Justin and I will be averaging 30 miles per day. I own a business and have to do this trail within 26 days. We have a large support group meeting us at various points of the trail for re-supply. It's still early February and temps have been hovering in low 80"s already. If this continues early April will be in 90"s. (damn)
If this is the case we will start early morning and hike till noon, take a siesta and start again around 6 or so and hike into late evening. We'll do this till we get to Roosevelt lake. Of course it all depends on temps for that particular day.

I'm guessing we'll see you around passage 16 or so.

Bob Lacourse wrote:Justin and I will be averaging 30 miles per day. I own a business and have to do this trail within 26 days... It's still early February and temps have been hovering in low 80"s already. If this continues early April will be in 90"s. (damn)
If this is the case we will start early morning and hike till noon, take a siesta and start again around 6 or so and hike into late evening.

sounds terrible-- have a great time!

@Bob Lacourse
See you there, Bob.