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Explore every part of the Arizona National Scenic Trail with this ultimate resource, detailing the trail's twists and turns, its flora and fauna, geology, water sources, and nearby gateway communities. In an easy-to-use format, Your Complete Guide to the Arizona National Scenic Trail features the 800-mile trail, section by section (43 passages altogether) so that day-hikers, thru-hikers, mountain bikers, runners, and equestrians can feel confident about finding the trailheads, navigating the route, and connecting with the awe-inspiring landscape like never before. Inspired by the magnificence of the scenery, wildlife, and diversity of terrain, this new book is an irreplaceable source for everyone interested in the Arizona National Scenic Trail.
- Sales Rank: #308908 in Books
- Published on: 2014-01-07
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 8.50" h x 5.50" w x .75" l, 1.55 pounds
- Binding: Paperback
- 320 pages
From the Author
Arizona evokes images of breathtaking landscapes, exotic animals, star-filled skies, and dramatic sunsets. Even for those who have never traveled through this wild part of the West, the very concept of the place suggests mystery, beauty, and allure. Glancing at a map of the state reveals an abundance of national forests, national parks, Native American reservations, and huge tracts of land free of roads, cities, or any semipermanent footprint of modern society. From rolling grasslands and lush Sonoran Desert to alpine peaks and one of the world's deepest canyons, it is a land of biodiversity unlike anywhere else on Earth. This is Arizona.And through its wild heart runs a single trail--an 800-plus-mile path from Mexico to Utah that links mountains, deserts, forests, canyons, rivers, communities, and people. This is the Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT). One of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the country, and only the third to be completed, the AZT beckons the adventurous at heart to explore the more remote and unknown regions of the state. But it also winds through the Grand Canyon, Saguaro National Park, and other famous natural wonders.Just because there is a trail through the entire state does not mean it's easily accessible every step of the way. While trailheads and signs exist, the AZT experience is intended to be a personal encounter with nature on its own terms. Unlike other long-distance trails, the AZT offers the possibility of your going for days without seeing humans other than your own companions. Many miles unfold between resupply services on some AZT passages. In fact, you might even forget that "civilization" exists.What you will need on this journey in the Grand Canyon State is a reliable guidebook, especially if you want to get to know Arizona a little more intimately. And now you have it--Your Complete Guide to the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Whether you plan to attempt the entire AZT in one crossing or, like most trail enthusiasts, will spend the next decade section-hiking (or section-biking or section-horseback-riding) the trail one passage at a time, this book will help you plan and navigate appropriately. We also created it to inform, entertain, and inspire you.Directions in these pages will lead you to trailheads, water sources, and the twists and turns you will need to stay on the trail and keep from getting lost. You'll also find profiles on Gateway Communities--the small towns near the trail where you can make segues to basic supplies (such as Advil and peanut butter) and sustenance and services (Mexican food and massage therapy, for instance).�We've also included information about Arizona's geology and botany. The more you learn about the forces that shaped this wild landscape and the organisms that have adapted to live here, the more you'll become enamored with Arizona. Most of all, we hope you enjoy the AZT.�And in the words of the late, great Edward Abbey (as he wrote in Desert Solitaire), "May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view . . . where storms come and go as lightning clangs upon the high crags, where something strange and more beautiful and more full of wonder than your deepest dreams waits for you. . . ."
About the Author
Primary editor and executive director of the Arizona Trail Association, Matthew J. Nelson has more than 500 published articles to his credit and has explored many parts of the Arizona National Scenic Trail on foot, mountain bike, and horseback. He divides his time between Tucson, AZ and Big Pine, CA.
Excerpt. � Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
TWO ITEMS: INTRODUCTION AND PASSAGE #24, RED HILLS
INTRODUCTION: The Arizona National Scenic Trail
Arizona evokes images of breathtaking landscapes, exotic animals, star-filled skies, and dramatic sunsets. Even for those who have never traveled through this wild part of the West, the very concept of the place is filled with mystery, beauty, and allure. Glancing at a map of the state reveals an abundance of National Forests, National Parks, American Indian reservations, and huge tracts of land free of roads, cities, or any semi-permanent footprint of modern society. From rolling grasslands and lush Sonoran Desert to alpine peaks and one of the world’s deepest canyons, it is a land of biodiversity unlike anywhere else on Earth. This is Arizona.
And through its wild heart runs a single trail – an 800+ mile path from Mexico to Utah that connects mountains, deserts, forests, canyons, rivers, communities and people. This is the Arizona National Scenic Trail.
One of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the country, and only the third to be completed, the Arizona Trail beckons the adventurous at heart to explore the more remote and unknown regions of the state, in addition to enjoying the Grand Canyon, Saguaro National Park, and other famous natural wonders.
The Arizona National Scenic Trail welcomes all non-motorized forms of locomotion, and the diversity of trail users is one of the many phenomena that make it unique. Hikers, runners and backpackers are just as common as mountain bikers and equestrians, and trail conflicts between these groups are almost unheard of. After all, they worked side-by-side to build the trail. At seasonal trail maintenance events you’re just as likely to see folks in convertible pants and sun hats as lycra and helmets or cowboy hats and Carhartts. They help define the Arizona Trail.
Just because there is a trail through the entire state does not mean it’s easily accessible. While trailheads and signs exist, the Arizona Trail experience is intended to be a remote and personal encounter with Nature on its own terms. Unlike other long-distance trails, you will go days without seeing humans, and many miles between resupply services. In fact, you might just forget that “civilization” even exists. Trail signs can be found, but relying on them as a primary means of navigation is foolhardy. And then there’s the lack of water in the dry Southwest, making a crossing of Arizona a very serious endeavor.
For anyone interested in getting to know the Grand Canyon State a little more intimately, we’ve created this resource – the Complete Guide to the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Whether you plan to attempt the entire state in one crossing, or like most trail enthusiasts, will spend the next decade section-hiking (or biking or horseback riding) the trail one passage at a time, this book will help you plan and navigate appropriately, and hopefully inform, entertain and inspire you, too.
Within these pages you’ll find detailed information to get you to trailheads and water sources as well as on-the-trail directions. You’ll find profiles on Gateway Communities, the small towns located near the trail where basic supplies (like ibuprofen and peanut butter) and services (Mexican food and massage, for instance) can be found. Gateway Communities make great weekend destinations for your one-day and overnight Arizona Trail adventures. We’ve also included information about Arizona’s geology and botany. The more you get to know about the forces that shaped this wild landscape and the organisms that have adapted to live here, the more you’ll become enamored with Arizona.
We hope you enjoy the Arizona National Scenic Trail. And in the words of the late great Edward Abbey, “May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view…where storms come and go as lightning clangs upon the high crags, where something strange and more beautiful and more full of wonder than your deepest dreams waits for you.”
PASSAGE 24: Red Hills--The Park to East Verde River
Total Distance: 14 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Land Managers: Tonto National Forest, Payson Ranger District
Recommended Months: March through November
OVERVIEW
The AZT’s longest stretch entirely within designated wilderness areas continues as the trail bends even deeper into this pristine, remote landscape. Thru-hikers will lose much of the elevation they gained over the last few passages as the trail drops into the valley of the East Verde River. The elevation ranges from 6,284 ft. on Knob Mountain to 3,277 ft. at the passage’s terminus near the river.
This elevation change offers the opportunity to see a variety of Arizona’s biotic communities, from majestic stands of ponderosa pines to a lush riparian zone whose denizens include turtles and rare birds. The flora is so thick in places that it obscures the trail, so you’ll want to wear protective clothing.
MOUNTAIN BIKE NOTES
Bikes are not allowed on this passage which lies entirely within the Mazatzal Wilderness.
BEGINNING ACCESS POINT
The Park, junction of Mazatzal Divide Trail (#23) and North Peak Trail (#24), via Mineral Creek Trailhead: About 9 miles south of Payson on AZ 87 (north end of Rye) turn west onto FR414 and continue 9 miles to the Mineral Creek Trailhead. From here, hike 3.5 miles on the North Peak Trail (#24), with 2,500 feet of elevation gain to reach The Park.
ENDING ACCESS POINT
East Verde River (LF Ranch), via Doll Baby Trailhead: From the town of Payson at the intersection of AZ 87 and Main Street; take Main Street west for 2 miles, which turns into Country Club Drive. Near the end of Country Club Drive, the road passes a sanitation plant, crosses a creek and continues on paved road for another 6 miles. This newly paved road is referred to as Doll Baby Ranch Rd. or LF Ranch Rd. depending on which map is being used. At this point it becomes a dirt doubletrack (FR406). Continue on FR406 for approximately 3 miles, passing City Creek Trailhad and Doll Baby Ranch, eventually arriving at the locked gate. This is the Doll Baby Trailhead; parking and camping are allowed.
From the trailhead, walk around the gate and hike on the doubletrack for 3.9 miles. The road will wind around the hills and eventually level out in the valley near the ranch. The AZT will intersect the road from the west as a faint singletrack.
TRAIL DESCRIPTION
Starting from The Park at the junction with the North Peak Trail (#24) head north on the Mazatzal Divide Trail (#23), the route of the AZT. You’ll soon bend northwest and climb to 6,170 ft., then descend to cross two tributary canyons of City Creek before turning back to the northeast and climbing again. From a high point on indistinct Knob Mountain (6,284 ft.), you can look northeast for a clear view of the Mogollon Rim, the geographical dividing line between Arizona’s lower-elevation southern half and the cooler, higher elevations to the north. Thru-hikers will be climbing onto the rim within a few days.
Soon you will reach an important trail intersection; this is where the AZT departs from the Mazatzal Divide Trail (#23). The AZT goes left (west) on a combination of trails; Red Hills Trail (# 262); Brush Trail (# 249); and Bull Spring Trail (#34) while the Mazatzal Divide Trail (#23) makes a hard right turn and heads northeast down to the City Creek TH. Continuing on the AZT and a few quick switchbacks, the trail turns left at a cairn-marked junction, descends to the west along a small drainage, and passes through an idyllic pine forest. In the springtime, water is often present. In a confluence of drainages, follow large cairns as the trail turns left and makes a few steep climbs to the southwest, then levels just before a trail intersection. Stay right (west) onto the Brush Trail. As the trail descends to the west and northwest, it then turns northeast along a drainage with nice views of the East Verde River Valley. The trail drops sharply on a rocky, red path. Thick vegetation occasionally obscures the trail, but cairns show the way.
The trail reaches a sign for the usually dry Brush Spring, which is about 50 yards to the northwest. There is a slightly overused place to camp here, the last site for 5 miles. From this sign, the trail bends right (east) to go upstream along an adjoining drainage. In 0.1 miles, the AZT climbs northwest out of the drainage and follows switchbacks along a swath cut through thick vegetation to reach the top of a steep hill. A brief descent leads through heavy brush as it crosses a fence in a saddle and climbs northerly 0.1 miles to an important but obscure trail junction. Make a sharp left (southwest) and climb a bit more. After wrapping around to the right, you’ll top out in a saddle before beginning a steep descent, from which you can see the East Verde River in the valley bottom. You are now on the grounds of the historic LF Ranch; still an active ranch with hiker-friendly facilities, including a bunk house and shower.
To exit the wilderness and AZT, take the road 3.8 miles to the east to the Doll Baby Trailhead.
If you plan to continue along the AZT, head northeast on this road, walk 70 yards, and look for a sign on the right for the next passage of the AZT. The East Verde River awaits you and your water bottles.
Most helpful customer reviews
31 of 31 people found the following review helpful.
Great book, and fantastic for day hikers and planning a thru hike.
By Donald
This book is great in so many ways, and lacking in a couple others. For day hikers looking to hit the AZT, the maps are good and the directions to either the north or south starting points are great. Every passage includes some basic navigation tips particular to the area, as well as some of the highlights along the way. Turn around points for day hikers is provided in each write-up. Some of the other information provided by the book, such as geology and plant life along the way is interesting, and enjoyable for someone who likes to understand the great diversity along the way. Also covered are some profiles of the gateway cities along the way, and what you can expect from each. There are appendices on water resupply and a couple other things, with the water being very useful. Information is provided by passage on what areas are available to travel on horseback and bike. There are some pretty great photos, and the book is printed on nice, heavy paper.
The book is not perfect though, and has a couple things worth mentioning. For thru or section hikers looking to use this book as a research point or trail guide: don't plan on this being your only guide. The heavy and glossy paper looks great, but the book is not light, and expensive to rip apart to use by section. The maps provided are shrunk down Arizona Trail Association topo maps, and provide a nice overview, but are not comprehensive enough to be of much use on the trail. The difficulty ratings they assign to trail sections are not something I agree with. For example, I am a fairly experienced backpacker, and I had a pretty difficult time on Passages 25, which the book had rated as easy. If you are considering a thru hike, or anything longer than a day hike, I strongly suggest also picking up the AZ Trail Association's map set and guide book on CD. It fills in some of the more technical gaps like detailed maps and complete waypoint information.
Pros:
-Great starting place for planning a trip.
-Great layout, photographs and paper.
-Loads of information on just about every aspect of the Trail.
Cons:
-A little heavy to bring along on your trip.
-Maps are a little too small to use as a navigation aid.
-Trail difficulty is pretty arguable.
Overall, this is a pretty great book, and by far the best one written on the relatively new Arizona Trail. There is a wealth of great information, and a pretty rich guide. It is lacking in a couple areas that thru-hikers/bikers/riders could use, but the resources are available elsewhere. I would love to see a similar version that has larger maps and a comprehensive guidebook in a spiral or three-ring format to better suit the person taking it on the trail.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
Excellent resource! Accurate and good descriptions!
By Arizona Sportsman
This is a excellent summary of the various sections of the Arizona Trail (trail from the border of Mexico to the border of Utah). Full color pictures, good summaries and from what I can tell - very accurate. This was WELL worth the money spent for this resource book.
If you are looking to hike the entire trail, or even a few different sections - this is money well spent!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.
GIFT FOR MY SON
By Denise Hamlett
He loved it and couldn't put it down during lunch. No more time spent looking for places to hike in Arizona. One stop looking.
See all 23 customer reviews...
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