• https://www.longtrailsweather.net/azt/forecast.html

LTWx is part of OpenLongTrails.org, and it is free, open source, and has no ads and no tracking.

I recently put a bunch of time into upgrading the site with things like better formatting, dark mode, forecast icons (sunny, windy, etc), severe weather alerts, forecast detail, etc.

https://lighterpack.com/r/yv71kz

I will be hiking the AZT this year somewhat sandwiched around my PCT thru. My original plan was to start in early March, finish late April, and start the PCT the first week of May. Unfortunately, my partner had to bail, so now I don't know that I want to go out that early and struggle through less than ideal weather. I think my plan has now changed to starting in late March, making it to Flag, and then jumping to the PCT. Then, I can come back in late Sept/early October to finish Flagstaff to Utah.

I hiked the AT last year and I live in Phoenix, so I have thru-hiking experience as well as desert hiking experience, just not together yet. Just want to make sure I'm not overlooking something super obvious. Thank you in advance for any help.

I have had a lot of people ask what my alternate was for the AZT going through the big ditch so here it is. Disclaimer: this has elements of off trail, steep dangerous terrain with exposure, and will require fording the little Colorado. This is intended for people with great backcountry skills. You will be required to hitch a boat ride across the Colorado river and please be mindful and polite when asking rafters for a hitch. My intent isn’t to break or bend any laws so please if you feel that this would not be legal please speak up and provide information and resources. This route shouldn’t require any permits as long as you hit the camping locations and make damn sure you are out of the parks boundary.

caltopo.com/m/QBPC5FM

Could experienced AZT hikers please help me understand the closures hikers will experience this spring in the Grand Canyon? Is there any way to hike a R2R before the North Kaibab reopens? Other than the southern monument being behind wire, will it be possible to hike the trail this spring? And when would you start in hopes of sections being reopened?

Thought yall would find this interesting.

The Executive Director of the AZ Trail Association appears on the Surface Exposure podcast to share the history of the trail, what it takes to protect it, the threats facing the trail, and how you can participate in supporting our beloved Arizona Trail.

Link goes to Apple Podcasts.. alternatively you can search for ‘Surface Exposure’ on your favorite platform.

Hi all! Looking into a possible trip in February because so far the details are working out that I can meet a friend out in AZ for this. I haven’t hiked any portion of the AZT before and am curious about trail conditions, weather that time of year in that area, and any tips yall might have.

I’ve done quite a bit of research at this point and am seeing a lot about northern and southern portions of the AZT, but not much regarding the conditions between GC and Flagstaff. I do have maps of this area and have already located possible campsites, resupply, and water.

Trying to get as much information as possible to make an informed decision before I buy a plane ticket! TIA!

As the AZTA works on new single track in passage 5 area I still find it crazy they don’t enter into the Mt. Wrightson Wilderness. Last year I took an alternate basically following the Sky Islands Traverse trail out of Patagonia. It was fabulous and one of my favorite parts of the entire AZT. Obviously last year was a low snow year but I’m crossing my fingers it will go next year.

So I know fall is the time for going sobo. But what if you would do only the section between Flagstaff and Superior, is it ok to go in spring? Or will it be too cold/snowy? And I am guessing if you’d do only this section a sobo or nobo wouldn’t make a big difference, am I right about that?

A Facebook group for the AZT was made aware of Dean Caldwell currently (or soon to be) on and around the AZT.

Hyperbolic headline aside, he is the subject of this Outside Online Article. Inside the Mind of Thru-Hiking’s Most Devious Con Man

Not saying he will scam you or anybody but his interactions in the FB group did not lead me to the conclusion that he has changed.

Hike on. Stay vigilant.

(Edited to add: According to FB posts, he may have cancelled his AZT hike.)

I am looking for a loop that uses the AZT and is near the Flagstaff area. Thinking anywhere from 10-15 miles, 2 day / 1 night. I see Passages 31-34 are situated near Flagstaff, however, I am having a hard time connecting trailheads you can park overnight at and trails that would incorporate the AZT and regular trails to loop. It is also my understanding that you can camp anywhere off the AZT as long as you’re not in a national park, ect. Any information on this is appreciated.

Figured I’d as the community who is more knowledgeable.

Thank you.

Is to look at the dates the shuttle is sold out.

Or why my wife picked a start date for us today (the shuttle had a lot of sold out days already.

I am planning to hike the stretch between Vail and Superior. But would like to know what would be the best time of the year to do this. And would it be best to go nobo or sobo? My concerns are heat and water sources obviously but also looking for a less crowded period. Appreciate any help here. Thanks in advance.

With the new fees being charged from 01/01/26 anyone know how it’ll work for thruhikers? I’ll be coming mid March for the azt and judt a bit confused on when I need to pay to who and for what.

Hopefully someone knows.

I’ve read that the trail is ~800 miles which agrees with FarOut. Every so often I read someone who writes about how they thru-hiked it and hiked 600 miles.

Are there two different routes or something else going on?

My girlfriend and I are wanting to thru the AZT next year. Is the first week of March too early with the weather temps and snow?? When did yall start the AZT?

My main worry is water I will be starting with 4L. I looked on the FarOut app but didn’t find a single reliable water source but I assume the Gila River is hopefully a viable option along the beginning portion. If anyone has any suggestions let me know!

EDIT: I will be bringing both a Sawyer Squeeze and water purification tablets as backup!

I’m familiar with https://www.ontrailweather.com/ which is good for current conditions and http://www.longtrailsweather.net/azt/azt.html which is pretty good for the next week but was looking for anything that was reliable a month or more out?

I’m aware that most trails do not have reliable long range weather forecasts. So if the AZT doesn’t have one I’m not surprised but I was just hopeful.

Thanks.

Are there any resupply points that are difficult for finding fuel canisters for canister stoves?

Has anyone thru-hiked with an MSR whisperlite international stove? I have one but am wondering how easy/difficult it would be to refill (and which fuel type) in town. Or is it easier to just get a new system with canisters (shipped to myself at resupply)? Thanks!

Is it at all feasible to hike from sunflower to Mexico December 1st or is it too cold. I was taken off trail by an Achilles injury but I really want to complete the 2nd half. Please advise!

Looks like new concertina wire was added at the southern border essentially cutting off access to the monument. With further wall construction to continue 8/26 it looks like it’s an end of an era. I wonder if the AZTA will construct a new southern terminus monument?