Huachuca Mountains Trail Maintenance Weekend - June 7-9
Escape into a scenic Sky Island of Southern Arizona for a backcountry weekend work project in the high country of the Huachuca Mountains (Passage 1) on Friday, June 7 through Sunday, June 9. This is a land of aspens, firs and pines with sweeping views across the grasslands and into the distant mountain ranges of Sonora, Mexico.
Plans are to drive out and camp at the trailhead in Sunnyside Canyonnear Parker Canyon Lake on Friday, June 7. From there, we will backpack to Bear Spring on Saturday (approximately 5 miles and 2000 feet of vertical gain). On Sunday we'll hike back to the cars - lopping, sawing and maintaining trail on the way in and out.
To sign up or get more info, click this link to our Volunteer webpage.
Arizona Trail in the News
Every week, the Arizona Trail is mentioned in local. regional, national and international news. We try to keep track of most of these, and post them on the In the News page of our website. Some of the recent media outlets to feature the AZT include: - BACKPACKER Magazine (May/June 2019) Finding Solitude on the Arizona Trail's Tortilla Mountains Passage - HIKE podcast (May 1, 2019) A 41-minute podcast featuring the Arizona Trail - Outdoor Evolution (April 2019) Three authors share their three different experiences on one trail - WCAX-TV (April 8, 2019) Vermonter recovering from rattlesnake bite on the Arizona Trail
Stay in touch with what's happening on the Arizona Trail by frequently checking the In the News page. And if you see an article about the AZT, please share it with us by emailing information about the article, or a link to media online.
Prescribed Burn in Saguaro National Park
Fire managers at Saguaro National Park plan to conduct a prescribed burn on Mica Mountain in the Saguaro Wilderness of the Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East) next week. Up to 541 acres may be treated with prescribed fire. Ignitions may continue for approximately two to three days. Fire managers will only conduct the prescribed burn when environmental factors such as wind, temperature, and relative humidity are favorable.
The following backcountry trails will be closed during prescribed burn operations: Bonita, Spud Rock, Mica Mountain, Mica Meadow, Fire Loop/Heartbreak Ridge (between the junctions of Mica Mountain (south) and Italian Spring), and the Arizona Trail between the junctions of Cowhead Saddle and Italian Spring and Cowhead Saddle to Manning Camp.
Arizona Trail hikers should plan for temporary delays, however fire managers will escort Arizona Trail hikers from Manning Camp to Cowhead Saddle when it is safe to do so.
Campsite availability at Manning Camp will be limited during the prescribed burn.
Smoke is expected to be present on backcountry trails within the vicinity of Mica Mountain for at least a week or until significant precipitation occurs. Vegetation in the area is predominately ponderosa pine. Elevation in the area ranges from approximately 7,950 to 8,670 feet. Lightning-ignited fires have historically burned through the high-elevation ponderosa pine forests of southeastern Arizona, but past fire suppression has created unnatural conditions with accumulation of downed trees and dense underbrush in many places. Fire managers use low to moderate intensity prescribed fires to maintain healthy forests in the Rincon Mountains and to prevent large intense wildfires.
Trail Skills Institute on Mt Lemmon - May 18 & 19
Are you interested in learning more about properly monitoring, maintaining and constructing trails? Are you a steward of the Arizona Trail or are you interested in helping out with trail projects? Do you like to get your hands dirty while learning valuable skills at the same time? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then make your reservation today for the upcoming Trail Skills Institute (TSI):
Saturday, May 18 or Sunday, May 19 Crystal Spring Trail, Coronado National Forest, Mt. Lemmon near Tucson and Summerhaven
This innovative training teaches valuable skills to volunteers, including those who have been involved in trail projects for many years. Drawing upon thousands of hours on the trail and in the classroom, including some of the most daunting trail projects you can imagine, professional trail builders will inspire, educate, and give you the skills you need to be an effective steward and trail volunteer. Each training will take place entirely outdoors, with a focus on experiential learning. While there will be talks and demonstrations, the instructors have found that classroom time is never as valuable as time on the trail and a PowerPoint is no replacement for a pick mattock. Each training session is designed to benefit veteran trail dogs and first-timers alike. This is accomplished through various modules presented within the trainings.
Learn more about the Trail Skills Institute and register online here.
New Arizona Trail Bandana
These new Arizona Trail bandanas are 100% cotton and feature the Arizona Trail logo surrounded by a classic paisley design along with boots, hooves and tire tracks. Perhaps the most functional item to bring with you on the Arizona Trail, a bandana can be used to shade your neck and face; pre-filter water; cool your skin; wrap around a wound; keep dust and hot air out of your airway; and add Arizona flare to your hiking, mountain biking and equestrian attire. They look great on dogs, donkeys and other trail companions, too! No trip on the AZT is complete without an AZT bandana.
Order yours today for $7 from the Online Store. ATA members login to get a discount.
Arizona Conservation Corps is a proud supporter of the Arizona Trail Association.
Arizona Conservation Corps (AZCC) operates programs across Arizona engaging individuals and strengthening communities through service and conservation. AZCC is focused on connecting youth, young adults and recent era military veterans with conservation service work projects on public lands. Their programs promote personal growth, experiential learning and an ethic of natural resource stewardship while incorporating the guiding principles of community, dedication, challenge, integrity and FUN!
Arizona Conservation Corps is a Juniper level Business Partner.
Please support the local businesses that support the ATA.