Arizona Trail Conditions
UPDATED: January 31, 2012
Users of the Arizona Trail are advised of the following Arizona Trail
conditions. Please contact the Arizona Trail Associations
passage stewards listed on the ATA website
for the most current information.
Passage #1 - Huachuca Mountains
Passage #2 - Canelo Hills East
Passage #3 - Canelo Hills West
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The AZT along the AZ/Mexico border continues to be impacted by illegal
border crossers. Many new side trails are being created by the
border crossers. And AZT users should avoid mistakenly taking illegal trails
intersecting the Arizona Trail, as the illegal trails are often quite
distinct. Trail users may meet illegal border crossers and are advised
to not hike alone in these areas. Also, overnight users are advised to
camp away from the trail as far as possible.
In the Huachuca Mountains passage trail users should be alert where
the Arizona Trail meets the Oversite Canyon Trail junction and where it
meets the Carr Peak Trail junction. Signs may be confusing or down.
So until signs are replaced, pay close attention to the correct route.
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Passage #8 - Rincon Valley
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The crossing at Marsh Station Road has not been completed yet. CAREFULLY
cross the highway, step over the guard rail, go under the high trestle and
pick up the trail on the other side of the fence. Mountain bikers and
equestrians should go around the end of the guard rail.
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Passage #9 - Rincon Mountains
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Users are reminded that camping permits are required in Saguaro National Park.
It is approximately nine miles from the south Park boundary to Grass Shack
Campground, 13.8 miles to Manning Camp and 17.7 miles to the north Park
boundary, the next camping options northbound. Because of sensitive cultural
resources near Hope Camp, strict enforcement of NPS camping regulations is
expected. Outstanding camp locations exist along Rincon Creek south of the
park boundary. If camping off the AZT right-of-way a State Recreation permit
is required. For information on permits, go to the
state land website.
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Passage #12 - Oracle Ridge
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The southern end of this passage (on the Mt Lemmon and Wilderness of Rocks
trails) is not recommended for equestrians. It is narrow, steep and rocky in places.
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Passage #13 - Oracle
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The Oracle State Park has officially re-opened for Saturday’s only. The remote
parking lot has re-opened for all days from sunrise to sunset. The section of
the AZT that is in the park is open. For more information, see the
park's website.
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Passage #16 - Gila River Canyons
The eastern most 2.5 miles of this passage is officially
closed while the construction continues on the temporary dirt road which is
being restored to accommodate a 3 foot tread. This is being worked by
heavy construction equipment and the contractor and project manager will not
allow any non-construction traffic while they are working. The crew is working
Monday through Friday, every week. This is a slow process on very steep
hillsides while the out slope is being brought back to match the original
back slope grade, along with re-planting of the vegetation that was removed.
Unfortunately, the task is taking much longer than originally planned. We
expect everything to be completed by mid-April, 2012. During this time, you
must find an alternative to get around the construction area.
For the latest status contact John Rendall at
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Alternative route to the Walnut Canyon artesian well.
Continue on paved road from bridge for 1.4 miles to Highway 177 then north
for 6.1 miles to Battle Axe Road 0.2 miles beyond mile post 158. Take Battle
Axe Road southwest for 1.7 miles, turning right/north 0.1 miles beyond the
steel corral. Follow road for 1.9 miles to artesian well.
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Passage #19 - Superstition Wilderness
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Youth Crews will be working on the trail from Rogers Trough to the Two Bar
intersection from late March to mid April, 2012. Near the north end of the
passage, Cottonwood Canyon is usually very rocky and the tread often suffers
from the effects of flash floods. The canyon corridor was cleared in 2009,
but the summer monsoons usually cause damage to the tread as it meanders
from one side of the canyon to the other. It is passable by hikers using
care; on occasion equestrians pass through, but the Forest Service does not
recommend horse or bicycle traffic.
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Passage #20 - Four Peaks
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The passage corridor has been completely cleared last year and is passable
along the entire length of the trail; however, annual rains tend to cause
accelerated vegetation growth in the mid sections, especially between
Granite Springs and Bear Saddle. Poor tread conditions exist throughout;
water conditions will vary throughout the year. It is recommended to have
adequate navigation aids and skills before hiking this passage, including
a GPS receiver loaded with current track data, along with map and compass.
Current information can be found on the
passage 20 blog.
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Passage #23 - Mazatzal Divide
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This passage has suffered greatly from the 2004 Willow Fire; thousands of
dead trees have fallen across the trail and several drainage's have been
damaged from the ensuing rains. All the dead fall has been cleared by
volunteers over the past 3 years, but there still remains the possibility
you may encounter a new blow down. This Spring (2012) there will be youth
crews working on the north end of the trail and two access trails north
of the Barnhardt junction.
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Passage #32 - Mt Elden
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The equestrian bypass around Flagstaff (AZT-32b) has been re-opened between
Highway 89 and Schultz Pass. This segment passes through the Schultz Fire burn
area. Please see the Coconino National Forest
website
for the most current information on conditions in the burn area.
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Passage #37 - Grand Canyon South Rim
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The Tusayan Bike trail (which the AZT follows) ends 0.3 miles north of Tusayan.
From that point the AZT is signed across the old Moqui Lodge area, about 0.5 miles
to a new gate in the GCNP boundary fence. From the gate the route is signed all the
way to the South Kaibab Trailhead.
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