The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Arizona National Scenic Trail, which is maintained by the Bureau of Land Management, runs through Tucson and Flagstaff from the Mexican border to Utah. The government has divided the trail into 43 segments and grouped them under three larger groups. The southern part of the trail runs from Mexico through Oracle and includes the Huachuca, Santa Rita, Rincon, and Santa Catalina mountains. The middle part of the trail runs from the Black Hills to Mogollon Rim through the Gila River, Alamo, and Reavis canyons. The northern part runs from Blue Ridge to Buckskin Mountain on the Utah border. It includes both rims of the Grand Canyon at Grand Canyon National Park as well as Saguaro National Park.
This trail is the perfect opportunity to see Arizona’s mountains, deserts, and passages. You may encounter many different types of weather because the elevation changes from near sea level to over 4,100 feet.
The first portion of the trail through the Grand Canyon starts at Grandview Lookout Tower, located about 11 miles east of Grand Canyon Village. Start by hiking along the Tusayan Bike Trail through the forest. It uses several single-track paths and forest service roads to pass through the Coconino Wash to bring hikers to north Tusayan. It ends at Yaki Point at the South Kaibab Trailhead.
Length: 22.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Kaibab Trail begins at the South Kaibab Trailhead on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and descends into the canyon over switchbacks. At several points near Cedar Ridge, this trail changes directions to the direction you just came from before using a suspension bridge to cross the Colorado River. Then it passes through Bright Angel Creek and Phantom Canyon before ending at the North Kaibab Trailhead.
Length: 21.8 miles
Intensity: Difficult
This trail starts approximately 2.3 miles north of Grand Canyon Lodge. Hike along the road through Harvey Meadow before turning north and running through forests and meadows to reach Highway 67. After passing the Grand Canyon Entrance Station, it continues to the right until it reaches Kaibab National Forest.
Length: 12.0 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Start this trail near the intersection of Arizona 88 and Arizona 188 by hiking through Rogers Canyon and across some switchbacks to reach the ruins of Reeves Ranch. From there, it twists and uses mainly forest service roads to run through Cottonwood Canyon before climbing partway back up to reach Theodore Roosevelt Lake.
Length: 29.4 miles
Intensity: Difficult
This trail starts off from Winter Road near Paige. It crosses through Dead Man, Red, and Basin canyons before reaching North Larkum Canyon. Then it crosses 22 switchbacks while staying on the top of the plateau for the most part. It ends at the Utah border.
Length: 2.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Some of the best fishing along the Arizona National Scenic Trail occurs at the base of the Grand Canyon upstream from Phantom Ranch. Anglers often catch rainbow trout, carp, speckled dace, flannel-mouth sucker, and blue-head sucker. Rafting on the Colorado River is a popular activity. These trips can last from one to 18 days, and they often stop at Boat Beach, which the trail passes.
You will find some great spots to go sports and trad climbing near Angel Fire on the Grand Canyon’s Southern Rim. These climbs are on Kaibab limestone. Deeper in the canyon is Zoroaster Temple, which is a class 5.7 climb. If you plan on climbing in Grand Canyon National Park, check the regulations as you may need permits.
There are unique opportunities to see various animals along the Arizona National Scenic Trail because of the elevation changes. You may see bighorn sheep, mule and white-tail deer, coyotes, and foxes. As you hike near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, watch for the park’s bison herd.
You will find terrific spots for a picnic in many locations, especially around Tucson. Sabino Canyon offers shaded picnic tables, and some even have grills. Nearby, you can find great options along the Black Hills Back Country Byway, with some offering beautiful views of the Gila River.
There are many different options for RV camping along this route. For example, consider camping at Riverview Campground or Owl Creek Campground in the Gila Box RNCA or at the Cieneguita Camp Area near Tucson. In almost all cases, you can camp for 14 days at these campgrounds each month.
When searching for free camping spots, consider those in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, like Bear Canyon Lake and the Black Jack Campground. Consider boondocking in the Kaibab National Forest near the Grand Canyon.
Most people who hike the entire length of the Arizona National Scenic Trail do so in the spring or fall. It takes about six to seven weeks to hike the whole length. This allows them to avoid deep snowfall in the mountains during the winter and Arizona’s blazing summer temperatures. While it is impossible to control the weather, starting at the Mexican border in the spring and hiking north or starting at the Utah border and hiking south in the fall may help.
If you are not going to hike the entire distance at one time, you need to apply for Grand Canyon camping permits months in advance or plan to stay outside the park’s boundaries. If you are hiking it at one time, special camping spots are set aside at Bright Angel and Cottonwood campgrounds at the base of the Grand Canyon for you.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
You will see beautiful spots all along this trail. Be sure to leave them that way by picking up after yourself. This helps protect the wildlife and plants that you will see along the way. Arizona is home to 43 species of endangered animals, and they need your help to keep their environment pristine.
You can hike the Arizona National Scenic Trail as one unit or hike each segment separately. Consider starting at Montezuma Pass and hike one mile south to reach the starting point of the trail. To get to Montezuma Pass from Sonoita, take Arizona 83 south for 30 miles. Turn left on Forest Road 48 and go 5.4 miles to Forest Road 61. Follow it east for 6.8 miles, and you will see a large parking area with Montezuma Pass nearby.
Ready to visit Arizona National Scenic Trail? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step-guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
