Spanning north to south along the length of the state, the Arizona National Scenic Trail is the realization of a long held dream. This 800-mile trail meanders through deserts, canyons, and mountains as it makes its way from the Utah state line to Nogales, where Arizona borders with Mexico. The Arizona National Scenic Trail will treat you to flower-speckled meadows, picturesque mountains, and towering cacti.
History
Dale Shewalter, known as the Father of the Arizona Trail, was just an average citizen until the 1970s. However, this all changed when, Shewalter, an Arizona schoolteacher, worked tirelessly to make the trail a reality. He traveled thousands of miles to lobby both state and federal officials in order to get approval for his vision of a statewide trail.
No stranger to the inherent beauty of his home state, Shewalter wanted to create one continuous trail that encapsulated all Arizona has to offer. He had himself hiked the route long before the Arizona National Scenic Trail was officially established, and wanted others to have the same opportunity to enjoy Arizona’s unique landscape.
Trails
The trail is divided into 43 passages of varying lengths. The shortest of these is the 8.3-mile Oracle, considered a moderately difficult route. Many sections of the trail are in the 12-15 mile range. The longest trail being the 36-mile San Francisco Peaks. Bring plenty of water along, as freshwater sources are scarce, meaning water should be purified.
The route was completed in 1989, and was officially designated for use. The route can be used by hikers, cyclists, cross-country skiers, and equestrians. As a result of congressional approval, it became a National Scenic Trail in 2009. Dale Shewalter, who passed in 2011 due to cancer, continued to serve on the board overseeing the trail. He left behind a legacy to keep his lifelong love of Arizona’s unique natural landscape alive for generations to come.
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Featured Image from Frances Gunn/Unsplash
