| DAVE�S AZT TOP TEN TRAIL HIKES These aren�t in any particular order and I could�ve easily included ten other AZT segments. There are many to choose from. 1. Blue Ridge � This little trail is near perfect. Thoreau would have loved it. Tall trees, small streams, rolling terrain, and so quiet and peaceful. It�s in the Mogollon Rim area from General Springs Cabin to Rock Crossing Campground. About 7-8 miles. 2. Walnut Canyon to Picket Post Trailhead � An unexpected challenge. Starting with a refreshing spring in Walnut Canyon, this trek is arduous hiking. It trudges up a saguaro lined faint trail in front of an imposing butte, past a natural hole in the rock to spectacular wind swept ridges before descending into Alamo Canyon in front of gigantic Picket Post Mountain. About 15 miles. 3. Mexico Border to Montezuma Pass � What a way to start the AZT! This little segment looks onto the path of Francisco Coronado�s entourage who traveled through here over 460 years ago. Interpretive signs describe their journey. A great psych for anyone starting his or her AZT journey. 1 1/2 miles each way. 4. Casa Blanca Creek to Gardner Canyon Trailhead � This is as near a spiritual experience as can be found on the AZT. Casa Blanca Creek flows heavily in the spring. It can be heard from quite a distance as it surges down the mountain. The soft trail drops down the mountainside through many multi green colored trees. The view to the mountains in the east is awesome. About 7 miles one way. 5. San Francisco Peak � Buffalo Park to Schultz Pass � Amazing to walk from the northern edge of Flagstaff, AZ, population about 50,000 into the deep dark forest on Mt. Elden. Ascending up well worn paths, the trail makes its way up the steep, oxygen deprived mountain. Take a picture of the lovely pond just before reaching Shultz Loop Trail. There�s a trailhead on Shultz Pass Road to leave a vehicle. 7 miles 6. Molino Basin Camp to Sabino Canyon � I envy Tucsonians having this natural hiking splendor in their back yard. All they need to do is set up the tent on a Friday night at Molino Basin Camp and the next day follow the trail (#11) west as it weaves its way by several junctions with side canyons. There�s water alongside the trail, challenging changes in grade, and lovely desert oasis scenery. At Sabino Canyon, 9 miles from Molino Basin Camp, leave the Arizona Trail and hike 3 miles south to the Sabino Canyon Trailhead where a tram will take you to the very popular Visitor Center. 7. Bright Angel Trail from Phantom Ranch to Cottonwood Camp � This is free and easy hiking beside an always-flowing canyon creek. The towering canyon walls are imposing and intimidating. Expect to meet a friendly person hiking the opposite direction. 9 miles. 8. Vineyard Trail looking at Salt River Apache Trail � This stretch offers a mighty initial challenge as it ascends very steeply on the Vineyard Trail from the Lake Roosevelt dam. But it is all worth it a few miles later from a ridge looking down onto the Salt River, Apache Trail Road and the Superstition Mountains. Definitely one of the most spectacular views on the Arizona Trail. The Mills Ridge Trailhead offers a spot for a vehicle to pick you up at the end of this difficult 5 mile journey. 9. North of Blue Ridge Campground � Looking for a walk in the woods? Then take a hike on any part or all of the nearly 30 mile stretch between Highway #87, just west of the Blue Ridge Ranger Station, and Highway #3 near Allen Lake. The trail is generally level passing through a not very thick forest. The trail is marked but it requires a keen eye to find the next marker. And for day hikers there are several roads and jeep trails to leave a vehicle, so one can design a hike of whatever length desired. 10. Winter Road to AZ/Utah Stateline � And what a finish! The first 5 miles north of Winter Road are a bit of a challenge, winding through some kind of desert juniper trees and then small canyons. But the magnificent final 2-3 miles of this stretch are just a knock out. Looking left, right, and straight ahead are many different colored mountains that line the Arizona/Utah border. An indescribable natural southwestern scene. 9 miles. HOME EMAIL ME NEXT CHAPTER |