The Arizona Trail
An 800-mile Journey Through the Heart of the Southwest
Established by the American Hiking Society in 1993, National Trails Day is celebrated on the first Saturday in June as a nationwide day of advocacy and service. Volunteers and outdoor enthusiasts come together to build, maintain, and explore trails, fostering a shared appreciation for the landscapes that connect us. It’s a day to give back, strengthen communities, and ensure that trails remain accessible for future generations.
Trails have served as essential threads in the fabric of human culture for millennia. From the earliest hunter-gatherer paths to migration routes to today’s recreational trails, they have facilitated exploration, trade, migration, and spiritual journeys.
Trails predate recorded history, with evidence of early human travel routes found across the continents. These paths connected communities, hunting grounds, and sacred sites, shaping societal development and cultural exchange.
As civilizations grew and expanded, trails became vital arteries for commerce. The Silk Road, Inca Trail, and Oregon Trail are just a few examples of how trails fueled economic growth and human migration. Trails have long guided human travel and discovery. They represent journeys of hope, hardship, and resilience.
National Scenic Trails are a designated category of trails that hold special significance in terms of their natural beauty, historical importance, and cultural value. These trails are designated by the United States Congress and managed by various federal agencies, including the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. National Scenic Trails provide a unique opportunity for people to experience some of the most breathtaking, remote, and diverse landscapes that the United States has to offer. The Pacific Crest Trail in the West and the Appalachian Trail in the East are two of the more familiar National Scenic Trails.
The history of the National Scenic Trails began in 1968 when the National Trails System Act was passed by Congress. This legislation established a non-motorized system of trails that would provide outdoor experiences for people while also preserving and protecting many natural and cultural resources.
The Arizona National Scenic Trail, stretching over 800 miles from the Mexican border to the Utah state line, exemplifies the natural beauty that can be found within Arizona. The Arizona Trail captivates hikers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers with its rich history and breathtaking vistas.
The Arizona Trail was the vision of Flagstaff teacher Dale Shewalter in the late 1970s. Shewalter wanted to create a continuous trail that would traverse Arizona and showcase its natural beauty and diversity. He and a dedicated group of volunteers worked to establish and promote the trail. Shewalter's dream gained momentum, and in 1985, the Arizona Trail Association was founded to work toward the creation and stewardship of the trail. In 2009, the Arizona Trail was officially completed and designated as a National Scenic Trail. Ongoing efforts to improve and maintain the trail continue to this day.
Flagstaff, the home of Dale Shewalter, plays a unique role in the routing of the Arizona Trail. The trail has a main route through the center of Flagstaff as well as an alternate “equestrian bypass” that traverses the town to the east.
What sets the Arizona Trail apart is its remarkable diversity. As hikers traverse the trail, they encounter an array of ecosystems that reflect the unique landscapes of Arizona. From the cactus-filled deserts of Southern Arizona to the alpine forests of Northern Arizona, the trail takes hikers on a journey through grasslands, canyons, mountains, and plateaus. This topography also brings with it a wide variety of plant and animal species, making the trail a showcase of Arizona’s biodiversity.
Perhaps the most iconic segment of the Arizona Trail is its traverse of the Grand Canyon. This segment offers hikers the opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of the canyon from a unique perspective, providing panoramic vistas that only the hardiest of hikers have ever viewed.
Whether you “through hike” the entire trail or just hike a section at a time, the scenic beauty of the Arizona Trail is a constant companion. Sunrises and sunsets paint the sky with a vivid palette of colors, that casts a magical glow on the landscape. Magnificent rock formations, blooming wildflowers, and the changing hues of the desert create a visual tapestry that captivates the senses.
The Arizona Trail not only offers breathtaking scenic beauty but also tells a story of collaboration, determination, and the preservation of natural and cultural resources. Whether you hike the Arizona Trail for a day, a month, or a lifetime you will experience the grandeur of Arizona's landscapes and become part of the trail's ongoing history and legacy.
See more of Jeff’s Arizona Trail Pictures at the Arizona Trail Gallery.
Jeff Goulden is a nature, landscape, wildlife photographer and writer based in Flagstaff, Arizona. His work has appeared in Audubon, National Geographic, Nature Conservancy, Wilderness Society and other publications.
See more of Jeff's photography at www.JeffGouldenPhotography.com. Downloads are available at Getty Images. Selected fine art prints and other unique photo products are available at Fine Art America.
This was such a beautiful, grounding read. I could feel the reverence you hold for the land in every sentence — especially the way you wove the history, ecology, and human connection into the trail’s story. The Arizona Trail sounds like more than just a path; it feels like a living, breathing thread that ties past and present together. That line about sunrises and sunsets painting the sky with a “vivid palette of colors” made me pause — what a stunning image.
Thank you for reminding us how much wisdom and wonder there is in simply walking.