Hiking the Arizona Trail Postcard

The Arizona Trail is a long-distance hiking, biking, and equestrian trail that stretches about 800 miles from the Mexico–Arizona border in the south to Utah in the north. It traverses the entire state of Arizona, showcasing its incredible diversity of landscapes—from the Sonoran Desert with its iconic saguaro cacti, through high desert plateaus, ponderosa pine forests, and the Mogollon Rim, all the way to the mountainous canyons and red rock formations near the Utah border. Along the way, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts encounter a variety of ecosystems, wildlife such as javelina, elk, black bears, and desert bighorn sheep, and historic and cultural sites connected to Native American and pioneer history. The Arizona Trail is divided into 43 designated passages, which are further broken into sections, making it accessible for day hikes, section hikes, or the full thru-hike. The trail features a mix of terrain—some parts are rugged and remote, while others pass through small towns and parks, providing access points for supplies and camping. Weather can vary dramatically depending on the section and season, from blistering desert heat in the south to snowy mountain passes in the north, so planning is essential. Hikers often experience the trail in stages, taking in breathtaking vistas, river crossings, and quiet solitude, making it one of the premier long-distance trails in the U.S. for adventure and immersion in Arizona’s natural beauty.