The Arizona Trail: My Unfiltered Guide to Conquering 800 Miles of Desert Beauty

After 12 years, countless trails, and roughly 25,000 miles of long-distance hiking beneath my feet, I've come to understand the rhythm of thru-hiking in a way few others do. The Arizona Trail (AZT) isn't just another line on a map—it's an 800-mile journey that cuts through some of the most challenging and beautiful areas of the southwest desert and sky islands, from the Mexican border all the way up to Utah. With towering saguaros (think every cliche cactus you remember seeing from your childhood cartoons), unexpected snow-capped mountains (sky islands), and some of the longer water carries you might ever face, this trail demands serious backpacking expertise and preparation if you want to succeed while also having a good time.

As chance would have it, I have been organizing my lightweight backpacking gear and making final preparations to hit this beast of a trail, which I start today. 

The Final Countdown: Arizona Trail Preparation

Every time I prepare for a new thru-hiking adventure, I get that familiar mix of excitement and focused energy. Writing this just days before I head to the southern terminus of the Arizona Trail on the Mexican border, my house looks like a gear shop exploded. Hiking maps spread across the table, food re-supplies organized in piles, and my trusted collection of backpacking gear getting one final check before it's showtime.

Years on the trail have taught me that proper trail preparation isn't just important, it's everything. You can't just show up with a backpack and good intentions in the Arizona desert. Trust me on this one.

Thru-Hiking Tips: Know Before You Go

I spent countless nights studying Appalachian Trail maps before I ever set foot on Springer Mountain, and I’m applying those same hiking strategies to the Arizona Trail.

• Trail Resources Are Your Lifeline: The Arizona Trail Association’s guidebook and water report are gold for anyone thru-hiking this route. Some stretches are so remote, you need to know your water sources like your life depends on it—because it does.
• Get Your Legs Ready: Even after 25,000 miles of hiking, I still do training hikes before a big journey. If you’re not hitting the trails regularly, start now. Find the biggest hills you can and practice with a loaded pack. The AZT’s 110,000 feet of elevation change is no joke, even for experienced hikers who've tackled Colorado backpacking routes.
• Pick the Right Season: Timing is everything on the AZT. The best windows for thru-hiking are:
• Early Spring (March-April): Cooler weather, fewer bugs, and desert blooms.
• Fall (October-November): Avoids summer’s brutal heat and winter’s icy conditions.

Gear Guide: What You Need for the Arizona Trail

After thousands of miles of backpacking, I've developed some strong opinions about what works and what doesn't for long-distance hiking. Your gear choices in the desert can make the difference between an epic adventure and a dangerous situation.

Backpacks: Your Home on Your Back

Your pack is like your mobile home, it needs to feel like an extension of yourself. I've put the Mountainsmith Zerk line of packs through brutal conditions across multiple trails, and they've earned their keep.

• Zerk 40: My go-to pack for most situations. It handles heavy loads comfortably and offers enough capacity for long water carries, which is a game-changer on the AZT.
• Zerk 25: A rocket for ultralight hikers, but I reserve it for day hikes or lighter loads. On the Arizona Trail, the extra capacity of the Zerk 40 is essential for carrying more water through the desert sections.

Trekking Poles: Your Trail MVPs

I’ve become a true believer in trekking poles after my knees started complaining a few thousand miles in. The Mountainsmith Andesite Carbon Fiber Poles have been with me through some of the toughest terrain imaginable. When you’re on Day 25 of your Arizona Trail journey, descending into and climbing out of the Grand Canyon’s 24-mile rim-to-rim, you’ll be grateful for every bit of stability and knee relief they offer.

The Sleep System: Your Sanctuary

I’ve spent more nights sleeping outside than most people will in their lifetime. The Arizona Trail demands a versatile sleep system that works for both desert and higher-altitude conditions. In the low desert, nights can still drop to freezing in early spring, while the high elevations might see snow, similar to Colorado backpacking routes.

Your shelter doesn't need to be fancy, but it needs to work. I typically go with a lightweight backpacking tarp setup or an ultralight trekking pole fully enclosed shelter that can handle unexpected rain, sleet, or snow. The desert sun is no joke—having shelter for midday siestas can be as important as overnight protection.

Hiking Tips: Dress for Success (or at least for survival)

After 25,000 miles of thru-hiking, I've learned a thing or two about trail clothing. Your clothing system needs to handle everything from scorching sun to freezing mornings, often in the same day.

• Ditch the cotton: Unless you enjoy being miserable. Go with:
• Synthetic or Merino Wool Base Layers
• Lightweight (and fast-drying) insulating mid-layer for those cold desert mornings
• Prioritize Sun Protection: Don’t mess around with the desert sun. My beard may provide some natural face protection, but the rest of me needs help.
• Long sleeves, sun gloves, and a good hat are non-negotiable

• Protect Your Feet: Your feet are your transportation out there. Trail runners are my go-to—they dry faster, weigh less, and ventilate well.
• Test Your Shoes: Blisters can ruin a hike. Break them in properly before hitting the trail.

Lightweight Backpacking: The Art of Carrying Less

I left behind a house, a car, and most of my possessions to live out of a backpack years ago. In that time, I learned what was essential and what wasn't. You should apply that same mindset to your gear loadout.

Question everything that goes in your pack. Is it necessary? Can something else serve multiple purposes? I'm not saying you need to cut the handle off your toothbrush (though I've done it) but be intentional about every ounce. Repackage your food. Ditch excess packaging. Water is heavy, so know where your sources are and don't carry more than you need—but also, don't gamble with dry sections.

Trail Preparation: Safety Isn't Just a Buzzword

After 12 years of thru-hiking, from the Appalachian Trail to rugged and demanding off-trail backpacking routes, I take safety seriously. The Arizona Trail demands respect.

Tell someone about your itinerary. Carry some form of emergency communication—cell service is unreliable out there. My Garmin InReach has been worth every penny, not just for emergencies but for peace of mind during long-distance hiking trips.

Know how to handle wildlife encounters. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and the occasional mountain lion all call the Arizona Trail home. Knowledge and respect go a long way.

Leave No Trace isn't just a catchy phrase, it's how we ensure these trails remain wild for the next generation of hikers and backpackers. The desert ecosystem is incredibly fragile and slow to recover. Pack out what you pack in. That includes non-biodegradable baby wipes, folks. Yeah, I said it.

The Journey Ahead: Arizona Trail Thru-Hiking

As I finalize my trail preparation for today's departure, I can't help but feel that familiar excitement building. The Arizona Trail isn't just about getting from Mexico to Utah. It's about finding something in yourself along the way.

The Grand Canyon will humble you. The desert will teach you patience. And somewhere between the struggle and the triumph, you'll find clarity that can't be explained to someone who hasn't lived it.

As I load up my Mountainsmith Zerk 40, adjust my Andesite trekking poles, and prepare to hit the Arizona Trail, I’m reminded why I’ve spent over a decade backpacking through some of the most beautiful places in America. The trail is calling—ready to teach us not only about thru-hiking but also about ourselves.

Ever Onward,

The Real Hiking Viking

Mountainsmith Brand Ambassador
Thomas Gathman