By Roger Carpenter, February 19, 2026
The Arizona Trail (AZT) will be the fifth long hike on one of the national scenic trails. The AZT is 800 miles long, but I will hike only 700 miles in 2026. Starting on March 5, 2026, I will begin at the southern terminus where Arizona and Mexico have an international border. At 700 miles I will reach the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in early May…if all goes well! The AZT was closed after the huge wildfire in July 2025 damaged the trail and destroyed most of the national park structures on the North Rim. I will return as early as 2027 to hike through the Grand Canyon and to the Utah border.
I became inspired to hike the AZT while I was in Arizona in June 2025 for my brother Jim’s memorial service. He passed away on April 10, 2025 while I was hiking the Ice Age Trail. I wrote about hearing of Jim’s passing and the acts of kindness that followed in the small town of Rib Lake, Wisconsin here. After laying some of Jim’s ashes on the Arizona Mogollon Rim near one of Jim’s favorite campgrounds, I learned the Arizona Trail was within sight of that place. Hiking the AZT is one way I can honor my big brother Jim Carpenter.
The AZT is NOT an easy hike! The trail demands hikers to sometimes ascend steep, rocky terrain and search for natural water sources that may or may not have dried up. By starting in early March I will avoid many days of excessive desert heat in exchange for experiencing cold weather and probably snow in the “sky islands,” where the elevation can reach up to 9,000 feet. Hiking at 72 years old in springtime desert landscapes, with beautiful flora and fauna to keep me company, is something I an eager to do. I intend to prove I can do it!
Here is some information about the Arizona Trail:
AZT National Scenic Trail Story Map & Information (excellent!)
View a map with my current location after March 5