Arizona National Scenic Trail

The Arizona National Scenic Trail traverses Arizona from Mexico to Utah, covering over 800 miles. This multi-use non-motorized, long distance trail highlights the state's topographic, biologic, historic and cultural diversity. The Arizona National Scenic Trail, designated in 2009 as part of the Omnibus Public Lands Bill, was the vision of Dale Shewalter, a school teacher from Flagstaff, Arizona. Features along the trail include historic sites, diverse natural features and geologic wonders, and remote wilderness areas. The Tucson Field Office administers 34 miles of trail through two passages, Passage 15 (Tortilla Mountains) and Passage 16 (Gila River Canyons). Most passages can be assessed by motorized vehicle at the beginning and end. Some areas require four-wheel drive vehicles to get to the access point. The Kelvin Bridge trailhead provides access to BLM lands for both passages. Passage 16 follows portions of the Gila River before traversing through the canyons. Opportunities include camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, mountain biking (outside wilderness or other specially managed areas), horseback riding and backpacking. Fall, winter, and spring provide the best opportunities to hike the trail. There are no visitor facilities or services on the trail, however, nearby communities offer various services and facilities.