AZT Thru Hike and Beyond - 2016

[GeeeM]

Hi AZT Hikers!

I'm from the UK and am planning to come over to the USA to do the AZT in 2016, it's part of a larger plan which goes something like this:

1). Fly to USA, (LAX) and drive to Monument Valley
2). Monument Valley 50 Mile Ultramarathon
3). Drive to Sierra Vista
4). AZT Thru Hike
5). Transfer, (hike) to Zion Traverse
6). Zion Traverse Hike
7). Transfer to Lake Tahoe via Vegas/Reno (public transport)
8). Tahoe Rim Trail Thru-Hike, (well - actually the "Tahoe 200" course which includes a bit extra)
9). Transfer to Squaw Valley
10). Western States 100 Thru Hike

I've got 3 months to complete this lot before my visa expires! the Monument Valley ultra is on 19th March so I'd be looking to start the AZT the following week, (24-25 March). I've spent quite a lot of time in the USA in Zion, Tahoe, Utah etc.. but never Arizona - it looks amazing, can't wait to get out there and meet my first rattlesnake!

No doubt I'll be back on here over the next few months to ask for tips and advice but otherwise, if you see a Brit out there between April and June 2016 - it could well be me so say hello!

[sandyfortner]

Well, you will be busy. It'll be sure that you get to see your rattlesnake!!

[Sredfield]

What can you tell us about the Coast to Coast hike? It's something I'd love to do.

[GeeeM]

Hi Sredfield,

I think you're probably talking about the Wainwright version which goes through the Lake District and is 192 miles? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coast_to_Coast_Walk

I've not done it, but know the terrain well and it's classic England. Rolling green hills, mud and lots of wet and windy weather - takes in some of the best National Parks, (Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors).

No rattlesnakes or cacti - lots of sheep and waist-deep bogs though

See you in the desert!

[big_load]

Good luck!

[garyc57]

and meet my first rattlesnake!

Good luck on that snake! I've hike a third of the AZT, and I haven't seen one yet!

Gary

[Trew]

I guess when it comes to rattlers, you either see them or you don't.

Like broken bones- you either break them, or your don't. Never broken a bone, seen my share of rattlers.

[DallinW]

I guess when it comes to rattlers, you either see them or you don't.

Like broken bones- you either break them, or your don't. Never broken a bone, seen my share of rattlers.

I've broken one bone, and I've seen exactly one rattler (mostly just its tail as it slithered into rocks). I expect to have this no rattler streak broken in the Supes this March, or the Mazzies this April.

[GeeeM]

Two weeks until I get into Sierra Vista, and a week until I fly to the USA... It's getting closer!

I was looking at options for getting to the Southern Terminus from Sierra Vista and thinking of hiking from Sierra Vista - that's if I can't get lucky with a ride.

It looks like a pretty easy road hike down HWY92 and then across to the start via the monument, probably 22-24 miles? I'd look to camp overnight somewhere, (legal) near the start and hit the trail first thing in the morning - probably on Wed 23rd March.

Alternatively, if anyone wants to share a ride down from Sierra Vista early on Wed 23rd March just let me know!

See you on the AZT soon, I can't wait - the weather is horrible here in the UK!

[chumley]

@GeeeM
The only legal camping near the trailhead is in the National Forest (green on this map: http://gis.azland.gov/webapps/parcel/?l ... yers=3,1,0)

The beginning of the trail is in the Coronado National Monument, which is only open from dawn to dusk. Overnight use is not permitted.

As such, the best option for camping out before starting the trail would be to hike west past the trail about 1.5 miles down to Copper Canyon where you could find a quiet place to set up camp off the main road. (See geotagged photos and track here http://hikearizona.com/photoset.php?ID=20016&start=0)

Looks like there's even a reliable source of water there at Oak Spring.

But my first choice would be to catch a ride with somebody. As a thru-hiker, you probably won't look much like a border-crosser and somebody is bound to pick you up. (Note: hitchhiking is technically legal ... as long as you aren't on the road when doing it. Local law enforcement may view things differently. So...at your own risk! )

[GeeeM]

Thanks chumley, I'd read about the camping situation at the monument - that's useful information.

Everything is very flexible at the moment, I'm still not sure if I'll head straight out after dropping off my rental or spend a day in SV, a lot depends on weather and how I feel. I'm running a 50-mile ultramarathon in Monument Valley on Saturday so might fancy a rest day!

I've also had a quote of $35 from a cab firm to shuttle me to the start which may be the easiest option.

Thanks again.

[Sredfield]

See a private message sent yesterday.