AZT thru hike...

[todd1492]

Hi all,

I'm really mulling over the idea of attempting an AZT thru hike next fall or next spring and would love to get some tips and suggestions on when to start and the pros and cons or going nobo or sobo as well as someone(s) who might be also interested in a AZT thru hike.

Thanks,
Todd

[sandyfortner]

You're in the right place! Search the forum and look at what past hikers have posted. Then keep checking back. I'm sure that as the next "season" approaches, there will be potential thru-hikers posting. Generally, you'll find the spring season starts the beginning of March and NOBO is preferred. Fall hikers will start Sept. and go SOBO. Of course, weather and water have to be considered for both seasons. As far as the trail itself, I don't think NOBO or SOBO has any particular advantage. Every mountain and canyon have to be gone up / down - no matter which way you're headed! Instead, the direction depends on weather and water. In the fall, you're trying to stay ahead of winter, hoping you'll get through the southern sky islands before they get snow that stays. In the spring, you're trying to beat the heat without having to post-hole your way through those same southern sky islands.