AZT Thru-Hike Permit: Route
AZT Thru-Hike permits are walk-up only in Arizona Trail. The route covers 800 miles.
This guide covers the Arizona Trail Thru-Hike permit.
No fee for the trail itself (self-register/no permit required on USFS, BLM, and most state trust land); Grand Canyon backcountry permit $10 + per-person nightly fee; Saguaro NP thru-hiker permit fee not confirmed in this pass (see gaps)
Permit Cost
6-8 weeks (typical thru-hike pace)
Duration
800 miles
Distance
strenuous
Difficulty
About AZT Thru-Hike
Walk roughly 800 miles from the US-Mexico border to the Utah state line, crossing the Sonoran Desert, five sky-island mountain ranges, the Mogollon Rim, and the Grand Canyon.
The AZT Thru-Hike route
- Distance
- 800 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- Trip length
- 6-8 weeks (typical thru-hike pace)
- Difficulty
- strenuous
Sonoran Desert to Colorado Plateau. Nearest town: Sierra Vista, AZ (southern terminus) / Fredonia, AZ (northern terminus)
Points along the route
- Coronado National Memorial / Southern Terminus (Border Monument 102)Mile 0, 5,910 ft
- Huachuca Mountains (Passage 1)
- Canelo Hills (Passages 2-3)Mile 25.7, 6,258 ft
- Santa Rita Mountains (Passage 5)
- Las Cienegas (Passage 7)
- Rincon Mountains / Saguaro National Park (Passages 8-9)3,090 ft
- Redington Pass / Santa Catalina Mountains (Passages 10-11)Mile 187.5, 9,143 ft
- Oracle (Passage 13)
- Gila River Canyons (Passage 16)
- Superstition Wilderness / Reavis Canyon (Passages 18-19)
- Four Peaks (Passage 20)Mile 374.5, 7,628 ft
- Mazatzal Divide (Passage 23)
- Pine, AZ (near Passage 25)5,371 ft
- Highline / Mogollon Rim (Passage 26)
- Mormon Lake / Anderson Mesa (Passages 29-30)Mile 570.4, 7,240 ft
- Flagstaff Urban Route (Passage 33)
And 7 more named points along the route.
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100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for AZT Thru-Hike?
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Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.
When is the best time to visit AZT Thru-Hike?
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Spring, northbound, avoiding summer desert heat in the south and North Rim snow, or fall, southbound.
How long is the AZT Thru-Hike route?
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The route is 800 miles, as a point-to-point.
How difficult is the AZT Thru-Hike route?
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This is a strenuous route, demanding and requires excellent fitness.
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