This is the route we will all be following. I am currently working on campground reservations, but we should be able to get everyone into the same campgrounds every night. There are multiple spots where the trail crosses roads and nights 1, 3 and 4 will all have close road access if you need/want someone to run you resupplies. Scroll down for more info.
Here’s the schedule!
MARCH 15: 18.6 miles. 7am. Start at mile 103.1 on the FarOut map. You will need to get a ride/carpool out there. We don’t all need to stay together. You can hike your own hike. Everyone is expected to be a self sufficient through hiker for this hike. Meet at La Posta Quemada Ranch for camping in the evening.
MARCH 16: 22 miles to Manning camp. There is a lot of elevation gain. Manning camp is in the National Park so you will need to camp in a designated campground with everyone else on this night.
MARCH 17: 21.4 miles. We will hike from Manning camp to the Campground at Molino Basin. This campground is on a road. We will have the Group campsite reserved and there are multiple other sites that are first come first served. You may need some cash to grab these but we will send some people up to try to grab them as well.
March 18th: 21-23 miles. We will hike up to the top of Mt Lemmon using the AZT blue alternate route which splits off at Bug Spring. Dispersed camping is allowed up there and there are campsites and cabins as well if you would like to reserve one in advance for yourself or to share.
March 19th: 15-17 miles to Catalina State Park. I’m working on arranging an end of hike celebration/BBQ/Hotdog Grillout but need to coordinate it with the park or someplace near. I will keep you updated.
Making your HOTDOG COSTUME fit with a backpack…
You have a few options. I highly recommend the Spirit Halloween Hotdog Costume because of its look, comfort and hike-ability. Unfortunately I just checked and it is sold out… I’m contacting them to see if they will have more or want to sponsor. SPIRIT HALLOWEEN HOTDOG COSTUME If you want to purchase a different one from somewhere else in the meantime feel free. Just keep in mind that you will want good range of motion in your legs and arms while hiking. I will update everyone as I find out more.
WHAT AM I GETTING INTO WITH THIS?
First off this is going to be a really fun hike. If you like through hiking and socializing this is totally for you! Secondly, this is going to be legitimately tough. The route requires making it through certain stretches to hit designated campgrounds. Some days will be over 20 miles and some will be under. We are going over TWO mountain ranges along the Arizona trail. There will be a total elevation gain and loss around 18,000 feet. We will start at 3000 feet in the desert and spend 2 of the 5 nights sleeping around 8000 feet. March is the sweet spot for weather… but it is unpredictable. I tried to pick a time that will be comfortable to be dressed as a hotdog at all elevations, but be prepared for temperatures as high as 90 degrees and as low as 30. We could be in snow or rain, or it could just be perfect out the whole time.
There are rattlesnakes, scorpions, spiders and black bears all along the trail. There is a TON of cactus so don’t walk backwards without looking or lay your inflatable pad down without clearing a spot well. There is water, but depending on rainfall and snowmelt we may have some long carries. You are responsible for bringing all your gear and doing your own research as to what you need and want to bring. FAROUT has an AZ TRAIL map that is great and will tell you all about elevation, water sources, road crossing etc. I recommend having a Garmin or similar satellite rescue device as phone service can get spotty is some areas. This is NOT a through hike for beginners. It’s a real challenge. But like, seriously… it’s gonna be so cool.