Appalachian or Arizona trail for spring?

imported
#1

Which of these trails would you guys recommend for a mid-march 5-day thru-hike?

Reid

#2

You can’t do either as a five day thruhike. A thruhike means doing the whole trail.

You have less chance of snow/cold on the southern end of the AZT. More water problems though. AT you won’t have problems with illegals. You may on the southern end of the AZT. You might consider a five day hike in the Superstitions. No snow, some springs, lots of wildflowers.

G

#3

Brrr…have you checked the weather on the AT? I hiked the ADT which included some of the AT, in March. That’s too early for hiking in the east, IMHO. I started my AT thru just before May Day.

Hike on the AZT. March is the prime season and water should be flowing. You’ll probably see other hikers in March and you’ll have a great trip.

I’ve started at Mexico four times (2 PCT, CDT and AZT). We spent the night on the border at Coronado NM so we could start our hike on Cinco de Mayo (too late for cool weather). We have been checked out by the US INS every time by helicopters and agents hiking in to see who we were. We have never seen or had any interaction with immigrants although we heard voices speaking Spanish.

Have a good hike!

Marcia

#4

Marcia, thanks for the info!!

Reid

#5

Big trails are da bomb for large sections and thrus, but if you’re looking for a great 5-day experience, consider some other options. In March, how about Paria Canyon in AZ and Utah? It’s jaw-dropping. Or Big Bend or the Guadalupes in Texas?

markv

#6

Or Grand Canyon. After hiking thru it on the AZT we can see why people get hooked on the Grand Canyon and re-hike over and over. There are several good options in the canyon and March shouldn’t be to hot yet.

Ken