Well, it looks good for me to start the AZTA the third week of March. Trying to get up and clear trail in the Mazatzals before I start my thru-hike, snow is supposed to be pretty deep up there right now. We will be forwarding water report updates to Fred Gaudet on a weekly basis.
Tenzing
In response to an email, I plan on posting a journal about once a week, on re-supply days. I am using the new pocket maps and draft databook which should be available from the AZTA website by the end of March (hopefully). Will use USGS topos for unfinished sections of the trail. Hope that helps. Have a great hike, Tenzing
tenzing
This is the second vague reference I’ve seen concerning upcoming maps. Can someone provide a little more detail about when they’ll be available, how detailed, cost, etc.?
Thanks.
Matt
They are in process and should be available by end of the month (possibly by 03-21). There will be 8 maps, about 50 miles per side, measuring 11 x 18, with the AZTrail marked, elevation profile, and with some trail info. They are meant to be used with the upcoming AZTA databook (same timeframe). They are less detailed than USGS topos of course; this years hikers will be the Beta group to determine sufficiency. The cost has not been decided, but the purpose is to furnish a useable map set at a reasonable cost to promote the trail–so under $50 I think. That is all the info available. Check on the AZTA website on 03-21 or immediately thereafter. Have fun and hike safe. Tenzing
tenzing
New maps and a databook, sounds like the ATA has been doing a lot of work to help make this trail more appealing to those with little knowledge about it, job well done. Can’t wait to buy them
Andrew Richard
Tenzing - It seems like you’ve seen a pre-copy of the map set. If so, do the maps provide enough detail to allow for route finding with a compass and trail guide? Or is a GPS unit still needed/recommended?
Matt
Matt: I have seen a draft set. Your question is the big unknown. I think that the Pocketmaps, with the Databook and trail guide may be sufficient. I would use USGS topos for the unfinished sections. A GPS unit is still recommended by the AZTA, but my hope is that the above info will suffice without electronics. Only experience with the pocketmaps on the ground by this years hikers will tell. Your experience and mileage may vary; what is sketchy for some is not for others. Have fun and hike safe.
tenzing