Completed Thru-Hike

imported
#1

“Ranger” Kyl and “Tenzing” Terry completed AZT thru-hikes on May 6. North of Flag, the “X” fire closed the trail at the Grandview Fire Tower for a couple of days and caused us a short re-route. North of the Canyon, there was lots of snow (3-5 ft deep in long sections) unless it was afternoon melting in the meadows and turning into streams with the trail running under it. Following the trail was a challenge, but we made first tracks. The snow lessens after East Rim View TH and some of the tanks are dry (Big Ridge Tank, among others). Will update my trailjournals blog in the next few days. What a great hike. If everyone that completes a thru-hike this year would let me know, I would like to get a sense for the size of the AZT 08 class and recognize all thru-hikers in an upcoming AZTA newsletter.

Tenzing

#2

I completed my thru-hike May 11. Some snow remained north of the Canyon and did obscure the trail in areas. Lots of water on trail where the snow was melting. Judy and Connie were a few days behind completing their AZT hike. I have an email for them if needed. It appeared from register at Stateline Campground at end of trail that I was 4th finisher. Who knows if anyone else finished and never recorded or informed the ATA of the fact. Great trail with some issues to resolve, but well worth the hike. Mt time exactly 5 weeks. Congrats to all finishers. BTW I lucked into a ride from trailhead to St. George with a slot canyon hike thrown in extra. Two shuttle services from St. George to Las Vegas. One for $40 and one for $19 (435-652-1100) pickup at Knigths Inn on South Bluff.

Tom Conover

#3

My time exactly 5 weeks.

What’s your sense now, Tom and Tenzing, is the Arizona Trail really 800+ miles in length, as officially touted?

I thru-hiked in 6 weeks back in 2004, and felt fairly certain I hadn’t walked much more than 700 miles. In other words, for every 11 trail miles according to the guidebook and/or maps, I actually walked 10, which seems like a conceivable inaccuracy, even if the reverse of what’s usually the case (guidebook and maps tend to underestimate reality).

blisterfree

#4

My understanding is the “official” length of 800+ includes both routes around Flag, the re-supply thru Buffalo Park and the “Equestrian” by-pass (which is longer, more scenic, and was my choice) which obviously no thru-hiker does. My trailjournals mileage was 786 which is a combination of databook info, pocket map mileage, GPS info, and Topo mar mileage, and trail sign mileage (whichever I felt was most accurate, probably influenced by my subjective feel as I was journaling at night). This does not include some “bonus” miles such as our tortured way north of the Gila–our route through the White Canyon/Walnut Canyon/Hole in the Rock area south of Picketpost. I will have a better sense when I finish some post hike journaling and will update then. No matter what the mileage, a great hike in awesome terrain

Tenzing

#5

Girdth (width) not length is what mattes. Ask any woman.

:happy

O

#6

I finished my thru-hike this past Sunday, May 18th after 31 days on the trail. There are still some patches of snow left between the North Rim entrance station and the start of the road walk at the Warm Fire closure, but the trail is mostly clear now. There are plenty of streams flowing in that section from snow runoff.

As for water in the last stretch of the trail, I filled up with clear water at Ridge Tank about 3 miles north of the end of the road walk. Big Ridge Tank was dry just a few miles after that.

I should be posting pictures here in a few days: arizonatrail2008.wordpress.com

Jamil

Jamil

#7

I really did not keep an accutare record of my actual or precieved trail length. I would say however, that there are certain parts of this trail that challenge even an experienced hiker. Also, a few areas in Matazals and Four Peaks that need attention. I am curious how and what water issues any hikers this season experienced in the Oak Canyon to Twin Tanks section. That is a long bushwack with no water. I just reflaged quite a bit of it with Dave Hicks and there is a nice portion of built trail in the middle. Next season ther should be a posting regarding water sources in this area that were not publicized last season. I did the S83 roadwalk and it was dangerous, tiring and waterless also. In Flagstaff today and there is snow with only marginal accumulation. Hope nobody is slugging it out beyond the North Rim in this weather.

Tom Conover

#8

I was in company with two female hikers fa couple of hours. Judy & Connie. I would like contact infor. for them if available as I do not have it with me at the moment if anyone has it. Thanks.

Tom Conover

#9

We finished June 18th. Our hike was a few days longer than planned with the hot weather half days that we walked and 2 zeros. The North Rim to the border was triple digits, too.

Grandview Tower was a great water/lunch stop. Thru hikers ahead of us (the women) said they were the last of the thrus so the ranger took down the “Hikers Welcome sign”. They laughed when we said we were probably the last thrus. The sign is probably back up now.

Marcia

#10

We finished June 18th. Our hike was a few days longer than planned with the hot weather half days that we walked and 2 zeros. The North Rim to the border was triple digits, too.

Grandview Tower was a great water/lunch stop. Thru hikers ahead of us (the women) said they were the last of the thrus so the ranger took down the “Hikers Welcome sign”. They laughed when we said we were probably the last thrus. The sign is probably back up now.

Marcia