The lower-level landscapes down south are exposed, and the exposure lends itself to brilliant colors from cacti, bushes, and a few small leafy plants. On the descent from Mt Lemmon, there was grass a couple of feet high, and under the grass were tiny purple and yellow flowers from stringy ground-hugging plants sheltered by the […]
I never knew that Arizona has ski areas. The most prominent one is north of Flagstaff, called Ski Bowl. The other is Mt Lemmon Ski Valley outside of Summerhaven. Arizona is full of surprises. The ascents of Miller Peak (9,470′), Mount Mica (8,668′), and Mt Lemmon (9,159′) are all over 4,000 feet; however, the most
Occasional mountains broke up the deserts in the southern parts of the AZT, where the cacti gave way to old-growth evergreens. Town names such as Summerhaven led me to understand that in the crippling heat of summer in Arizona, locals would head to the mountains for heat relief. This heat relief happened decades before the
The AZT is a relatively young trail that is becoming increasingly popular. The southern terminus is at the Mexican border, and the northern terminus is at the Arizona-Utah border. The AZT has varied ecosystems, challenging passages, and the Grand Canyon. It can be completed in 6-8 weeks and is an excellent long-distance trail at the
Annie was a section hiker from Portland, Oregon. Her “trail name” is Splash, and we met between Roosevelt Marina and Sunflower. After Sunflower, I needed to resupply in Payson, which I heard was an easy hitch but long. Annie also wanted to stop in Payson and suggested we share a hotel there. I agreed. Annie
Viet is also known as Mr. Clean and has completed the PCT. He had to quit the AZT in 2020 due to Covid restrictions. I think he started at Molino Basin Campground for this attempt. I met Viet after summiting Mt Lemmon. He was heading south as I was heading north. By accident, he got
I met Josh in Oracle when we both stayed at Ann’s place. (Ann is a fantastic trail angel.) Josh has the trail name of Aladdin. Josh and I had dinner, a couple of beers, and breakfast the following day. We hiked together for several days along the AZT. Josh was faster than me, but I
Sketch is one of the few Japanese triple crown holders. He got his trail name because he is an artist and draws and paints along the trail. I admire him for doing his own thing while remaining friendly, open, and giving. I periodically met Sketch along the trail as we saw each other in Trail
I met Whit (El Matador) at Bear Spring. I could tell he was an experienced hiker from his gear and physique, but I did not know how accomplished he was. It turns out he once held the Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the AZT at 19 days and is a triple crown holder. He is
I met Kharen on day four when she arrived at Terra Sol in Patagonia. Kharen is in her mid-thirties and is a nurse in Flagstaff. She’s done backpacking trips, knows herself, and works hard. Kharen is tough and accepts whatever life throws at her. She is also my soul mate. I could always count on
