800Miles
45–60Days
110,000 ftGain
ThruType
Permits
System
Grand Canyon backcountry permit (AZT hiker process) + Saguaro NP campsite reservationGrand Canyon corridor campgrounds book up; follow the Arizona Trail Association's current permit guidance for thru-hikers. Saguaro National Park's Rincon Mountains sites need reservations.Apply or read more
Cost
Grand Canyon: permit fee + per-night fee
Bear storage
Not required
Season
Best
Northbound: March – May. Southbound: September – November.
JFMAMJJASOND
PeakShoulderClosed
On trail
Water
The defining challenge. Many sections rely on cattle tanks and caches; check the ATA water report before every section.
Resupply
Towns or gateways every 3–6 days.
Notes
Crosses sky islands, the Sonoran Desert, the Mogollon Rim, the San Francisco Peaks and the Grand Canyon rim to rim.
Elevation
1,700 ftHigh 9,100 ft
Resupply towns
Patagonia
Tucson
Superior
Pine
Flagstaff
Grand Canyon Village
Jacob Lake
Recommended gear