Your Complete Guide to the Arizona National Scenic Trail - 2nd Edition by Matthew J Nelson & Arizona Trail Association (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Plan an unforgettable journey along the Arizona National Scenic Trail, with diverse landscapes that beckon hikers, cyclists, and equestrians.

Stretching more than 800 miles from the USA-Mexico border to the Utah state line, the Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT) passes through a breathtaking blend of desert, forest, and canyon terrain. To hike the best of it--or to backpack the entire route--get the comprehensive guide assembled by AZT experts. Your Complete Guide to the Arizona National Scenic Trail lives up to its name: It is your complete guide to the trail's twists and turns, flora and fauna, geology, and more.

Written by trail-savvy members of the Arizona Trail Association, including executive director Matthew J. Nelson, this guidebook serves up the AZT, section by section, so day-hikers and thru-hikers can feel confident about the entire route. An irreplaceable source of information for anyone--including mountain bikers and equestrians--Your Complete Guide to the Arizona National Scenic Trail fuels your adventures from start to finish, presenting the trail's magnificent scenery, wildlife, and diversity of terrain.

Inside you'll find:

• The entire trail divided into 43 sections


• Unique trail features, route details, day-trip options, and difficulty levels for every section


• Guide to resources in 22 welcoming Gateway Communities


• Chart of water sources along the AZT


• Nearly 50 detailed maps that highlight every AZT passage


• Full-color photography that portrays the majesty of this national treasure

About the Author

Matthew J. Nelson orchestrated Your Complete Guide to the Arizona National Scenic Trail and wrote many of its passages. His contributions to the Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT) include volunteer trail-building on Passage 7, trail design for Passage 16, archaeological surveys along Passage 17, and explorations of the AZT on foot, mountain bike, and horseback. He also is a trail steward for Passage 16d.

Matt has worked as an outdoor educator, Grand Canyon backpacking guide, archaeologist, editor, and freelance photojournalist. He has more than 500 published articles to his credit. A devotee of high mountains, deep canyons, vast deserts, and diverse cultures, he has a wanderlust that has led him to nearly every continent in search of adventure.

In 2012, Matt became executive director of the Arizona Trail Association. He lives off the grid in the Sierrita Mountains west of Tucson and spends summers in his hometown of Big Pine, California, volunteering for Inyo County Search and Rescue.