Photo: CWanamaker / CC BY 3.0

Parks 1,833 ft Bortle 4 Solitude: 70/100 (secluded)

The Arizona National Scenic Trail traverses Arizona from Mexico to Utah, covering over 800 miles. This multi-use non-motorized, long-distance trail highlights the state's topographic, biologic, historic and cultural diversity. The Arizona National Scenic Trail, designated in 2009 as part of the Omnibus Public Lands Bill, was the vision of Dale Shewalter, a schoolteacher from Flagstaff, Arizona. Features along the trail include historic sites, diverse natural features and geologic wonders, and remote wilderness areas. The Tucson Field Office administers 34 miles of trail through two passages, Passage 15 (Tortilla Mountains) and Passage 16 (Gila River Canyons). Most passages can be assessed by motorized vehicle at the beginning and end. Some areas require four-wheel drive vehicles to get to the access point. The Kelvin Bridge trailhead provides access to BLM lands for both passages. Passage 16 follows portions of the Gila River before traversing through the canyons. Opportunities include camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, mountain biking (outside wilderness or other specially managed areas), horseback riding and backpacking. Fall, winter, and spring provide the best opportunities to hike the trail. There are no visitor facilities or services on the trail, however, nearby communities offer various services and facilities.

Near Kearny, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Arizona National Scenic Trail, Pinal

Preparation starts with your pack. Here's what to bring.

Preparation for Arizona National Scenic Trail starts with your pack. These items address the real risks and conditions here.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Even cool-weather hiking demands steady hydration, as exertion and altitude increase water loss faster than most expect.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Even well-marked trails have confusing junctions, especially in fog or snow; a GPS unit or downloaded map keeps you on route.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Quality sunglasses prevent snow blindness and reduce eye strain during long days on exposed trails or ridgelines.
First aid kit — Adhesive bandages, antiseptic, and athletic tape handle the most common trail injuries and weigh under a pound.
Extra food — Blood sugar drops fast during sustained effort outdoors, and having a reserve keeps your body and mind sharp.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Batteries drain faster in cold weather; carrying spares ensures you won't be left in the dark when you need light most.
Fire starter — Starting a fire boosts morale and provides light, warmth, and a way to purify water in an emergency.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — If an injury forces you to stop moving, a reflective blanket prevents the rapid heat loss that leads to hypothermia.
Knife or multi-tool — In a survival situation, a blade lets you process tinder, build shelter, and prepare food.
Extra clothing layer — Wet clothing accelerates cooling; a dry backup layer can prevent hypothermia when conditions turn.

Wildlife Gear

Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Solo hikers are more vulnerable to predatory behavior from mountain lions, which typically avoid groups.
Noise maker — A loud whistle doubles as a rescue signal, serving both wildlife safety and emergency communication.
Gaiters — Beyond snakes, gaiters also protect against thorns, brush, and ticks in overgrown trail sections.
First-aid snakebite kit — A lightweight pressure bandage and marker for tracking swelling take up minimal space but provide critical aid.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — Desert and alpine environments with little tree cover leave you fully exposed; a hat is your primary shade source.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2 hours; sweating and pack straps rub sunscreen off faster than expected.
Extra water (desert) — Even well-mapped springs can go dry after low-snowpack years; always carry surplus and check recent trip reports.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)

Activities & Best Time to Visit Arizona National Scenic Trail, Pinal

The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

With 13 activities available, Arizona National Scenic Trail works for both quick day trips and longer stays.

The scenery here earns a 55/100 photography rating — Good dark sky (Bortle 4) and 3 excellent meteor showers.

Activities

backpacking — Lightweight equipment and route awareness are key for safe travel.
hiking — With sturdy footwear and preparation, trails open up expansive views and quiet solitude.
horseback_riding — Guided rides are available in many parks and recreation areas.
ice_fishing — Portable shelters help protect against cold winds.
ice_skating — Ensure ice thickness and safety before skating on natural surfaces.
photography — Outdoor photography invites you to slow down and frame the beauty around you.
picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
rv_camping — Hookups and designated sites make extended stays convenient.
scuba_diving — Certification and proper equipment are required for safety.
sightseeing — It's an accessible way to appreciate the character of a place.
snorkeling — Calm conditions and good visibility enhance the experience.
walking — Perfect for all ages, a casual walk can turn any outdoor space into a relaxing nature experience.
wildlife_viewing — Bring binoculars and patience — nature often rewards careful, respectful observers.

Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Desert — Rocky outcrops, sand, and dry washes are common features.

Wildlife Safety at Arizona National Scenic Trail, Pinal

Knowing what to watch for helps you enjoy the outdoors here safely.

Safety at Arizona National Scenic Trail involves knowing about 1 potential wildlife hazards in the area.

Danger rating: 25/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate

Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Far from city (67mi)

UV risk: extreme (Southern latitude (33N), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 55/100

Good dark sky (Bortle 4)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Venomous Snakes

0 venomous snake species are found in this area: .

Watch where you step and place hands
Stay on trails
Wear boots and long pants in snake country
Do not reach under rocks or logs
If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at Arizona National Scenic Trail, Pinal

The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

This Desert habitat supports 4 mammal species, 30 bird species, and 11 reptile species.

Wildflowers (2)

California poppy — Four-petaled blooms that close at night or in cool weather.
blackfoot daisy — Numerous small daisy-like blooms covering the plant.

Shrubs (5)

Creosote Bush — An evergreen desert shrub with small resinous leaves divided into paired leaflets.
Brittlebush — A rounded desert shrub with silvery fuzzy leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — Engelmann's hedgehog cactus is a low, clumping barrel cactus with cylindrical stems covered in dense radial spines. Flowers are large and showy, typically magenta to pink, blooming in late spring.

Other Plants (5)

saguaro
Chain-fruit Cholla
Graham's nipple cactus
ocotillo
Arizona Hedgehog Cactus

Mammals (4)

White-nosed Coati — Often carries tail upright when moving.
Cliff Chipmunk — Slim body with moderately bushy tail.
Rock Squirrel — Often stands upright on rocks to scan for predators.
Desert Cottontail — Long hind legs for rapid escape.

Birds (30)

Brewer's Blackbird — Iridescent purple-green sheen
Red-winged Blackbird — Glossy breeding male plumage
Sandhill Crane — Long legs and neck
Chipping Sparrow — Gray breast
Yellow-headed Blackbird — White wing patches

Reptiles (11)

Ornate Tree Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long.
Greater Earless Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long including tail.
Common Side-blotched Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long including the tail.
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake — Adults commonly 3–5 feet long.
Desert Spiny Lizard — Usually 5–7 inches long.

Amphibians (3)

Red-spotted Toad
Sonoran Desert Toad
Lowland Leopard Frog

Insects (18)

Queen
Pipevine Swallowtail
Empress Leilia
American Snout
Sleepy Orange

Nature Bingo at Arizona National Scenic Trail, Pinal

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Northern Cardinal (bird)
White-nosed Coati (mammal)
Ornate Tree Lizard (reptile)
Red-spotted Toad (amphibian)
saguaro (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

Arizona National Scenic Trail, Pinal Climate & Sun

Here's the weather and sun data to help you pick the best time to visit.

Best months to visit based on climate: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. Avoid unless prepared for .

Climate type: Semi-Arid

Annual avg temp: 69.7°F

Annual precipitation: 13.4 in

With an average annual temperature of 69.7°F and 13.4 inches of precipitation, Arizona National Scenic Trail has warm, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 89°F, while winter lows drop to 52°F.

Best months to visit: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Winter 52°

1.9"

Spring 67°

0.4"

Summer 89°

1.4"

Fall 72°

0.9"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	52°F	1.9 in
Feb	55°F	1.8 in
Mar	60°F	1.3 in
Apr	67°F	0.4 in
May	75°F	0.3 in
Jun	85°F	0.2 in
Jul	89°F	1.4 in
Aug	88°F	1.9 in
Sep	83°F	1.1 in
Oct	72°F	0.9 in
Nov	60°F	0.8 in
Dec	51°F	1.4 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 10 hours in winter to 14.3 hours in summer — a difference of 4.3 hours.

Summer: 5:14 AM – 7:33 PM

Winter: 7:19 AM – 5:18 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:19 AM, Sunset 5:18 PM Golden hour from 4:40 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:14 AM, Sunset 7:33 PM Golden hour from 6:57 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:35 AM, Sunset 6:31 PM Golden hour from 5:58 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:06 AM, Sunset 6:31 PM Golden hour from 5:59 PM

Arizona National Scenic Trail, Pinal Trip Planning & Access

Now for the logistics — distances, costs, and accessibility details for Arizona National Scenic Trail.

Phoenix is the nearest hub at 67 miles — here's the trip breakdown.

Nearest city: Phoenix (67 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $16.84 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 54.4 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

Accessibility: dog-friendly (likely_allowed), family-friendly (excellent), elderly-friendly (highly_suitable).

Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
Families: excellent
Elderly: highly_suitable
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Perfect for beginners (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Places Near Arizona National Scenic Trail, Pinal

Extend your trip with these nearby outdoor spots.

Nearby options include trails and campgrounds within a short drive.

Nearby Trails

Nearby Campgrounds

Sulphide Del Rey Campground, Gila 13.36 mi
Oak Flat Campground, Pinal 13.63 mi
Pinal Campground, Gila 14.19 mi
Devils Canyon Campground, Pinal 14.22 mi
Upper/lower Pinal Campground, Gila 14.33 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at Arizona National Scenic Trail, Pinal

The night sky adds another dimension to an overnight visit here.

The dark sky quality at Arizona National Scenic Trail (Bortle 4) places it among the better stargazing spots in the area.

Bortle 4 Rural/suburban transition

Constellations

Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cepheus.

Ursa Minor — Visible throughout the year in much of the United States, Ursa Minor rotates steadily around the North Celestial Pole.
Cepheus — Though its stars are modest in brightness, Cepheus is visible year-round from most of the U.S.

Meteor Showers

The Geminids peaks around December 13-14 and is the best meteor shower visible from here.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
Find a dark location away from city lights and give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust for peak rates.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
Southern states often see stronger activity due to radiant placement.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Arizona National Scenic Trail, Pinal

Beyond the night sky, the changing seasons shape what you'll experience here.

The seasonal rhythm at Arizona National Scenic Trail shapes what you'll see on the trail, in the sky, and across the landscape.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: October 15 – November 5

Best trees for color: Maple, Oak, Aspen

Higher elevations peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: March - April

Fall peak: October - November

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Arizona National Scenic Trail, Pinal Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Arizona National Scenic Trail sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type: Middle Proterozoic sedimentary rocks
Formation: Grand Canyon Supergroup; Chuar Group; Unkar Group; Apache Group; Troy Quartzite
Lithology: Major:{shale,sandstone,quartzite}, Minor:{limestone,basalt,black shale}, Incidental:{conglomerate}
Age: Proterozoic

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 1
Unique Species: 1
Oldest: 372.2 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 285
Richness: Exceptional
Minerals Found: Copper, Gold, Silver, Asbestos, Tungsten, Uranium, Lead, Molybdenum

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 1478
ESA Endangered: 29
ESA Threatened: 16
Conservation Score: 100/100

Temperature Records

Record High: 114°F (1995-07-28)
Record Low: 5°F (1974-12-24)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 25
Largest Fire: Telegraph (180,756.3 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Caves & Karst Features

Feature Types: Carbonate rocks at or near the land surface in a dry climate
Karst Score: 40

Watershed

Watershed: Silver Creek
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Reported Phenomena

UFO Sightings: 11 (NUFORC)
Haunted Places: 3 (Shadowlands)
Eeriness Score: 45/100

Arizona National Scenic Trail, Pinal Safety & Conditions

Check current conditions from these authoritative sources before you go.

Official condition reports for Arizona National Scenic Trail cover weather, wildfire activity, flood status, and road conditions.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM, AZ US (15.23 mi)