Where Does the Arizona Trail Start and End?
For anyone considering a long-distance trek along the Arizona Trail, understanding its start and end points will be one of the first essential steps to planning your hike. This 800-mile (1,287-kilometre) National Scenic Trail stretches from the southern Mexico border, across the entire state of Arizona, to the northern Utah state line; crossing some of the most breathtaking and challenging terrain the state has to offer. Designed for hikers, bikers and equestrians alike, the trail winds through sun-scorched deserts, rolling grasslands, pine forests and – of course – the iconic Grand Canyon, offering hikers a true taste of Arizona’s rugged beauty. Along the way, hikers can expect to navigate everything from steep elevation gains to unpredictable weather and long water carries – making careful planning a crucial element for a successful hike.
So, where does the Arizona Trail start and end? The answer depends on how you plan to tackle it. Thru-hikers can choose to travel northbound (or “nobo”) from the Mexican border or southbound (“sobo”) from the Utah state line, with each direction offering distinct challenges and seasonal benefits. Approximately 70% of thru-hikers opt for the nobo route, which offers the brilliant “finale” of hitting the Grand Canyon just before the end of their trek while also being more likely to escape the encroaching summer heat. Sobo hikers, however, begin by enjoying a gentler start before facing the AZT’s tougher southern sections, known for their grueling climbs. Meanwhile, section hikers enjoy arguably the most flexibility, able to select from any of the AZT’s 43 passages to hop off or on at.
Whether you’re intending to thru-hike or section-hike, knowing your start and end points is vital for shaping your Arizona Trail experience.
The Southern Terminus
The Arizona Trail’s southern terminus lies at the U.S/Mexico international border, near Montezuma Pass in Coronado National Memorial.
Best Time to Start:
- The typical window for northbound hikers to begin their AZT trek is March-April, as hikers prioritize avoiding the encroaching heat of the desert while taking advantage of remaining water sources before they dry up.
Access & Transportation
Closest town:
- Sierra Vista, located approximately 20 miles (32 kilometres) away.
Nearest major airport(s):
- Tucson International Airport (TUS), located approximately 75 miles (120 kilometres) north of Sierra Vista.
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), located about 180 miles (290 kilometres) northwest of Sierra Vista.
While Tucson is generally the preferred option due to its closer proximity to the southern terminus, I’d recommend conducting a cost comparison – especially for those traveling to the U.S. from abroad.
In my experience, flying into Phoenix, catching a bus to Tucson and then arranging a ride/shuttle to the border can sometimes be cheaper than booking a flight directly to Tucson – by a pretty considerable margin.
Trailhead accessibility:
- Montezuma Pass – where the southern terminus is located – is accessible via a rather bumpy dirt road that switchbacks its way up to the parking lot. While the lot is open to the public, it’s best suited for high-clearance vehicles. Due to its challenging road conditions, most hikers opt to arrange shuttles or private rides.
Transportation options:
- A popular shuttle company called Finding True North is often chosen by hikers due to its reasonable pricing and ability to accommodate gear, bikes, and four-legged companions.
- For a full list of Arizona Trail shuttles, broken down by region, visit the Arizona Trail Association’s website.
Geography & Terrain
The region surrounding the Arizona Trail’s southern terminus is defined by rolling desert hills, vast grasslands and rugged mountain terrain. It’s here that hikers often discover remnants of belongings once used or carried by folks who’ve hopped the border – something well-documented about this section but also a rather controversial topic. I’ll simply mention that seeing supplies such as changes of clothes, food containers and other essentials is not uncommon here, but is nothing to be alarmed about.
Otherwise, hikers will quickly encounter the Huachuca Mountain – known for their steep inclines, rocky trails and sweeping views of the surrounding desert. This section sets the tone for the Arizona Trail’s diverse landscapes – blending sunbaked sand and stone with higher-elevation pine forests.
Note that the physical terminus monument is actually located on the Mexican side of the border, just beyond a section of wall and barbed wire fencing.
Summary of NOBO Considerations
The southern terminus of the Arizona Trail, located at the U.S./Mexico border near Montezuma Pass in Coronado National Memorial, serves as the nobo starting point/sobo finishing point marking an incredible 800-mile journey.
If hiking towards Utah, the best time to begin your trek is typically in March or April, as hikers aim to avoid the extreme desert heat while still benefiting from available water sources.
While the closest town, Sierra Vista, is about 20 miles away, the nearest major airports are Tucson International and Phoenix Sky Harbor. However, for those coming from abroad, a flight into Phoenix and a bus to Tucson might be more affordable.
Montezuma Pass itself is accessible by a rough dirt road, best suited for high-clearance vehicles, so many hikers opt for shuttles or private rides to the trailhead.
As you start your adventure, note that the physical terminus monument lies just beyond the border’s barbed-wire fence. With careful planning, your Arizona Trail journey will bookend at this stunning and remote corner of the state.
The Northern Terminus
The Arizona Trail’s northern terminus lies at the Arizona-Utah state line, near Stateline Campground, just south of Kanab, Utah.
Best Time to Start:
- The typical window for southbound hikers to begin their AZT trek is September-October, as hikers aim to avoid the early winter snow in the northern sections while also managing the heat in the southern desert.
Access & Transportation
Closest town:
- Page, Arizona, located approximately 45 miles (72 kilometres) away.
Nearest major airport(s):
- Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), located about 160 miles (257 kilometres) south of Stateline Campground.
- Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS), located about 270 miles (435 kilometres) northwest of Stateline Campground.
While Flagstaff is the most convenient option for those flying elsewhere in Arizona, Las Vegas offers a larger selection of flights, especially for those flying to or from abroad.
Trailhead accessibility:
- Stateline Campground is accessible via a paved road, making it easier to reach than its southern counterpart. However, due to the remote location, most hikers arrange shuttles or private rides to get from Page or nearby towns to the trailhead.
Transportation options:
- With such considerable proximity to the Grand Canyon, there’s no shortage of shuttle companies willing to serve the northern end of the trail.For a comprehensive list, including services and contact information, check out the Arizona Trail Association’s website.
Geography & Terrain
The region surrounding the northern terminus is characterized by striking desert plateaus and towering red rock formations. The terrain is far cruisier and open than the rugged southern half of the AZT, offering a less technical start while still being every bit as scenic.
Upon approach of the northern terminus, the trail crosses the threshold of Arizona’s dry desert and Utah’s higher-elevation terrain. The official terminus monument is located near the Stateline Campground, where the Arizona Trail crosses into Utah – marking either the commencement or completion of your AZT hike.
Summary of SOBO Considerations
The northern terminus of the Arizona Trail, located at the Utah-Arizona state line near Stateline Campground, serves as the finishing point for northbound hikers and the start for southbound hikers on the 800-mile journey.
If hiking southbound towards the U.S./Mexico border, the best time to begin your trek is typically September or October, to avoid early winter snow in the northern sections and to escape the extreme heat of the desert in the south.
While the closest town, Page, is about 45 miles away, the nearest major airports are Flagstaff and Las Vegas. For those travelling internationally, Las Vegas often provides better flight options.
Stateline Campground is easily accessible via paved roads, but many hikers prefer to arrange shuttles or private rides from Page or nearby towns.
As you tag the terminus, note that its monument lies just beyond the state line and is an appropriate bookend to your incredible trek through Arizona’s diverse landscapes.
So, where does the Arizona Trail start and end?
Understanding where the Arizona Trail starts and ends is essential for anyone planning to take on this 800-mile journey. With the southern terminus nestled below Montezuma Pass along the U.S.-Mexico border and the other hugging Utah’s state line at the aptly named “Stateline Campground,” hikers intending to hike the AZT can expect to experience Arizona’s remarkable biodiversity as they traverse rugged mountains, sprawling deserts, pine forests and deep, iconic canyons.
For those asking “where does the Arizona Trail start and end?” the answer is more than just geographical — it defines the entire hiking experience. Your choice of direction shapes the terrain, climate, and logistical considerations you’ll face. Whether hiking northbound or southbound, each route offers unique challenges and rewards, making careful preparation key to a successful trek through this wild, untamed backcountry.
