Thru-Hiking 101: Flagstaff and the Arizona Trail Community

Introduction

Each year, thousands of people from around the world stand at the Southern Terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail, backdropped against desert cacti and the towering border wall that separates them from Mexico. With one step, they begin a 2650-mile northward journey toward Canada that only a quarter to a third of them will complete. 

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is but one of many long-distance trails, known as thru-hikes, that exist across the U.S. Along with the Appalachian Trail (AT) and the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), it makes up the Triple Crown of thru-hiking. There are many others, too, ranging from less than 100-miles to multiple thousands of miles in length. Some of these thru-hikes are recognized as National Scenic Trails, while others are less established, offering more solitude and rugged terrain.

What unites each of these trails, however, is a unique and expansive community fundamentally rooted in place. With each long-distance trail comes a collection of people – hikers, trail angels, trail associations, trail stewards, and more – brought together by a love of backpacking and conservation. In Flagstaff, we are fortunate enough to be an integral part of the thru-hiking community. As an official Gateway Community for the 800-mile Arizona Trail (AZT), the City of Flagstaff has become engrained within the experience of thru-hiking in the Southwest. 

As fall rapidly approaches, AZT season begins. Thru-hikers will begin their 800-mile footpath at the Arizona-Utah border, crossing vast desert, deep canyons, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and alpine ponderosa pine forests. With that, thru-hikers will flock to Flagstaff to resupply food, switch out gear, grab a hotel room and a shower, and enjoy all that the town has to offer. 

At Peace Outfitters, we’re excited to serve the AZT community, and we hope that others can get stoked on giving back to the trail and the amazing people that support it.

What is Thru-Hiking?

Put simply, thru-hiking is the act of hiking a long-distance trail from end to end using a continuous footpath. While what constitutes ‘long-distance’ is not truly defined, it is generally accepted that any relatively established multi-day trail or route that can be completed end-to-end entirely on foot is a thru-hike. As previously mentioned, some of these trails are around 100 miles or less, such as the 104-mile Uinta Highline Trail in northern Utah. Others are far longer. The American Discovery Trail, for instance, clocks in at around 6,800 miles. 

The history of thru-hiking dates back to the early creation of long-distance trails in the U.S. In the early 1900s, a group of conservationists in Vermont collaborated to create the country’s first long-distance trail, the Long Trail, in an effort to foster recreation through education and stewardship. The first true ‘thru-hike’, however, was established in 1937: The Appalachian Trail (AT). Proposed by Benton McKaye and completed after nearly a decade of work, the AT has come renowned worldwide as one of the pinnacles of thru-hiking. Since then, the world of long-distance trails has exploded. In the U.S. alone, there are 11 recognized National Scenic Trails and tens if not hundreds of other established or unestablished long-distance routes.

Thru-hiking has come to be defined by far more than just the trails walked by hikers, however. The hikers themselves – and the community that supports them – are an integral aspect of the practice of and culture that surrounds thru-hiking. Conservation groups and trail crews, trail organizations, and trail towns all make thru-hiking possible and contribute to a strong sense of connection among those who engage with long-distance trails. 

Perhaps the most important part of the long-distance hiking community are trail angels. These are people who provide kindness and generosity (known as ‘trail magic’) to thru-hikers without expecting anything in return – although many hikers will donate to help trail angels continue to provide their support. Trail magic can include providing food and drinks, transportation to and from trail towns and the trail itself, or a place to sleep and do laundry. Trail angel networks are mostly informal, comprised of self-appointed individuals who choose to volunteer their time. 

Flagstaff and the Arizona Trail

Proposed in the 1980s, organized in the 1990s, designated in 2006 and completed in 2011, the Arizona Trail (AZT) is our state’s very own thru-hike. It spans the length of the state as a non-motorized path stretching around 800 miles. In recent years, the AZT has become of the premier long-distance trails in the country, demonstrating what trail users and land managers can accomplish when a common vision is shared. The diversity of people that made – and continue to make – the AZT possible runs wide and deep. 

Flagstaff plays an important role for both the AZT itself and the organization that manages it, the Arizona Trail Association (ATA). As an official Gateway Community for the AZT and the only urban section of the whole trail, the city and community of Flagstaff are intrinsically tied to the trail. Hikers rely on the infrastructure and amenities afforded in Flagstaff for lodging, transportation, resupply, and medical purposes. In fact, a recent survey conducted with AZT finishers in 2024 found that 62% of respondents (702 people) visited Flagstaff during their thru-hikes. Moreover, out of all trail towns, Flagstaff is the favorite among finishers, with 75% of respondents indicating they would return to town. 

Among the many reasons why thru-hikers love Flagstaff are the presence of a strong outdoor community and a relatively established trail angel network. In Flagstaff, people generally understand backpacking and are excited for and willing to engage with thru-hikers. Moreover, there are numerous trail angels officially recognized by the ATA and countless more who offer spontaneous trail magic such as transportation, food and drink, and laundry. 

Interested in becoming a trail angel with the Arizona Trail Association? Visit the ATA’s trail angel registration page: https://aztrail.org/get-involved/trail-angel-registration/. 

United in Stewardship

Northern Arizona and the Arizona Trail are connected by more than just people, as well. The large swaths of public land located in the region and a corresponding commitment to recreation and conservation unite trail towns, organizations, and people alike create a unique environment of stewardship around the AZT.

It takes a village to maintain any trail, let alone an 800-mile cross-state route. Agencies such as the National Park Service and Forest Service partner with non-profit organizations like the Conservation Corps and other trail crews who receive support from volunteers and guidance from the Arizona Trail Association. Together, these entities maintain, improve, and promote the trail for all users. Even more importantly, they work to ensure the integrity and continued sustainable use of the AZT going forward. 

Interested in volunteering with the ATA or becoming a Trail Steward? Check out the ATA website: https://aztrail.org/get-involved/volunteer/ and https://aztrail.org/explore/trail-stewards/. 

Gearing up for the AZT

Part of the beauty of long-distance trails is that they do not have to be hiked all at once; section hiking is becoming an increasingly popular way of experiencing long-distance trails like the AZT, PCT, and beyond. If you are considering a thru or section hike of the AZT, stop on by. We would love to connect and assist you with any gear or logistical needs. 

As the southbound season for AZT hikers rapidly approaches, Peace Outfitters is excited to connect with the trail community in Flagstaff. The thru-hiking community is a special one and the culture that surrounds long-distance trails is ever-growing. Shoot us an message at https://peaceoutfittersaz.com/contact/ or call us at (928)-779-4521 if you would like more information on the AZT or want to connect around the trail in any way. See you out there, and happy trails.