AZT: Final Thoughts

Two weeks since I finished the AZT so pretty well rested. I still don’t have any feeling on the bottom of one of my toes – I guess that’s better than pain.

We took a hike on Mt. Lemmon on Sunday to get out of the heat. We ended up on Marshall Gulch Trail, part of the AZT. Looks so different without snow!

My thanks to the Arizona Trail Association, trail stewards and volunteers who do a great job! Only a few choice words when backtracking, bushwhacking or struggling through undergrowth. The Mazatzal trail conditions were much better than expected but the Four Peaks trails need some work.

I was very happy with my main gear for the most part – ULA Catalyst backpack, Marmot Helium sleeping bag and the Big Agnes Fly Creek tent. Considering the water sources in Arizona, I am glad I had my filter but will be investigating a Steripen for future hikes. Also my Thermarest Z-lite seems to be getting thinner and thinner so will be looking at a lightweight inflatable.

We will be hiking and flyfishing in SW Colorado, Idaho’s Sawtooth Wilderness and SW Montana’s Pioneer Mountains this summer. I will be checking out the Idaho Centennial Trail on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.