Why Arizona is a Backpacking Paradise
Arizona is a pretty awesome destination for wilderness backpacking. From saguaro forests to sky islands and alpine streams, we have a lot of choice when it comes to backcountry adventures. Okay, there’s probably some of bias baked into that statement (I am a backpacking guide based out of Arizona after all), but we do have some distinct advantages that help the Copper State stand apart.
Now I think it’s fair to say that a lot of folks who think about outdoor recreation in Arizona will automatically imagine the Grand Canyon or Sedona. But we won’t be focusing on theses obvious destinations in this article because frankly, there’s already a flood of information out there about them. So apart from the Grand Canyon, what makes Arizona a backpacker’s dream?
Here are our top 3 reasons:
Abundance of Public Land
Arizona is loaded with public land but what exactly does that mean?
Public land is simply defined as any land and/or water that’s collectively owned by US citizens and managed by government agencies. By this definition, roughly 42% of Arizona (30.3 million acres) is open to the general public, according to the US Forest Service. For a little perspective, Texas only has 2.97 million acres set aside for public use.
As for the managing agencies, we are typically referring to the National Park and Forest Service, along with the Bureau of Land Management. But thanks to these agencies, we have a plethora of maintained backpacking and hiking trails that enable us to access some truly wild places.
But backpacking in Arizona isn’t limited to national forests and parks! There are also opportunities available on indigenous tribal lands which contain some of the most beautiful sites in the state. Just be sure to do your research and acquire the appropriate permits if you’re planning to recreate on a reservation.
Year-Round Opportunities
One of my favorite parts about living in Arizona is the ability to backpack and camp year-round. Sure, you can technically do that in most states but if you want to visit the backcountry for a few days in February and you live somewhere like Maine, Colorado, Oregon, or Washington, you’re likely going to endure some pretty cold temperatures and wintery weather. But how does Arizona differ from these other states?
Arizona’s 3 Geographic Regions
AZ can essentially be divided into three geographic regions: basin & range, transition zone, and the Colorado Plateau. Yet despite their proximity to one another (you can drive through each zone in a matter of hours), they vary greatly in elevation, climate, and flora. Here are some quick facts about each zone:
Basin & Range
Description: Desert
Elevation: 70 to 4,000 ft above sea level
Best time of year: November - March
Distinctive flora: Saguaro
Saguaros in the Sonoran Desert
Transition Zone
Description: High Desert
Elevation: 4,000 to 6,000 ft above sea level
Best time of year: February - May and September - November
Distinctive flora: Juniper Pine
Alligator Juniper
Colorado Plateau
Description: Alpine
Elevation: 6,000 to 12,600 ft above sea level
Best time of year: May - October
Distinctive flora: Ponderosa Pine
Ponderosa Pines, Northern Arizona
To oversimplify things, Arizona has a lot of elevation ranges to choose from that are going to vary in climate and comfort, depending on the time of year. So if you’re someone who wants to backpack in December but is not a fan of cold, perhaps a trail in our lower deserts (below 4,000 ft) is better suited for you. But the fact that you have such a range of choice is pretty cool!
Diverse Set of Backpacking Options
Whether you’re a thru hiker, looking for a loop to complete, or just want to set up a base camp and explore the nearby wilderness, there are options for a variety of goals. But regardless of your style, Arizona offers trails with epic views, ones that are next to water, or are in wildlife dense areas (think designated wildernesses). And if you’re willing to put in the work, you also have backpacking spots available for hunters and anglers.
Basically, you can almost do any type of backpacking you want in our state, so long as you’re following the rules and laws in whatever jurisdiction you’re recreating on. And this is in large part due to the first two points made earlier in the article (available public land and our 3 geographic regions). Basically, more public land diversity equals more diversity in activity options, something we have in abundance.
So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned backpacking veteran, Arizona likely has something for you. All you really need is imagination and a willingness to do the research, but we promise it pays off.
Or better yet, connect with us today so we can take you on a guided backpacking trip of your choosing. Just tell us the goals you hope to accomplish and we’ll design the right adventure for you!
