Volunteer Vacation on the Arizona Trail

The Arizona National Scenic trail travels 800 miles across the state of Arizona between the Mexican border and Utah. It highlights the diversity of wild landscapes in Arizona from the iconic Sonoran desert to deep ponderosa forests. This project is taking place on the Coronado National Forest, in the Canelo Hills of southern Arizona. The Canelo Hills West passage of the trail is the second passage north of the border and crosses low, grassy hills between the Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains from Parker Canyon Lake to Canelo Pass. Our project involves constructing new trail to replace legacy trail and forest roads that have been in this area for decades. One of the Arizona Trail Association’s main goals in recent years has been to get the trail off of old roads and two track wherever possible, and (pending clearances) this area holds a great opportunity to move on that goal. Tasks include clearing vegetation, benching and digging trail tread, small rock work projects and removing debris. The hike to and from the worksite will be between 3 and 5 miles each day over rolling hills.

We will arrive at camp on March 24th. Work will continue through March 30th. We will take a “rest day” in the middle for fun in the area. Hiking possibilities are endless!

Cost: We are asking that participants make a contribution to the Arizona Trail Association to with the cost of food for this Volunteer Vacation. The contribution of $100 for members of $135 for non-members (includes a 1 year membership to the ATA) will go a long way to helping us offer opportunities like this throughout the coming year. Details on how to pay will be distributed to participants upon enrollment.