AZT: Rain Collector to Superior, via LOST trail, 18 miles
The final piece of trail ends at Picketpost just before the Superstition Mountains. I opt to walk into Superior through a lovely riparian canyon.
AZT: Gila River to Rain Collector, 18 miles
It’s one of the most thrilling parts of the trail, a 2,000 foot climb out of the Gila River Canyon into desert spires and ramparts.
AZT: Ripsey Wash to near lowest point, 19 miles
I had the last section of Passage 15 up a big hill, along a ridge, then down steeply to the Gila River in wild clouds and rain.
AZT: Antelope Peak to stock tank near Ripsey Wash, 19 miles
The day is spent on the flattest expanse of Passage 15 through the Sonoran Desert, loud with birdsong and views to far off mountains.
AZT: Passage 14 – Black Hills, 19 miles
The day is filled with clouds and filtered light turning the cholla silver against the Tortilla Mountains.
From Adventure to Advent
I’m using my time on the Arizona Trail in late winter as a setting for Advent talks I’ll give in the coming weeks.
Paria Canyon/Buckskin Gulch, UT/AZ
Beginning in a slot canyon, the route opens to Navajo Sandstone cliffs leading to the Colorado River.