The Arizona Trail hike began in December 2024 with a group of dedicated adventurers. This journey was more than just a hiking trip; it was an opportunity to explore environmental conservation and contribute to research on climate change. The team was excited to share their experiences and insights with others, hoping to make this adventure informative and engaging for all who followed along.
The purpose of their winter hike on the Arizona Trail (AZT) was to combine their love for hiking with a meaningful cause. Wesley, known as Yeti Legs, and his teammates had a tight schedule with just 1.5 months available between the fall and spring semesters. Wesley was set to graduate in May 2025, which meant they had to make the most of their limited time. Their goal was to cover approximately 800 miles in 1.5 months, averaging 19 miles per day. Though hiking itself was a rewarding experience, the team felt they could add more value to the trip. They decided to document their journey with an emphasis on conservation and share information on best practices, safety, and environmental issues along the trail. Wesley, with his background in Ecology, reached out to the Arizona Trail Association (ATA) for guidance. The ATA suggested collecting climate data to study how changes in temperature and humidity affect snowpack persistence, which is crucial for future water management. The team agreed this was a valuable project and eagerly prepared for the adventure ahead.
On December 6, 2024, they started their hike from Stateline Campground in Arizona. Along with Wesley was his friend Boondoggle, who had driven from Colorado to join them, and a couple, Nina and Joey, who would hike with them for the first two days and assist with filming for their documentary. While they did not have a strict plan for the film’s structure at the start, they knew they wanted to capture the essence of the trail, with a strong focus on conservation.
On the first day, they were greeted by cold temperatures. The team set off early, with Wesley, Basecamp, Nina, and Joey braving the chilly morning air. The temperatures in the first few weeks ranged from 40-50°F, with lows frequently dipping below freezing. The beginning of the AZT is located on the Kaibab Plateau, a high desert area sitting above 8000 feet in elevation. Despite the cold, the scenery was stunning, with Pinyon pine, juniper, and banana yucca along the trail.
The team made good progress, even though the cold forced them to keep a faster pace than usual. Nina and Joey frequently stopped to take photos and capture drone footage of the surrounding landscape. By the end of the day, they met up with Boondoggle, who had driven ahead to the designated campsite. They quickly set up their tents, bundled up in warm layers, and enjoyed a hot meal together. Though the night was freezing, their sleeping bags kept them warm enough to sleep through the night.
The second day started with a challenge: packing up camp in freezing temperatures. Their fingers tingled from the cold as they packed up their gear. Despite this, they set out once again, with Boondoggle returning to his vehicle and Nina and Joey accompanying them for the first six miles of the day. Their goal was to reach Jacob’s Lake, a popular spot for resupply and a place to recharge their equipment. The early part of the day was more about logistics than hiking, but the team still enjoyed the scenic landscape, discussing the film and their experiences along the way.
One of their stops was at a wildlife tank, where they collected water and demonstrated their water treatment methods to Nina and Joey. In addition to a Sawyer water filter, they also carried chlorine-based Aquatabs for treating water. These tablets were especially useful in cold temperatures, where filters could freeze and become ineffective. After ensuring the water was properly treated, they continued their hike, making their way toward the meetup point with Boondoggle.
At the end of the day, they rejoined Boondoggle and took a short break before continuing their journey. Their next task was to slack-pack the remaining six or seven miles. Slack-packing allows hikers to cover more ground quickly without the weight of a full backpack, which was ideal given they had access to a vehicle. This method enabled them to move faster and explore the trail without being burdened by heavy packs. They finished the day feeling accomplished, having covered 28 miles in the first two days.
Jacob’s Lake, a small but welcoming town, was their next stop. They enjoyed a hearty meal, charged their devices, and prepared for the next phase of the journey. The first few days of the trip had been tough but rewarding, and the group was excited for what lay ahead.
After resupplying and recharging, they said goodbye to Boondoggle, Nina, and Joey. Wesley and Basecamp continued south, following a snow-covered Forest Service access road. The trail was quiet, the snow muffling the sounds of the forest. As the sun set and temperatures dropped, they found a water source but had difficulty retrieving it. They had to get creative with their gear, but eventually, they managed to collect the water they needed to continue.
As Week 1 of their Arizona Trail adventure came to a close, the team had already made significant progress, both on the trail and in their mission to document and share insights about the environment. Despite the challenges posed by the cold temperatures, the group maintained their focus on their goals: to enjoy the wilderness, support environmental research, and share the beauty of the Arizona Trail with others. The experiences from the first week would shape the rest of the journey, fueling their determination to complete the trail and contribute valuable data to climate studies. With every step, the team grew closer, not just to each other, but to the natural world they were so passionate about protecting.
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