Planning for the Arizona Trail in 7 steps
EASY TO FOLLOW STEPS TO GET YOU ON THE AZT.

ARIZONA TRAIL RACE PLANNING GUIDE

So, you’re planning to ride the Arizona Trail? Wondering where to begin? Planning for the Arizona Trail can be complex and time-consuming, especially if you’re unsure of where to start. The One of Seven Project understands the challenges of preparing for long-distance adventures, which is why I’ve created this Ultimate Arizona Trail Planning Guide to make your life easier.

Whether you’re curious about the best gear to bring, how to navigate transportation to and from the trail, or figuring out the crucial details of resupply, you’ll find answers to all your questions here and throughout our other AZT-focused guides. We’ve broken down the planning process into seven steps to help you prepare effectively. Of course, this guide is just the beginning—you should still do your own research to ensure the best possible outcome for your journey.

Proper planning is vital and can significantly impact the success of your Arizona Trail ride. The more information you have at your disposal, the more options you’ll have while on the trail. If you don’t know where to find water, food, or alternative routes, those options won’t be available when you need them most. Bottom line: Do your homework! Read on to start planning your own AZT300/800 or a tour of the AZT.

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STEP 1: AZT300/800 OR TOUR

Racing Pros:

Challenge and Achievement: Racing the AZTR is a significant personal challenge, pushing your physical and mental limits. Completing the race offers a profound sense of accomplishment.
Community and Camaraderie: Racing alongside others fosters a strong sense of community, with opportunities to bond over shared experiences, both during and after the event.
Adventure and Excitement: The race’s competitive nature and tight schedule add a level of excitement, making the experience intense and exhilarating.
Minimal Gear: Racing requires a lightweight setup, which can mean less gear to carry and quicker progress through the trail.
Defined Schedule: With the race, you have a clear start and finish, which can help with planning and motivation.

Racing Cons:

Pace and Pressure: The fast pace and constant pressure to keep moving can be exhausting, leaving little time to enjoy the scenery or rest.
Physical Strain: Racing can push your body to its limits, increasing the risk of injury, burnout, or missing the full experience of the trail due to exhaustion.
Less Flexibility: The tight schedule leaves little room for flexibility, detours, or taking time to explore interesting areas off the main route.
Limited Enjoyment: The focus on speed can detract from the overall enjoyment of the trail and its natural beauty.
Logistics: Coordinating logistics like resupply, transportation, and gear for a race can be more challenging due to the time constraints.

Touring Pros:

Flexible Schedule: Touring allows for a more relaxed pace, giving you the freedom to take breaks, explore side trails, and fully absorb the landscape and surroundings.
Greater Enjoyment: With less pressure to maintain a fast pace, you can enjoy the scenery, wildlife, and solitude of the trail at your own pace.
More Comfort: Touring allows for a more comfortable setup, with the option to carry extra gear, food, and even luxuries like a more substantial shelter or cooking equipment.
Less Stress: Without the pressures of racing, touring can be less stressful, making the experience more enjoyable and sustainable over a longer period.
Cultural and Historical Exploration: Touring provides the time to explore cultural, historical, and natural points of interest along the route, deepening your connection with the trail.

Touring Cons:

Longer Time Commitment: Touring the AZT takes more time, which could be a challenge if you have limited time off work or other commitments.
Heavier Gear Load: With more time and less need for speed, you might carry more gear, which can slow you down and make certain sections more challenging.
Less Community: You may encounter fewer people on the trail, especially if you’re touring during off-peak times, which can lead to a more solitary experience.
Weather Variability: Spending more time on the trail increases your exposure to changing weather conditions, which could impact your trip.
Logistics: While touring allows for a more flexible approach, it also requires more planning to manage longer resupply intervals and potential campsite selections.

Both racing and touring the Arizona Trail offer unique and rewarding experiences. Your choice depends on your personal goals, physical fitness, available time, and whether you’re seeking a competitive challenge or a more relaxed adventure. Whether you choose to race or tour, thorough planning and preparation are essential for a successful and enjoyable journey.

STEP 2: PICK A DATE

AZT300/800

The official start of the AZTR takes place on the third Thursday of October each year.

AZT800: 6:00 AM at the Mexican Border / Monument 103
AZT300: 6:00 AM at the Mexican Border / Monument 103

TOUR

If you’re seeking more flexibility, touring the AZT might be the better option. The ideal times for a thru-bike of the Arizona Trail are in the spring and fall. Summer temperatures can be dangerously high, making it unsafe to attempt the route. Winter brings snow to the higher ridges and peaks, rendering parts of the trail impassable. Planning your ride for the spring or fall will provide a safer and more enjoyable experience.

Pro-Tip

If you choose to the AZT300/800 in the Fall, be aware that the trail will be more overgrown than the Spring. The Cats Claw in the south is a bitch. Over half the distance from the 300 start to Patagonia is choked in tall grass, making following the trail extremely hard.

STEP 3: WHICH DIRECTION TO GO?

Deciding which direction to go primarily applies to those touring the Arizona Trail. The race only tracks NOBO times, so if you’re racing, NOBO is your only option. However, if you’re planning to tour, you have the flexibility to choose between NOBO or SOBO. The pros and cons below are tailored to help those touring the route make the best decision for their journey.

NOBO (Mexico to Utah):

Pros:

Familiar Start Point: Starting at the Mexican border, a common launch point for both the AZT300 and AZT800, provides a sense of tradition and camaraderie, as most riders begin here.
Gradual Acclimation: The trail begins in the low desert, allowing you to gradually acclimate to higher elevations as you head north, particularly if you’re starting in the spring.
Increasingly Scenic Terrain: As you move north, the scenery becomes more varied and dramatic, with the northern sections offering stunning views of the Grand Canyon and surrounding landscapes.
Longer Riding Season: Starting in the south in spring can give you more time to complete the route before winter conditions set in at higher elevations.

Cons:

Heat in the Early Sections: Spring start dates can mean dealing with high temperatures in the southern desert sections, which can be physically draining and challenging.
Tougher Finish: The northern sections of the trail are more remote and rugged, making the final stages of the ride particularly challenging as fatigue sets in.
Snow in the North: If you start too early in the season, you may encounter lingering snow in the higher elevations of the northern sections, especially around the San Francisco Peaks and the Kaibab Plateau.

SOBO (Utah to Mexico):

Pros:

Cooler Start: Starting in the north during fall typically means cooler temperatures, allowing you to avoid the summer heat and begin your journey in more comfortable conditions.
Avoiding Early Snow: Starting later in the year can help you avoid lingering snow in the high northern sections, as the snow tends to melt by late summer or early fall.
Easier Finish: Finishing in the lower elevation desert areas can make the final stages of the ride easier, especially as you may be fatigued by the end of the trail.

Cons:

Shorter Riding Season: Starting in the north in the fall gives you less time to complete the route before winter conditions set in, particularly in the higher elevations of the southern sections.
Challenging Start: The northern sections are more remote and challenging, which can be tough to tackle at the beginning of your journey when you’re still finding your rhythm.
Heat in the South: As you approach the southern end of the trail, you may encounter warmer temperatures, especially if your trip extends into late fall. This can be physically demanding after the accumulated fatigue of the earlier sections.

Both NOBO and SOBO have their unique challenges and benefits, so your choice should depend on your preferred conditions, timing, and the type of experience you’re looking for on the Arizona Trail.

ARIZONA TRAIL RACE PLANNING AIDS

Welcome to The Project’s Planning Aids, designed to bridge the gap left by the lack of high-quality planning tools within bikepacking. As a Triple Crown thru-hiker, I’m accustomed to comprehensive planning resources, and I noticed that bikepacking needed similar quality tools. That’s why I developed these resources to make your Arizona Trail adventure as smooth and well-prepared as possible.

Our planning aids include four distinct styles to help you plan your ride:

The Data Sheet offers the most detailed information, including distance, elevation +/-, resupply options, notes and more for key POI.
Town List provides cumulative distances between POI, and does the math so you don’t have to.
Mileage Chart and Elevation Gain Chart are simple graphs showing cumulative mileage and elevation gain between POI.

Each tool serves a unique purpose to support your planning and navigation needs.

Explore our offerings to find the perfect combination for your needs and get ready to conquer the AZTR! Don’t forget to checkout our online Arizona Trail Resources as well.

BUNDLES DATA SHEET / TOWN LIST MILEAGE / ELEVATION GAIN CHARTS

BUNDLES

Small Bundles:

Big Bundles:

1 2

Click “Buy Now” button below to visit 1/7 Store with larger examples and more details.

One package including our two most popular planning aids.

Data Sheet
Town List

1 2

Click “Buy Now” button below to visit 1/7 Store with larger examples and more details.

One package including all of our planning aids.

Data Sheet
Town List
Mileage Chart
Elevation Gain Chart

Available ONLY in NOBO, US Standard units versions.

Small Bundle – $40.00 + tax (CO only) *You save $10 when you bundle!

Big Bundle – $60.00 + tax (CO only) *You save $20 when you bundle!

Buy Now »

DATA SHEETS / TOWN LISTS

Data Sheets:

Town Lists:

1 2 3

Gives you the most information of any planning aid.

Click “Buy Now” button below to visit 1/7 Store with larger examples and more details.

Key POI.
Elevation / Pop of POI.
Mileage numbers.
Distance to next.
Elevation +/-.
Max & Min. elevation between POI.
Pavement sections.
Key water sources.
Shows bike shops.
Resupply options.
Important notes.
Elevation profile.
Finish Target Times.

1 2 3

Similar to the Data Sheet, with slightly less information, but displayed showing cumulative mileage and elevation gain.

Click “Buy Now” button below to visit 1/7 Store with larger examples and more details.

Key POI.
Mileage.
Distance on/off trail.
Important notes about POI.
Cumulative distances to up coming POI.
Elevation Gain to reach up coming POI.
Key water sources.
Shows bike shops.
Finish Target Times added.

All versions of the Town Lists are ONLY available as part of the Small or Big Bundles.

Available ONLY in NOBO, US Standard units versions.

Data Sheet – $25 + Tax (CO only)

Buy Now »

MILEAGE / ELEVATION GAIN CHARTS

Mileage Charts:

Elevation Gain Charts:

1 2 3

Click “Buy Now” button below to visit 1/7 Store with larger examples and more details.

Quickly find the total mileage between any two POI along the route.

Shows bike shops.
Works for both directions.
Key water sources.

1 2 3

Click “Buy Now” button below to visit 1/7 Store with larger examples and more details.

Quickly find the total elevation gain between any two POI along the route.
- Shows bike shops.
- Works for both directions.
- Key water sources.

Available ONLY in NOBO, US Standard units versions.

Big Bundle – $60.00 + tax (CO only) *You save $20 when you bundle!

Buy Now »

As an affiliate partner, One of Seven Project earns a commission for purchases made through any product, brand logo links, or banner ads on this page. Thanks for your support!

STEP 4: SETTING UP A RESUPPLY / ITINERARY SCHEDULE

Racing

Even when racing, it’s crucial to have a general plan for where you want to be and how long it should take to get there. Consider creating a chart or PDF that outlines resupply spots along the route, including mileages, hours of operation, and distances between them. Include your target arrival times at each spot based on your intended finish time, and plan for a range of days to account for variations in conditions or your own performance. Keeping this information on your phone will ensure it’s easily accessible when you need it.

If creating this plan sounds too time-consuming, you can always purchase one of The Project’s Planning Aids for a ready-made solution.

Touring

Like racing, having a flexible plan for where and when you want to be at specific locations is highly beneficial when touring. Understanding your resupply options, distances between food and water sources, and the key spots you want to visit will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

Take note of any particular locations you definitely want to stop at, or any side trips you might want to take. Don’t forget to factor in travel time to and from the trailhead. If you’re touring, consider planning a zero day for rest and recovery to fully enjoy the experience.

Pro-Tip

A big part of setting up an Itinerary is knowing what’s available and how difficult something is. The Passages pages on the ATA website are full of useful information. Going through them could be beneficial.

Whether you’re racing or touring the AZTR, having a basic itinerary is beneficial. While you don’t need to follow it rigidly, creating one helps you become familiar with the route and keeps you focused on your goals.

For more details on building an itinerary, check out the “Bikepacking: Pre-Trip Considerations” post. It covers a wide range of topics, including planning, gear, health and personal considerations, and managing electronics.

The Arizona Trail Association and AZT300-800.com are excellent reference points.

To the right, you’ll find an example itinerary, with a link to make a copy. This link also provides access to Gear Lists, a Planning Checklist, a Mail Drop Sheet, and a Food Planner.

The spreed sheets above are available on Google Docs, Please go to “Edit”, then select, ” Copy”. When pasting use Control(Command) – Shift – Paste or it won’t work. You’ll have to adjust column sizes. Then make all the changes you like! Happy planning and trails.

The below maps are meant to compliment our Planning Aids, and help riders plan their resupply before they leave and while on trail. You can also use them as GPX back ups on your phone.

*I do my best to keep these up to date with the latest GPX track but the AZT is always changing. Be sure to check for yourself.

STEP 5: GEAR

Having the right gear is essential whether you’re racing or touring the AZT. The trail’s diverse terrain—from scorching desert to high plateaus—requires a wide range of gear. For those tackling the AZT800, you’ll need additional cold weather gear for the Mogollon Rim. Gear mishaps, like forgetting items in the planning process, can happen, so make sure to have a detailed gear list and review it thoroughly.

AZT Gear Resources

My Proven Triple Crown Bikepacking Gear: A detailed gear list of what I used during my AZT.

If I Rode the AZT Again: A deep dive into what worked and what I would bring if I did the AZT again.

Rider Survey Results: Look and see what other riders have used on the AZT.

Once you’ve selected your gear, test it thoroughly. Replace any items that didn’t work well, and test your setup again. It’s much easier to make adjustments at home than on the trail. Remember, thorough testing is key—conduct a proper Shakedown Ride to ensure everything functions as expected.

Bikepacking Gear List / Photo - Tour Divide Planning Guide - Arizona Trail Planning Guide - tour divide guide

Arizona Trail Race Rider Survey

The Project conducts an ongoing rider survey to assist new riders in selecting the right gear for the Arizona Trail Race. Embarking on an adventure like the AZTR can be daunting, and the planning process overwhelming. We hope this survey will aid new riders in their preparation and execution of their Arizona Trail ride, ensuring they are better equipped for their adventure.

If you haven’t taken the Arizona Trail Race Rider Survey yet, we encourage you to participate through the links below.

***Please pay close attention to the examples provided for questions requiring typed answers. If responses are not entered exactly as shown in the examples, I will need to correct them, which can skew the results. Thank you in advance!

Take Survey #1

Covers: bikes, suspension, tires & wheels, drivetrain, and Components.

Survey 1 Results

Take Survey #2

Covers: navigation planning, camping, logistic/travel, clothes, and more.

Survey 2 Results

STEP 6: TRAINING

When preparing for a race or tour as challenging as the AZTR, training involves more than just physical conditioning. The Arizona Trail demands a combination of physical endurance, mental toughness, and a deep understanding of the terrain. As the saying goes, “The mind controls the body,” and on a route as diverse and demanding as the AZT, your mental resilience will be just as important as your physical fitness.

Every rider’s training approach is different, so consider the list below as a starting point. It’s drawn from my own experiences, emphasizing what made the AZTR tough and how you can best prepare to tackle it.

Here’s how to get ready:

Build Endurance

Long Rides: Incorporate long-distance rides into your training routine. Gradually increase your mileage to mimic the distances you’ll cover on the AZTR.
Back-to-Back Days: Train on consecutive days to simulate the fatigue you’ll experience during the race. This helps your body adapt to riding while tired.

Focus on Climbing

Hill Repeats: Include regular hill training sessions to build strength and endurance for the trail’s demanding climbs. Mix up the terrain by practicing on both short, steep inclines and longer, gradual climbs.
Load-Bearing Training: Ride with a fully loaded bikepacking setup during your hill sessions. This will prepare you for the added weight you’ll carry on the trail.

Simulate Trail Conditions

Technical Skills: The AZTR features rugged, technical sections, so practice riding on similar terrain. Focus on improving your skills in rocky, uneven, and loose conditions.
Shakedown Rides: Conduct multiple Shakedown Rides on terrain similar to the AZT to test your gear and fitness. These rides also help you practice managing nutrition and hydration.

Strength Training

Core and Upper Body: Include strength training exercises that target your core and upper body. A strong core helps with balance and control, while a strong upper body is crucial for handling the bike over technical terrain.
Leg Strength: Focus on exercises like squats, lunges, and deadlifts to build leg strength for sustained climbing and endurance.

Mental Preparation

Visualization: Visualize yourself riding through challenging sections of the AZTR. Mental preparation is key to handling the inevitable tough moments during the race.
Push Your Limits: During training, occasionally push yourself beyond your comfort zone to build mental resilience. This can be through longer rides, tougher conditions, or faster paces.

Nutrition and Hydration

Dial in Your Nutrition: Experiment with different types of food and hydration strategies during training. Find out what works best for your body during long rides, especially in hot, arid conditions similar to the AZT where electrolytes are needed.
Practice Eating on the Bike: Get comfortable with eating while riding to maintain energy levels without stopping.

Acclimate to Heat and Altitude

Heat Training: If possible, train in hot conditions to prepare your body for the desert sections of the AZTR. Gradually increase your exposure to heat to build tolerance.
Altitude Training: Spend time riding at higher elevations if you live in or can access mountainous areas. This will help your body adjust to the altitudes you’ll encounter on the AZT.

Dial in Your Hike-a-Bike (HAB) Setup

Practice Carrying Your Bike: The Grand Canyon section requires you to carry your bike, so dial in your HAB setup and practice carrying your bike during training. This will prepare you for the physical and logistical challenges of this section.

Recovery and Rest

Prioritize Recovery: Include rest days in your training plan and pay attention to your body’s signals. Adequate recovery is essential for preventing injury and ensuring consistent progress.
Sleep: Aim for quality sleep, especially leading up to the race, to ensure your body is fully rested and ready.

By focusing on these training aspects, you’ll be well-prepared for the physical and mental demands of the AZTR, setting yourself up for success on the trail.

STEP 7: DO A SHAKEDOWN RIDE

Testing your setup is crucial. Don’t assume that just packing your gear and checking the tightness will suffice. Take your loaded bike out for a ride. This will help you understand how it handles, identify any rattles or rubs, and, most importantly, discover what doesn’t work.

An untested setup can lead to unnecessary stress during your race or tour. Invest time in a thorough Shakedown Ride to eliminate potential issues and become accustomed to riding with a loaded bike.

Consider these tips when testing your setup:

Iterate and Adjust: Perfection doesn’t come on the first try. Experiment with different configurations to find what works best for you.
Balance Your Load: Ensure your gear is evenly distributed to maintain stability and control.
Address Uncertainties: If you’re unsure whether a component or setup will work, resolve these doubts before heading out.
Test Electronics: Thoroughly check your GPS and other electronics to ensure they function reliably. Know how to trouble shoot issues that might arise.
Secure Bottles: Bottles mounted on forks and down tubes are prone to falling off and rubbing. Verify that they’re securely attached to avoid losing essential water-carrying capacity.

By thoroughly testing and refining your setup, you’ll be better prepared for the challenges ahead.

More Helpful AZT Resources

Read these next.

Arizona Trail Bikepacking Guide

Your ultimate bikepacking guide to the AZT300/800.

MY PROVEN GEAR LIST FROM THE AZT

ARIZONA TRAIL RACE

A detailed look at what I used on my AZT (ITT), what worked and what didn’t.

“IF I RODE…” SERIES

AZTR

In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I rode the AZT again.

Arizona Trail Race, AZT Featured Resource, AZT Resource, Bikepacking, Bikepacking Resource, IF I Rode, New

Checkout our bikepacking resource page for more planning help.

Bikepacking Resources

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Planning for the Arizona Trail in 7 steps

ARIZONA TRAIL RACE PLANNING GUIDE

Table of Contents:

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STEP 1: AZT300/800 OR TOUR

Racing Pros:

Racing Cons:

Touring Pros:

Touring Cons:

STEP 2: PICK A DATE

AZT300/800

TOUR

STEP 3: WHICH DIRECTION TO GO?

NOBO (Mexico to Utah):

Pros:

Cons:

SOBO (Utah to Mexico):

Pros:

Cons:

ARIZONA TRAIL RACE PLANNING AIDS

BUNDLES

Small Bundles:

Big Bundles:

DATA SHEETS / TOWN LISTS

Data Sheets:

Town Lists:

MILEAGE / ELEVATION GAIN CHARTS

Mileage Charts:

Elevation Gain Charts:

STEP 4: SETTING UP A RESUPPLY / ITINERARY SCHEDULE

Racing

Touring

STEP 5: GEAR

Arizona Trail Race Rider Survey

STEP 6: TRAINING

Build Endurance

Focus on Climbing

Simulate Trail Conditions

Strength Training

Mental Preparation

Nutrition and Hydration

Acclimate to Heat and Altitude

Dial in Your Hike-a-Bike (HAB) Setup

Recovery and Rest

STEP 7: DO A SHAKEDOWN RIDE

More Helpful AZT Resources

Arizona Trail Bikepacking Guide

MY PROVEN GEAR LIST FROM THE AZT