Arizona Trail Resupply Guide
YOUR RESUPPLY HOW TO FOR THE AZT.

ARIZONA TRAIL RESUPPLY GUIDE

Resupplying for the Arizona Trail Race (AZTR) might seem straightforward, but it requires careful planning to ensure a successful journey. While the AZTR offers accessible resupply options, knowing exactly where to find key resources along the trail can make a significant difference in your race or tour. This guide is designed to help you navigate the essential details of resupply, uncovering crucial stops that can greatly impact your experience.

Effective resupply planning is vital whether you’re racing or touring. From my own experience, I’ve learned that thorough preparation is key—missing out on critical locations can happen if you’re not adequately informed. To streamline your planning, I’ve developed detailed AZTR planning aids that provide comprehensive information on key resupply points, water sources, and more. With the insights provided in this guide and the linked resources, you’ll be well-prepared to manage your food and water needs, boosting your chances of a successful AZTR adventure.

For additional insights, consider consulting the Arizona Trail Association’s resources, Farout App, and engaging with online communities.

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FOOD RESUPPLY OPTIONS

This guide provides essential information on food resupply points, meal planning, and strategies to ensure you stay well-nourished throughout your journey on the Arizona Trail Race (AZTR) from the Arizona/Mexico border to the Utah state line. Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining energy and stamina across the challenging terrain of the AZTR. Knowing where to find food and how to manage your supplies can significantly impact your overall experience on this demanding route.

Key Areas with Limited Food Availability

While the AZTR passes through several towns and resupply points, there are certain stretches where food options are limited. Here are some areas where you’ll need to be particularly prepared:

Southern Arizona: The section between the start at the Mexico border and Tucson has only one on trail resupply option. From Tucson to Hwy. 60 Gold Canyon, Summerhaven in the only only trail resupply. Ensure you carry enough non-perishable, high-calorie foods to sustain you through this remote area.
Mogollon Rim: This area is known for its rugged terrain and limited services. Stock up on food in Pine or Payson, as resupply options are scarce until you reach Flagstaff.

Planning Your Food Strategy for the Arizona Trail Race

To effectively manage your food needs on the AZTR, consider the following tips:

Research Resupply Points: Use detailed information and planning aids specific to the AZTR to identify towns and stores along the route where you can restock your supplies. Knowing where and when to resupply is crucial to avoid running low on food, especially in the more remote sections of the trail.
Stock Up Early: Start with enough non-perishable, high-calorie foods to sustain you through the initial miles, especially between the race start at the Mexico border and the first significant town, Patagonia. Depending on your pace and goals, consider how much food you’ll need to cover this and other early sections.
Plan for Off-Trail Resupplies: Some key resupply points may require brief detours off the main trail. Be sure to map out these additional distances and elevation changes in advance, so you can incorporate them into your overall strategy without losing too much time or energy.
Timing is Crucial: Timing your arrival at key resupply points is essential, especially in areas with limited options or irregular store hours. For example, plan your ride to reach towns like Oracle or Pine when services are open, as missing out could mean a much longer stretch without proper food.
Pack Efficiently: Prioritize foods that are lightweight, non-perishable, and high in calories. Space is limited, so efficient packing will help you maximize your storage and ensure you have enough energy-dense options to keep you going between resupply points.
Stay Flexible: Many resupply locations along the AZTR are small with limited healthy options, so be prepared to adjust your food strategy based on what’s available. Always carry extra snacks or meals for emergencies, and remain adaptable if a planned resupply point is closed or understocked.

Meal Planning and Resupply Tips

Effective meal planning for the Arizona Trail involves balancing convenience, nutritional value, and weight. Here are some tips and strategies to ensure you stay well-nourished throughout your journey:

High-Calorie, Lightweight Foods: Opt for foods that provide a high calorie-to-weight ratio. Nuts, dehydrated meals, energy bars, and jerky are excellent choices. Pack efficient, lightweight, and non-perishable items to make the most of your limited storage space.
Regular Resupply: Plan to restock your food supplies at major towns along the route. Use our Arizona Trail Planning Aids to identify key resupply points and avoid running low on food. Research and plan your stops in advance to ensure you have access to necessary supplies.
Variety: Incorporate a variety of foods to prevent menu fatigue and ensure a balanced diet. Include sources of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Mixing up your meals can help maintain morale and energy levels.
Meal Frequency: Eating small, frequent meals can help maintain energy levels throughout the day. Snacking regularly and having more substantial meals at resupply points can keep you fueled and prevent energy dips.
Cooking vs. Non-Cooking: According to the Arizona Trail Survey, while some riders carry small stoves for cooking, most rely on ready-to-eat foods to save time and reduce the need for additional gear.

By following these tips and utilizing our Arizona Trail Planning Aids, you can effectively manage your food supplies and stay well-nourished on your Arizona Trail adventure. Proper meal planning and resupply strategies are crucial for maintaining energy and stamina throughout this challenging route.

The above 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 the above up to date but the AZT is always changing. Be sure to double check for yourself that these are using the latest GPX.

To the right, you’ll find our free resource with essential tools for your Arizona Trail adventure, including a Mileage Difference Chart, Gear List, Bike Shop List, Planning Checklist, Itinerary, Mail Drop Planner, and Food Planner. This free version offers a solid starting point to kick off your planning.

For those seeking comprehensive and in-depth guidance, our full Arizona Trail Planning Aids are your go-to resource. These detailed tools provide the most complete information available, helping you to plan and execute your ride with precision. Check them out for a thorough preparation and maximize your chances of success. Best of luck on your journey!

AZT Town Resupply list, bikepacking, guide, free, town list

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.

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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 Arizona Trail! 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!

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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)

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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 »

WATER RESUPPLY

Proper hydration is vital for a successful and safe Arizona Trail Race (AZTR) experience. The route, which stretches from the Arizona/Mexico border to the Utah state line, traverses a variety of terrains and climates, each presenting its own challenges in sourcing and managing water. This guide provides essential information about water sources, filtration methods, and best practices for carrying water throughout your journey.

Key Areas with Limited Water Availability

Several sections of the AZTR are known for their scarcity of reliable water sources. Here are some areas where you need to be especially cautious:

Southern Arizona: The initial portion of the trail, from the Mexico border to Patagonia, is extremely arid with few water sources. Plan to carry extra water and know where you can refill along this stretch. One can get dehydrated quickly during the start and never recover.

Mogollon Rim to Flagstaff: There a very few (and seasonal) on trail water sources throughout this section of trail. Off trail water is available but will add time and mileage to an already long rugged section.

Cedar Ranch TH to Tusayan: This long and exposed section of the route offers little in the way of shade and even less water. Be sure to carry enough water to safely reach Tusayan.

Utilizing resources such as the Arizona Trail Association’s water reports and staying updated with recent trail conditions will help you effectively manage your hydration strategy on the AZTR. The Farout App is another great resource for finding water sources.

Pro-Tip

Keep in mind the towns listed on the ATA website represents the hiking route and the bike route on Farout is different from the official route. So if you look at a list on either you have to make sure it’s on the actual route and also adjust the mileage.

Insights on Water Carrying Capacity and Delivery Systems

Use your best judgement, filter unknown sources, do your research before you go. According to the responses from the Arizona Trail Survey, riders use various strategies to manage their water needs:

Water Carrying Capacity: Seventy-five percent of riders carry between 4 to 6 liters of water.
Preferred Delivery Systems:
- Hydration Bladders: These are favored for their convenience and capacity. They allow for easy sipping without stopping.
- Water Bottles: Many riders use a combination of hydration bladders and water bottles to balance convenience and capacity.

Planning Your Water Strategy

To effectively manage your water needs, consider the following tips:

Research Water Sources: Use the detailed information in our Arizona Trail Planning Aids to identify reliable water sources along the route. Knowing where to find water can help you plan your daily water intake and carrying capacity. The maps from the ACA are another great source.
Monitor Weather Conditions: Weather can significantly impact water availability. Stay updated on weather forecasts and adjust your water strategy accordingly.
Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adapt your plan if you encounter unexpected conditions or if a planned water source is dry.
Include Electrolytes: Ensure you have a strategy for replenishing electrolytes, especially during hot or strenuous sections. Electrolyte tablets or powders can help maintain your energy levels and prevent dehydration.

With the right preparation and knowledge, you can ensure you stay hydrated and safe throughout your Arizona Trail adventure. For more detailed information and planning tools, consider our comprehensive Arizona Trail Planning Aids, which offer the most thorough guide available to help you successfully navigate this epic journey. Best of luck!

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

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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