Milissa, California

Hi, I’m Milissa from California (originally) - currently living in Arizona. I work in Flagstaff as a Practitioner of Chinese Medicine, Acupuncturist and Herbalist.

I have hiked somewhere in the ballpark of 9,000 miles since 2013 and hoping to break 10,000 soon! Highlights in the USA include hiking the John Muir Trail, Pacific Crest Trail (NOBO and SOBO), Tahoe Rim Trail, Colorado Trail and Grand Canyon Rim-2-Rim trail.

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My Arizona Trail.

When?

Spring of 2019

How long did it take?

44 days
Average daily mileage @ 18 miles

Start and finish location?

Start: Mexico border
Finish: Utah border

How many zeros?

3 zero days

Group or solo?

Solo

Describe your experience in one word or phrase.

“Expect the Unexpected”.

Favourite item of gear and why?

I have two!

Montbell Umbrella, for which I got my trail name (Mary Poppins)- used for both sun and snow/rain.
Plexamid Solo Z Packs Tarp Tent - my safe haven. Even though it is paper thin, it protected me from all the crazy desert creatures, snow and rain, and it only weighs 15.8 oz.

Luxury item?

Keyboard.

Folding bluetooth keyboard which I use for journaling/blog.

Arizona Trail, Spring 2019 — “Best part.”

The best part of my trip was honestly the whole thing and just the opportunity to get out there!
I absolutely loved how much and how often the landscape of Arizona changed - the North and South parts of the trail were entirely different.
Bonus: My Mom was my personal re-supply and trail support in several trail towns, so it was wonderful getting to share the experience with her!

“Unexpected part.”

I actually got more rain and snow than many of the other long trails I've hiked, or at least way more than I expected in the desert!
Then there were days of 100°F along with long water-less stretches and I got to learn how much the heat tires one out.
I had to often stop and rest mid day in the shade, and wound up doing quite a lot of night hiking to make up more miles. Even though night hiking isn’t my favorite, it became more comfortable the more I did it, and hiking under the desert stars is quite special.

Camping on AZT — “If I could do it again, I would _____”

Hike the AZT SOBO so I could enjoy the Fall season and see the trail scenery from the opposite direction.

What advice would you give to people thinking about hiking the AZT?

Do it!

Expect a lot of weather changes, from extreme sun to rain to snow.
Try some night hiking.
Get used to gathering (filtering and drinking) cow shit water (bring a scoop).
Get used to sleeping near cow/elk poop.
Know your water needs and plan accordingly for longer carries.
There are LOTS of rocks (no joke) in Arizona and this can really become tedious. Just be patient, it's type 2 fun, plan on needing a 2nd pair of shoes along the way.
You will encounter lots of rattlesnakes, usually you will hear them before you see them.
Almost every desert plant has spines or thorns, try not to grab them with your hands if you can help it and check the ground if you use an inflatable sleep pad so you don't pop it accidentally like I did.
Navigation on the AZT is straight forward but there are TONS of dirt roads/forest service roads that you use or cross making is easy to walk the wrong way (I speak from experience)!
When you get to the Grand Canyon National Park, you will need to apply for an overnight permit if you wish to camp beneath the rim. It may take 1-3 days for the permit to be available, however you can camp in the hiker/biker campsite while you wait it out. Stay at least a night down under the rim, it is the most magical place on Earth!
The AZTA is an amazing organization, please do become a member and make a donation, sign up for their newsletter, they do such a wonderful job! You can always count on their website to be up to date with the latest information and trail closures.