What you need to know: The first two miles of the trail from the southern terminus is closed indefinitely from 13 July 2020.

What’s happening? Access to the Southern Terminus of the Arizona Trail is restricted, due to construction on the border wall.

• Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to install 30-foot steel bollards along the Arizona-Mexico border.

• The southernmost two miles of the AZT is closed during construction (in the interest of public safety).

Where? US and Mexico border.

When? From 13 July 2020.

• No completion date has been confirmed - e.g. it will be closed indefinitely.

What’s wrong with it? A lot of people are against the border wall, namely the Arizona Trail Association and conservationists.

Despite their efforts to lessen the impact of construction on wildlife and those who enjoy the trail, CBP is said to be moving quickly to complete border barrier construction.

In the words of the ATA:

“This project will significantly impact the southern terminus of the Arizona National Scenic Trail, transform the landscape, and forever alter the Arizona Trail experience.”

Can I hike the Arizona Trail whilst construction work is happening?

You can still hike the AZT, with the exception of the southernmost two miles of the trail - e.g. the first two miles from the South Terminus.

In addition, the inner Grand Canyon is currently closed due to COVID-19 (as of 19 July 2020).

Yes it sucks not being able to start (or finish) at the South Terminus, however you can still hike the remaining 798 miles of the trail (subject to the Grand Canyon re-opening to the public).

When is the best time to hike the Arizona Trail?

The Arizona Trail has two hiking seasons and if you are planning on hiking the AZT this year (Oct - Nov 2020), you will need to check if the southern terminus and inner Grand Canyon is open to the public.

• Spring - March to April

• Fall - October to November

Hiking southbound is the preferred direction for a fall hike (Utah border to Mexico border), allowing more time for construction work to be completed by the time you reach the southern terminus.