Highline Reroute-Mail Creek with AHS

Come help the Arizona Trail Association build new trail to improve some of the most memorable hikes in Arizona! The 17 miles that the AZT shares with the Highline National Recreation Trail is one of the most historic trail corridors in the Southwest. Here, the pines reach to the sky and the vistas stretch out forever as the trail follows the base of the Mogollon Rim and climbs to the Colorado Plateau. For those who are familiar with this territory, it can be as challenging as it is beautiful. Much of the trail is on old roads or historic ranch routes that were not designed with sustainability in mind. As a result, much of the tread is badly eroded, steep and choked with loose rock and debris. Creating a more sustainable alignment and user-friendly corridor is an ongoing battle for trail crews and planners a like. The Tonto National Forest has launched a concerted effort to replace some of these badly eroded sections, including approximately 1.2 miles of the AZT, with sustainable tread. Volunteers will contribute to this effort through participation in all stages of construction, including brushing, building tread, small stone work projects and moving debris. The hike to and from the worksite will be between 1 and 3 miles each day. The Arizona Trail Association prides itself in providing superior hospitality to its volunteers by providing excellent meals, detailed training and beautiful camping locations. This event is currently listed for registration through the American Hiking Society’s Volunteer Vacations program. Participation in the event through AHS helps to support their mission to protect the places you love to hike. Remaining slots will be opened to ATA volunteers in September.