Loading Trips

« All Trips

Arizona National Scenic Trail – Tonto National Forest, AZ – Volunteer Vacation 2024

April 7 @ 12:00 pm - April 13 @ 10:00 am

Trip Navigation

Explore Arizona’s largest national forest and provide critical support to trails in Tonto National Forest! The Tonto National Forest landscapes include Sonoran Desert cacti and flat lands that lead into the highlands of the Mogollon Rim, with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 7,900 feet. Volunteers on this project will experience Tonto National Forest’s thru-hiker season and provide support to outdoor enthusiasts with this project. 

Volunteers will provide critical maintenance on a remote section of the Arizona National Scenic Trail that has been impacted by fires in the last decade. The trail work will include tread repair, rock work, brushing, and general trail maintenance. Volunteers will hike from their campsite to the project site. The project will take place within 2 miles of basecamp, with up to 4 miles of hiking each day. Elevation change will vary depending on the project location. The hike to the basecamp will begin from a remote ranch with limited access. 4wd vehicles will shuttle participants to the trailhead. From there, it is approximately 6.5 miles to base camp, with 2,700′ elevation gain. The trail is rocky and rough, but easy to navigate. Terrain is mostly open with oak and scrub vegetation.

During this trip, Tonto National Forest’s average high temperature is 87°, and average low temperature is 57°.

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.

AHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē, and Hohokam peoples past and present. We honor the land itself, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations, their deep and sacred connection to these lands, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We offer this land acknowledgement as the first of many steps to stand as an ally and amplify Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to join us through continued efforts to support Indigenous communities and learn more about the history of the lands on which we live, work and recreate.

Click here for a PDF of trip details.

Host

Arizona Trail Association

Accommodations

Primitive Tent Sites

Hiking/Access

The hike to the basecamp will begin from a remote ranch with limited access. 4wd vehicles will shuttle participants to the trailhead. From there, it is approximately 6.5 miles to base camp, with 2,700' elevation gain. The trail is rocky and rough, but easy to navigate.The project will take place within 2 miles of basecamp, with up to 4 miles of hiking each day. Elevation change will vary depending on the project location.

Project Rating

Strenuous

Minimum Volunteer Age

18

Maximum Group Size

9

Area and Attractions

The Mazatzal (pronounced mah-zaht-zahl) Wilderness contains some of the most rugged and remote parts of the Arizona National Scenic Trail with almost 71 miles between passenger-car access points. Unlike its more famous cousin to the south, the Superstition, the Mazatzal is dominated by pine and brush covered mountains, near vertical walled canyons and unique quartzite cliffs. Volunteers will camp in the northern portion of the Wilderness, about 7 miles above the Gila River. Just beyond the Wilderness boundary is the outdoor recreation wonderland of Arizona’s Rim country. Check out Tonto Natural Bridge State Park - the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. Hike or bike on the Highline National Recreation Trail under the spectacular Mogollon Rim - dotted with freshwater creeks and red sandstone cliffs. The mountain communities of Payson, Pine and Strawberry are filled with cute shops, cafes and festivals nearly every spring weekend. The campsite for volunteers is remote so nearby recommendations would be to explore the AZT or hike the City Creek Trail.

Accommodations Description

Volunteers will camp in backcountry campsites. Support will be provided by equestrian friends, so volunteers can hike in with lighter packs and reserve their energy for the trail. The campsite will be near a dependable spring and equipment for filtering water will be provided. Toilets are not provided in the backcountry and a shower will be available at the end of the trip. Volunteers will need to bring their own tent and personal camping gear, bedding, towels, and toiletries.

Travel

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona is the closest major airport. Airport pick up and drop off is available for volunteers and will be arranged upon confirmation of the trip.

Location

Tonto National Forest – Arizona National Scenic Trail
1000 W Country Club Drive, Payson, AZ 85541 United States + Google Map
Register