The Arizona National Scenic Trail
This Spring, I am excited to be taking my yoga practice off the mat and outdoors as I embark on a thru-hike of The Arizona Trail (AZT). This 811-mile trail spans the state of Arizona from the Mexico border to Utah, crossing over mountain ranges, through deserts and down (and back up!) the Grand Canyon. While I have a regular yoga practice, am a hiker, backpacker and runner – this hike will be my most physically and mentally demanding challenge to-date!
Hike for YETI
I feel incredibly lucky to be hiking with my friend, mentor and fellow yoga teacher: Jessica Winters. Wildflower, as she’s known on the trail, has achieved the Triple Crown of thru-hiking trails and has summited some of the highest peaks in the world. Additionally, she is an outdoor advocate and guide for YETI (Youth Experiential Training Institute) whose mission is to get kids of all ages and background outside – developing stewardship, character and grit through outdoor adventures. We will be hiking to bring awareness to this awesome organization and raise funds for a new YETI transport Van.
To make a donation or to check on our fundraising progress,
click here.
Q & A
Why the Arizona Trail?
The stars aligned a bit for this hike to happen. I knew I was ready for this challenge, and have aspirations of one day hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, but wanted to test my hiking legs first. I am intimidated by the desert because it is so unknown to me; I am intrigued for the same reason. When one of my best friends and the most knowledgeable backpacker I know proposed this fantastic adventure all in support of a great cause – I knew I had to seize the opportunity!
Will you keep in touch while hiking?
Yes! At least, that’s the plan. I intend on keeping in touch through my social media sites and through this blog.
I’ll be honest, I have never thru-hiked before and I have never blogged before, so I’ll let you guess how much I know about blogging while thru-hiking. I have no clue what ‘keeping connected’ will look like. It might mean a photo stream of random cactus and red rock or it might mean long-winded, over-thought musings on yoga philosophy and life in general. I am anxious to see where the trail will take me…
Will you carry all of your food for 2 months?
Phew. No. That would be heavy!! We plan to re-supply in communities along the trail and with the help of reliable friends and family. I’ll post more about what it takes to plan for a trip like this in the future. I’m really looking forward to exploring Arizona’s trail towns along the way!
How can you leave your life for this long?
25% Planning. 25% Hard Work. 50% Support of employers, co-workers, friends and family
Are you afraid of snakes?
Yes.
And tarantulas. And scorpions. And jaguars.
Have you read ‘Wild’?
No. And I haven’t seen the movie either. I’ll get around to it sometime… right now I’m too busy hiking ;)
What questions do you have?
I look forward to hearing from you over the next few months of this adventure!