When to ride the Arizona Trail?

[Use it or lose it]

I am looking to ride the Arizona Trail next year. Which months are best for attempting this? I know that the AZTR 750 race takes place in the middle of April - is it possible to ride the trail before then, in late March, early April? Or I guess snow is too much of a possibility then. And is the Fall a decent time - say late September and October? Thanks for any advice on this.

[AZTtripper]

Early start really depends on the year and snow fall. Some years you'd be fine and at least in the south the only part that has much snow is Oracle Ridge and that is just the top 2-3 miles.

Fall can also be good up north just don't get down south too early 100 degree temps can hold out into early Oct. And there's always a chance of getting caught by an early fall storm. Also most fall trips are N-S rather then the way the race is in the spring S-N.

How long are you planning on? An early start to a slower tour paced ride would be good as you get cooler temps in the south and then give things a chance to melt out up north. And starting early up north ahead of any possible storms but not getting down into the heat to fast should work.

The last two years with the 750 and the average 2 week time no one has gotten to ride the trail on the north rim due to snow. Starting earlier and going fast will most likely guarantee snow up there.

Hope that helps
Tim

[Use it or lose it]

Thanks Tim for the advice. Great Help

I would ideally like to do the AZTR 750, so as to ride with people, but I will probably struggle to get the vacation then. So that's why I was wondering about a plan B.

I am aiming for a two week trip, although I realise that this looks a tough trail to do. I completed a TD ITT last year and I have ridden the Colorado Trail, so thought this should be next!

I like the idea of deciding on the direction of the trip based on the time of year, to get the most favorable conditions. That is superb advice. So it sounds that if I can't do the race in April, a N-S trip in the Fall is best. Although is it possible to start S-N late April/early May, or is it too hot by then?

Thanks again

[AZTtripper]

Here's some intel things to consider.

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon opens May 15 closes Oct 15. On AZT trips I have always gotten there when they are closed. It's great to have the place to yourself basically, other then staff from the park and resort, you can if you want to camp right on the rim. Once the place is open it's a zoo, but you can get all of the services ie food.

They have been getting pretty good snow up there the last two years not huge bug enough to put racers on the pavement in late April even early May. But then it could all melt off by mid May. The timing is tough to get good weather in the South and no snow in the North.

Picking your dates: for a spring trip early May is just too late for the south maybe a week later then mid April typical start date of the AZTR. That could make it a lot hotter in the South but give you a better chance at more ST in the North. Fall it would still be possible to go S-N it would be hot in early Oct in the South but you should be able to beat the first snows.

Turning it around and going N-S might make things easier for pre planning the Canyon if your not racing and wanted to make reservations for camping or Phantom Ranch. Not sure when the North Rim back-country office closes for the year.

N-S vs S-N route differences: there aren't that many but one major one is on Mt Lemmon. It makes zero sense to push up Oracle Ridge when you can just go up the Control Road, then go down on trails instead of pavement. It's not all signed yet but these trails are set to become the AZT Wilderness bypass. Not that the race would likely go up single track but it will be the recommended N-S course.   

Tim

[Use it or lose it]

This all helps a lot. Thanks Tim. This is food for thought. I will have to decide what to do. Phil