Arizona Backpacking Project
Arizona Backcountry - On Your Terms
We've spent thousands of combined miles on Arizona trails - the Grand Canyon, the Superstitions, the Arizona Trail, and trails most people have never even heard of. We're not here to sell you a guided trip. We're here to hand you what we've learned.
Arizona's backcountry is serious terrain. Complex permits. Variable water sources. Weather that changes without warning. Getting it right takes preparation - and getting really good takes time most people don't have to spend.
That's where we come in. We've done the homework. We've made the mistakes. We've carried the too-heavy packs, filtered the questionable water, and ended more than a few days exhausted in ways that didn't feel worth it. We learned from all of it - some lessons the hard way, some the painful way - and we're sharing what we know so your next trip goes better.
Explore the Project
Core Resources
Three ways to use what we've learned: plan your own trip, find field-tested gear, or browse the blog by topic.
DIY Resources
Permits, regions, packing lists, and mapping tools for planning your own Arizona backpacking trip.
Gear Lab
Gear that survives Arizona's rock, UV, thorns, and dust. Field-tested recommendations and packing lists.
AZBP Blogs
Trip reports, gear reviews, skills, safety, trail food, and the stories that don't fit a guide.
Getting Started
New to Backpacking?
Arizona backcountry is incredible - and it demands respect. The learning curve is real, but you don't have to climb it alone. We've compiled the basics a new backpacker needs to get from "interested" to "on the trail" safely.
Beginner's Guide & SkillsWhat Gear Do I Actually Need?
The essential gear list for Arizona conditions - what to buy, what to skip, and what you probably already own.
Where to Go First
Arizona's best beginner-friendly trails - manageable miles, reliable access, and forgiving terrain for building confidence.
Water, Heat & Safety Basics
The non-negotiables for Arizona: how much water to carry, heat illness signs, and the safety habits that keep you alive.
Plan Your First Trip
Start with the DIY Resources hub: regions, permits, packing lists, and maps for your first Arizona backpacking trip.