The Arizona Trail is an 800-mile long-distance route running the length of Arizona from near the Mexican border to the Utah line, linking mountain ranges, plateaus, the Mogollon Rim, and the Grand Canyon. Conceived in 1985 by Flagstaff teacher Dale Shewalter, it was assembled by connecting existing trails and gradually completing missing sections. The Arizona Trail Association, incorporated in 1994, organized volunteers, mapping, water-source identification, construction, maintenance, and fundraising. Designated a National Scenic Trail in 2009 and completed in 2011, it serves hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, and cross-country skiers. Its upkeep relies heavily on volunteers, reflecting its importance as one of the Southwest’s major long-distance trails.