Great Western Trail
The Great Western Trail is a multiple use corridor of trail systems in the western states of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. The trail stretches from Canada to Mexico and covers some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.Saturday, February 7, 2009
Arizona GWT
I've been asked about the Arizona section of The Great Western Trail so I've tried to find the best info available. Here follows.
In Arizona the GWT is a system of existing backcountry roads that run north and south from Mexico to Utah. The Arizona Section materialized in April, 1996 on the Tonto National Forest when the first segment of the trail was established on the Bulldog Canyon Trail of the Mesa Ranger District. On April 25, 1998 the 72-mile Cave Creek Segment of the GWT was dedicated along with Sears-Kay Ruin-the first sanctioned "Point of Discovery" along the trail. The Ruin is an ancient Hohokam fortress atop a hill with a strategic view of the confluence of the Verde and Salt Rivers.
On this route, you'll experience the desert oasis that is 7- Springs Campground, on to Bloody Basin up the Prescott Rim to Prescott National Forest and the Verde Segment of the GWT. Sycamore Creek, Agua Fria Grasslands, Dugas then across the Black Canyon Freeway on the Cherry Overpass. The GWT traverses up through chaparral brush then on to the cool Ponderosa Pine forest on Mingus Mountain.
The trail leaves Mingus Mountain behind as it drops into the Verde Valley at Perkinsville. North of the river the GWT climbs a gentle portion of the Mogollon Rim. Above the rim is the world's largest stand of Ponderosa Pine trees. White Horse Lake is a cool retreat along the trail. Another "Point of Discovery" is at a vista that overlooks Sycamore Canyon. Past Garland Prairie and up 1-40, the GWT goes through the small community of Parks. Here you will find the only gas station along the GWT since Fountain Hills. North of Parks the trail continues through the Kaibab National Forest and north of Highway 180 to the Tusayan Ranger District. The GWT winds it's way near the Grandview Lookout Tower where visitors can get a spectacular view of the Grand Canyon. Naturally travelers have the opportunity to leave the GWT and visit Grand Canyon National Park, the Trail's most awesome "point of discovery."
From Grandview Lookout the proposed route slips off the Coconino Rim and down into the Navajo Nation and the surreal Colorado Plateau to the austere world of red and white sandstone The stark landscape captivates the imagination; go with beauty and above all, treat the Dinee (the Navajo people) and their land with respect. At Cameron one must stop in at the Navajo Tribal Park Ranger Station for a back country permit (for travel, camping or hiking).
North of the Little Colorado River one proposed route of the GWT roams the country west of Highway 89 and the rugged and beautiful Echo Cliffs. This is the Blue Moon Bench and Little Colorado River Gorge Navajo Tribal Park. Shinumo Altar looms large as a prominent landmark just east of the Marble Canyon Gorge.
Near Bitter Springs the lay of the land forces travelers onto the paved Highway 89-A as a tangle of side canyons rapidly fall into the abyss as you approach the Navajo Bridge over Marble Canyon Gorge. At this point the topography has squeezed you onto the pavement until you wrap around the gorge and find yourself under the towering Vermillion Cliffs. Near House Rock Valley you slip off the highway and to the south. More big country, Buffalo Ranch and a different perspective of Shinumo Altar. Since Navajo Bridge you've been on the Arizona Strip BLM lands. Just north of South Fork Canyon the GWT begins to ascend the North Kaibab Plateau of the Kaibab National Forest. There are several vistas along this segment where you might just be lucky enough to spot a gigantic California Condor orbiting in the thermals above the Vermillion Cliffs.
Cross 89-A just a few miles east of Jacob Lake and on to Orderville Canyon north as you descend the North Kaibab Plateau toward the Buckskin Mountains. You'll catch glimpses of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument in Utah. Could it be possible that what lies up there is as rewarding as the experience you just left behind? The journey is the destination, enjoy.
This description of the Arizona sections of the GWT has been provided by: Arizona State Parks ph: (602)542-4174
VISION STATEMENT
FOR
THE ARIZONA SEGMENT
OF THE
GREAT WESTERN TRAIL
The Arizona Section of the Great Western Trail (GWT) provides an opportunity for Arizonans and visitors of Arizona to experience a side of the state which the less adventuresome will never see; a way to discover the beauty of the land, not conquer it. To travel a long distance vehicular route with the utmost sensitivity to the land. The GWT will appeal to a diverse cross section of people including the physically challenged and mountain bicyclists, who seek adventure, solitude, beauty, cultural history, bird and wildlife watching, overnight camping and day trips. The recreation experience will vary from "easiest" (traversable by high clearance and two wheel drive) to "most difficult" which challenges skill and machine. From lush Sonoran desert, to cool pine forests, to the surreal Colorado plateau the GWT will provide another way to bring people and places together, whether it be a few hours in an afternoon or several days or weeks traveling from border to border of this magnificent state. The GWT will utilize existing routes wherever possible, connecting rural communities where travelers will have the opportunity to re-fuel and obtain supplies. The GWT will eventually join with multiple use corridor of trails at the Utah border. The GWT will be a partnership between user groups and public land agencies to provide unique opportunities to educate people on ecological systems and how they interact with the environment. This will be accomplished by producing user guides, and interpretive sites, to allow visitors to learn about Arizona's history, vegetation, wildlife, topography and geography.
The Organization
In January, of this year, Mr. Don Blackburn flew to Utah to meet with the Board of Trustees of the National GWT Organization. Don recently took over as President of the GWT Arizona Section. His trip to Utah was primarily to meet the board and discuss several issues that were of concern. These issues included Arizona's legal status, representation and communication concerns (with the National Organization) and a grass roots membership direction we felt was vital to our efforts in Arizona. On 17 February, 2000 at a meeting in Prescott, the decision was made to form a new not-for-profit corporation named "Arizona Great Western Trail, Inc." We do not consider this important step to be (in any manner) a departure from the GWTA or any agenda supported by the GWTA. There is however, an identified need for a formal, legal status. We also feel all the states should be represented on the National Board of trustees of the GWTA. We are committed to support the agenda of the National Organization (as always) and to complete the "Corridor of Trails" and see the "National Trail Designation" achieved without complications or undue delay. This step will make Arizona much stronger as a private, non-profit, state membership organization. We will make a significant contribution to the GWT via our "close affiliation" with the GWTA. We will look for continuity between all the states and the GWTA via improved communications and open sharing of information. We feel this is what is needed for the states to draw support from sponsors and build a grass roots membership body within their individual state's section. We will have a web site to promote the Arizona section of the GWT and hopefully link to the other states and National GWTA site. Our "Memberships 4 Miles" campaign is targeted at signing up every off road and diverse multi-use group we can offer "free memberships" too. The goal is to have every mile of the GWT in Arizona adopted by Clubs, Organizations and Individuals who support the GWT. With the numbers we expect to achieve we will become a huge body of multi-use (pro access) citizens. The National Trail Designation and preservation of this historic multi-use trails system will create the synergy we need to generate money and stimulate results. The Arizona Section goal is to have the trails adopted and maintained by users in cooperation with landowners and public land stewards. We are also working to generate a "sustainable funding mechanism" for our section. We look to complete the mapping (in a standardized format) and proper signage of our state section. The results of our organized, private sector group in the multi agency and private partnerships will be greatly facilitated by the strength of a focused grass roots organization. Arizona will continue to support and promote the GWTA and the leadership of this fine organization. We will seek their direct participation in our Dedications, Awards and Arizona Trails community events. We will look forward to positive communication and collaboration when considering mapping formats, National Media exposure and promotions. We do not see this organizational adjustment having any negative effect whatsoever on the GWTA and expect this will create the platform needed to energize our section.
Progress
Since 1993, Arizona State Parks Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Fund and Federal Recreation Trails Program have been supporting the GWT with grants. As of December 1999, $868,377 has come from Arizona State Parks OHV Fund and another $304,354 from Federal Trails Program, totaling $1,172,731. These funding sources are important to the success of the GWT and we will continue to work with State and Federal agencies to utilize these monies.
The following lists current status of GWT in Arizona.
160 miles completed and signed (this is the Tonto NF and most of Prescott)
120 miles ready for contract (30 mi may need revising near Parks) 9 miles to be constructed by FS road crew
15 miles- alignment set on BLM at UT border, needs details finalized.
18 miles- Babbitt Ranch area realigning due to antelope, need right-of-way
75 miles on paved roads- ADOT and Fountain Hills, needs signs
14 miles on Mingus, PNF, alignment set, needs signs 70 miles on Navajo Nation lands. working on approval with Tribe
481 miles
In Arizona the GWT is a system of existing backcountry roads that run north and south from Mexico to Utah. The Arizona Section materialized in April, 1996 on the Tonto National Forest when the first segment of the trail was established on the Bulldog Canyon Trail of the Mesa Ranger District. On April 25, 1998 the 72-mile Cave Creek Segment of the GWT was dedicated along with Sears-Kay Ruin-the first sanctioned "Point of Discovery" along the trail. The Ruin is an ancient Hohokam fortress atop a hill with a strategic view of the confluence of the Verde and Salt Rivers.
On this route, you'll experience the desert oasis that is 7- Springs Campground, on to Bloody Basin up the Prescott Rim to Prescott National Forest and the Verde Segment of the GWT. Sycamore Creek, Agua Fria Grasslands, Dugas then across the Black Canyon Freeway on the Cherry Overpass. The GWT traverses up through chaparral brush then on to the cool Ponderosa Pine forest on Mingus Mountain.
The trail leaves Mingus Mountain behind as it drops into the Verde Valley at Perkinsville. North of the river the GWT climbs a gentle portion of the Mogollon Rim. Above the rim is the world's largest stand of Ponderosa Pine trees. White Horse Lake is a cool retreat along the trail. Another "Point of Discovery" is at a vista that overlooks Sycamore Canyon. Past Garland Prairie and up 1-40, the GWT goes through the small community of Parks. Here you will find the only gas station along the GWT since Fountain Hills. North of Parks the trail continues through the Kaibab National Forest and north of Highway 180 to the Tusayan Ranger District. The GWT winds it's way near the Grandview Lookout Tower where visitors can get a spectacular view of the Grand Canyon. Naturally travelers have the opportunity to leave the GWT and visit Grand Canyon National Park, the Trail's most awesome "point of discovery."
From Grandview Lookout the proposed route slips off the Coconino Rim and down into the Navajo Nation and the surreal Colorado Plateau to the austere world of red and white sandstone The stark landscape captivates the imagination; go with beauty and above all, treat the Dinee (the Navajo people) and their land with respect. At Cameron one must stop in at the Navajo Tribal Park Ranger Station for a back country permit (for travel, camping or hiking).
North of the Little Colorado River one proposed route of the GWT roams the country west of Highway 89 and the rugged and beautiful Echo Cliffs. This is the Blue Moon Bench and Little Colorado River Gorge Navajo Tribal Park. Shinumo Altar looms large as a prominent landmark just east of the Marble Canyon Gorge.
Near Bitter Springs the lay of the land forces travelers onto the paved Highway 89-A as a tangle of side canyons rapidly fall into the abyss as you approach the Navajo Bridge over Marble Canyon Gorge. At this point the topography has squeezed you onto the pavement until you wrap around the gorge and find yourself under the towering Vermillion Cliffs. Near House Rock Valley you slip off the highway and to the south. More big country, Buffalo Ranch and a different perspective of Shinumo Altar. Since Navajo Bridge you've been on the Arizona Strip BLM lands. Just north of South Fork Canyon the GWT begins to ascend the North Kaibab Plateau of the Kaibab National Forest. There are several vistas along this segment where you might just be lucky enough to spot a gigantic California Condor orbiting in the thermals above the Vermillion Cliffs.
Cross 89-A just a few miles east of Jacob Lake and on to Orderville Canyon north as you descend the North Kaibab Plateau toward the Buckskin Mountains. You'll catch glimpses of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument in Utah. Could it be possible that what lies up there is as rewarding as the experience you just left behind? The journey is the destination, enjoy.
This description of the Arizona sections of the GWT has been provided by: Arizona State Parks ph: (602)542-4174
VISION STATEMENT
FOR
THE ARIZONA SEGMENT
OF THE
GREAT WESTERN TRAIL
The Arizona Section of the Great Western Trail (GWT) provides an opportunity for Arizonans and visitors of Arizona to experience a side of the state which the less adventuresome will never see; a way to discover the beauty of the land, not conquer it. To travel a long distance vehicular route with the utmost sensitivity to the land. The GWT will appeal to a diverse cross section of people including the physically challenged and mountain bicyclists, who seek adventure, solitude, beauty, cultural history, bird and wildlife watching, overnight camping and day trips. The recreation experience will vary from "easiest" (traversable by high clearance and two wheel drive) to "most difficult" which challenges skill and machine. From lush Sonoran desert, to cool pine forests, to the surreal Colorado plateau the GWT will provide another way to bring people and places together, whether it be a few hours in an afternoon or several days or weeks traveling from border to border of this magnificent state. The GWT will utilize existing routes wherever possible, connecting rural communities where travelers will have the opportunity to re-fuel and obtain supplies. The GWT will eventually join with multiple use corridor of trails at the Utah border. The GWT will be a partnership between user groups and public land agencies to provide unique opportunities to educate people on ecological systems and how they interact with the environment. This will be accomplished by producing user guides, and interpretive sites, to allow visitors to learn about Arizona's history, vegetation, wildlife, topography and geography.
The Organization
In January, of this year, Mr. Don Blackburn flew to Utah to meet with the Board of Trustees of the National GWT Organization. Don recently took over as President of the GWT Arizona Section. His trip to Utah was primarily to meet the board and discuss several issues that were of concern. These issues included Arizona's legal status, representation and communication concerns (with the National Organization) and a grass roots membership direction we felt was vital to our efforts in Arizona. On 17 February, 2000 at a meeting in Prescott, the decision was made to form a new not-for-profit corporation named "Arizona Great Western Trail, Inc." We do not consider this important step to be (in any manner) a departure from the GWTA or any agenda supported by the GWTA. There is however, an identified need for a formal, legal status. We also feel all the states should be represented on the National Board of trustees of the GWTA. We are committed to support the agenda of the National Organization (as always) and to complete the "Corridor of Trails" and see the "National Trail Designation" achieved without complications or undue delay. This step will make Arizona much stronger as a private, non-profit, state membership organization. We will make a significant contribution to the GWT via our "close affiliation" with the GWTA. We will look for continuity between all the states and the GWTA via improved communications and open sharing of information. We feel this is what is needed for the states to draw support from sponsors and build a grass roots membership body within their individual state's section. We will have a web site to promote the Arizona section of the GWT and hopefully link to the other states and National GWTA site. Our "Memberships 4 Miles" campaign is targeted at signing up every off road and diverse multi-use group we can offer "free memberships" too. The goal is to have every mile of the GWT in Arizona adopted by Clubs, Organizations and Individuals who support the GWT. With the numbers we expect to achieve we will become a huge body of multi-use (pro access) citizens. The National Trail Designation and preservation of this historic multi-use trails system will create the synergy we need to generate money and stimulate results. The Arizona Section goal is to have the trails adopted and maintained by users in cooperation with landowners and public land stewards. We are also working to generate a "sustainable funding mechanism" for our section. We look to complete the mapping (in a standardized format) and proper signage of our state section. The results of our organized, private sector group in the multi agency and private partnerships will be greatly facilitated by the strength of a focused grass roots organization. Arizona will continue to support and promote the GWTA and the leadership of this fine organization. We will seek their direct participation in our Dedications, Awards and Arizona Trails community events. We will look forward to positive communication and collaboration when considering mapping formats, National Media exposure and promotions. We do not see this organizational adjustment having any negative effect whatsoever on the GWTA and expect this will create the platform needed to energize our section.
Progress
Since 1993, Arizona State Parks Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Fund and Federal Recreation Trails Program have been supporting the GWT with grants. As of December 1999, $868,377 has come from Arizona State Parks OHV Fund and another $304,354 from Federal Trails Program, totaling $1,172,731. These funding sources are important to the success of the GWT and we will continue to work with State and Federal agencies to utilize these monies.
The following lists current status of GWT in Arizona.
160 miles completed and signed (this is the Tonto NF and most of Prescott)
120 miles ready for contract (30 mi may need revising near Parks) 9 miles to be constructed by FS road crew
15 miles- alignment set on BLM at UT border, needs details finalized.
18 miles- Babbitt Ranch area realigning due to antelope, need right-of-way
75 miles on paved roads- ADOT and Fountain Hills, needs signs
14 miles on Mingus, PNF, alignment set, needs signs 70 miles on Navajo Nation lands. working on approval with Tribe
481 miles
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