AZT 29 — Outside Flagstaff

Daily miles 20
Total miles 570
Camp elevation 6600

Another chilly night last night. Water was frozen in our bottles again, though we didn’t feel nearly as cold as the night/morning before… Likely because the air was much more still today.

It was Wild America on the plateau today. We saw over 25 elk total at different times as well as 20ish antelope. Really neat to see some big game a few times during the day. We never get too close before they get spooked and start moving away, but usually we are able to stand and watch them for a few minutes. The antelope actually came closer (within 150 yards ) when we ran into the first group this am.

The day was spent largely walking flat terrain, until the last couple miles as we near Flagstaff. We got several nice views of the San Francisco peaks over the course of the day.

Shortly after our lunch break, we came across a trail magic tote… We very much enjoyed the soda and nutter butters that were set out. Later, we realized by the language of the note, that the trail magic was probably intended for bicyclists doing the AZT. Thanks to the anonymous trail angel for the treat!

We met another thru hiker this afternoon as well. A young guy with a respectable beard, named Cameron. He was linking up a few different trails and doing large parts of the Grand Enchantment Trail, AZT, some cross country across Arizona, PCT, and Pacific Northwest Trail. Should be a great journey. Hopefully, we will see him in Flagstaff as he plans to take a day off as well.

We had a really clear water source early today, and then the rest of the day was not so good. There were several tanks en route, but they were pretty difficult to access as the earth on the edges was very soft. We could have waded out through the soup, but decided to just pass and head for the next one…. Which would ultimately be in the same condition.

Beardoh got 3 cactus pieces caught on him at once.. Sometimes these things are like magnets.

Tonight we are camped just short of Flagstaff, AZ. We will head in to the city tomorrow. The AZT goes right through town and the hostel where we plan to stay isn’t too far from the trail. We’ll get in early, so we will find a breakfast place and relax till we can check in at the hostel.