The Utah Terminus… THE END

May 13, 2023

Mile 784.8-799.6 (14.8 miles)

THE END!!!

I woke early and thirsty around 6 and we were moving by 7. I took small sips of my water to get me through until we reached the first water source where I drank a full liter, brushed my teeth and washed my face. We hiked on, the trail dipping into small canyons and back up again. The last few miles were beautiful with red rocks and orange flowers.

MuoN met up with us about a mile from the terminus and I ran to hug her. I met her on the AT in 2020 and feel so grateful she offered to drive here the whole way from Vegas to pick us up.

As we reached the terminus a huge gust of wind kicked up and a storm rolled in. The poem on the monument brought tears to my eyes and reads:

“The Arizona Trail

In the land of Arizona

Through desert heat or snow

Winds a trail for folks to follow

From Utah to Old Mexico

It’s the Arizona Trail

A path through the great Southwest

A diverse track through wood and stone

Your spirit it will test

Some will push and pedal

And some will hike or run

Others will ride their horse or mule

What else could be more fun?

Oh, sure, you’ll sweat and blister

You’ll feel the miles each day

You’ll shiver at the loneliness

Your feet and seat will pay.

But you’ll see moonlight on the borderlands

You’ll see stars on the Mogollon

You’ll feel the warmth of winter sun

And be thrilled straight to the bone.

The aches and pains will fade away

You’ll feel renewed and whole

You’ll never be the same again

With Arizona in your soul.

Along the Arizona Trail

A reverence and peace you’ll know

Through deserts, canyons, and mountains

From Utah to Old Mexico.“

-Dale R. Shewalter

We got plenty of pictures, kissed and then hopped in the van. 2 other hikers needed a ride to Kanab so we squeezed them in the van too. As we drove away big fat rain drops fell from the sky and picked up into a downpour. I cannot believe we made it the entire trail without a single drop of rain. MuoN navigated us smoothly down the road full of craters and ditches as quickly as we could as the road is known to have flash floods in storms.

In Kanab we grabbed some food, went to see a dinosaur print, stopped at Pink Sand Dunes SP, and ended up here at Zion. We’re now stealth camped just outside the boundaries of Zion. MuoN is parked in her van just a little ways away on the side of the road. Tomorrow we’re going to hike some in Zion and stop at Bryce Canyon- and then… Vegas!

I cannot believe this incredible trail is over.