Payson Roundup | Payson, AZ

The public is invited to celebrate the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day this Saturday on the Arizona Trail, north of Flagstaff.

This year’s event is dedicated to Dale Shewalter, the “Father of the Arizona Trail,” who passed away this past winter. The day will include a memorial to Shewalter, raffle and prizes, and construction of an unfinished portion of the Arizona Trail.

Shewalter envisioned a continuous path that spanned the state of Arizona from Utah to Mexico.

“We’re excited to continue fulfilling Dale’s vision,” said Sean Murphy, Trails and Wilderness coordinator for the Coconino National Forest Peaks/Mormon Lake District. “This is one of the last sections of the Arizona Trail that needs to be constructed. In Dale’s memory, we’ll continue closing the gap.”

Who: Participants of all ages

Where: Schultz Tank – accessed by Shultz Pass Road (FR420) or Elden

Springs Road (FR556). Please carpool and arrive early, as parking is

limited.

When: Saturday, June 5 at 7:30 a.m.

Bring: Wear long pants and sturdy shoes, a sports helmet or hard

hat, gloves, water and sunscreen

Provided: Tools, some hard hats and gloves, water for refills, and lunch

(free for participants)

Event Partners: USFS Coconino National Forest Peaks/ML District, Arizona Trail Association, Flagstaff Biking Organization, Coconino County, American Conservation Experience, Coconino Rural Environmental Corps, Coconino Horsemen’s Alliance, Coconino Trail Riders

The Arizona Trail is 800 miles long and was recently dedicated as National Scenic Trail. For additional information on the Arizona Trail, visit www.aztrail.org. For information on this year’s National Trails Day event at Shultz Tank, contact Sean Murphy at Peaks Ranger District at (928) 526-0866.