Celebrate Arizona Public Lands Day: An All Afield Hike with AWF + AZT in Sandy’s Canyon
Saturday, April 4, 2026 @ 8:30 AM
Join us for a guided hike in Sandy’s Canyon near Flagstaff, Arizona, as we celebrate Arizona Public Lands Day in partnership with the Arizona Trail Association. This hidden canyon offers a beautiful place to experience northern Arizona’s landscapes while connecting with the public lands that support wildlife, recreation, and outdoor traditions across our state.
We begin along the canyon rim before descending into Sandy’s Canyon, where dramatic rock walls and ponderosa pine forest create a striking backdrop. After about 1.5 miles, we’ll reach the Arizona Trail, one of Arizona’s most iconic long-distance trails, before turning around and hiking back the same way.
Along the way, we’ll talk about the importance of Arizona’s public lands, how trails like the Arizona Trail connect landscapes and communities, and how these places support wildlife and outdoor recreation. Sandy’s Canyon offers a great place to introduce people to the outdoors and experience the beauty of northern Arizona.
Highlights:
- Reach the Arizona Trail and learn about this iconic statewide trail
- Experience the dramatic rock walls and scenery of Sandy’s Canyon
- Celebrate Arizona Public Lands Day outdoors
- Learn about native wildlife and plant species and the importance of Arizona’s public lands
What to Bring:
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Hat and sun protection
- Plenty of water!
- Snacks
- Layers for changing mountain weather
- Binoculars (optional but recommended, we have 4 pairs to loan)
Additional Info:
- We will email meeting location details and directions to registered participants before the hike (the parking area does not always appear correctly on Google Maps)
- Hike difficulty: easy to moderate — approximately 3 miles roundtrip with a descent into the canyon and gradual climb back out
- Prepare for mountain conditions by bringing layers, sun protection, and extra water
- No restroom facilities are available at the trailhead
For More Info: Contact Elise Ketcham, AWF’s Communications Manager, at elise@azwildlife.org
