Hiking the Arizona Trail as an Older Woman: Finding Joy on Day 3

Day 3 of my Arizona Trail thru-hike and I’m starting to get the hang of this. As an older woman hiker I was unsure on Day 1 but not anymore.

AZT NOBO Miles 21-34

The Joy of Hiking : I Could Do This Everyday of My Life

I woke up on Day 3 of my Arizona Trail journey and had one crystal-clear thought: “I could do this every day of my life.”

And then it hit me—I was going to do this every day, for the next two months! That realization brought a rush of pure joy. I felt more alive that morning than I had in years.

That’s the beauty of hiking the Arizona Trail as an older woman—you discover that your capacity for adventure, wonder, and happiness doesn’t fade with age. In fact, it might even grow stronger.

The Freedom of Hiking the Arizona Trail as an Older Woman

As I lay in my tent, breathing in the crisp, pine-scented air, I thought about how long I’d dreamed of this life. Just me, the trail, and the endless horizon. Okay… and Jan and David, my trusty trail companions. But they were part of this dream too—two people who understood why hiking the Arizona Trail as an older woman felt so significant to me.

It wasn’t just about the miles or the landscapes. It was about freedom. About waking up each day with no agenda other than to walk, breathe, and soak in the beauty around me.

On Day 3, that freedom felt even more real.

Our Longest Day Yet on the Arizona Trail

We didn’t start the day with a mileage goal. That’s one thing I love about hiking the Arizona Trail as an older woman—you can listen to your body and move at your own pace. There’s no rush, no pressure to keep up with the younger, faster hikers. It’s your journey.

Yet somehow, we logged our longest day so far—14 miles!

Part of the reason was practical. As the sun began to sink lower in the sky, we started searching for a place to camp. But the trail had other ideas. For a mile or two, we found nothing but rocky mountain slopes. And let me tell you—mountain slopes make terrible campsites, no matter how determined you are to pitch a tent.

The Magic of Manzanita Trees

Eventually, we stumbled on a perfect camping spot nestled among one of my favorite trees: the Manzanita. Their bright red bark and tiny green leaves are gorgeous against the muted desert backdrop. I first fell in love with Manzanitas while hiking in California’s Mount Diablo State Park. Seeing them again while hiking the Arizona Trail as an older woman felt like a little sign from the universe that I was exactly where I was meant to be.

A Simple Meal, A Perfect Ending

The scenery that day had been a bit repetitive—rolling hills through the arid Canelo Hills, dotted with oak trees, mesquite, and tall grasses. But even when the landscape is monotonous, every day on the Arizona Trail feels different when you’re living it moment by moment.

That night, I enjoyed my second round of trail lasagna. It might sound simple, but after 14 miles of hiking, it tasted like a gourmet feast. I savored every bite under a sky full of stars.

Days like this are why hiking the Arizona Trail as an older woman fills my soul. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

FAQs About Hiking the Arizona Trail as an Older Woman

Is hiking the Arizona Trail as an older woman realistic, even if you’ve never done a thru-hike before?
Absolutely! Many older women take on the AZT, even without prior thru-hiking experience. Start with smaller sections, train gradually, and build your confidence. The trail community is incredibly supportive, and your life experience is a huge asset.

What’s the biggest benefit of hiking the Arizona Trail as an older woman?
Freedom and self-discovery. It’s a chance to reconnect with yourself, prove your resilience, and find joy in nature. Every day offers new challenges and beauty, helping you rediscover just how strong and capable you truly are.

How do you handle food cravings while hiking the Arizona Trail as an older woman?
Simple meals can taste amazing after a long day of hiking. I always pack comfort foods like freeze-dried lasagna for morale boosts. Listen to your body, stay hydrated, and don’t be afraid to indulge in a “trail luxury” meal once in a while—it makes the experience even richer!

Thank You for Stopping By!

Hi, I’m Allie, obsessed hiker, explorer of our world and reinventor of my life in my 50s.

Here at AllieRambles I explore what it means to rebuild and chase freedom in your 50s and beyond—because life doesn’t end at midlife, it begins.

I also write A LOT about being outdoors hiking, biking and paddling as much as I can – all over the United States and beyond.

Let’s wander, grow, and figure it out together.

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Video : AZT Thru Hike Day 3

More about the AZT:

• Arizona Trail
• Guthooks Guide for AZT – App we used to navigate
• All AZT posts on AllieRambles

Thanks for stopping by!

~Allie