The Arizona Trail (AZT) is 800 mile route across the state that links mountain ranges, deserts and communities. It features some of the most scenic trails in the country. When finished, it will be a lasting legacy for the state of Arizona.

The AZT is the product of a tremendous volunteer effort. Volunteers are sorely needed in the Tucson area due to a major gap in the trail between the Rincon and Santa Rita mountains. The Cienega Corridor Construction Project's goal is to fill that gap with singletrack perfect for running, hiking, cycling and horseback riding.

A hardy group of SAR members volunteered their efforts on March 18, 2006. "SAR day" was sponsored by the running group, which meant a $250 donation to the Arizona Trail Association to pay for tools, signs and other costs.

SAR day focused on building trail within Colossal Cave mountain park. The new section of trail will link La Sevilla picnic area with La Posta Quemada Ranch. Existing sections of trail run north 7 miles to Rincon Creek and south 8 miles to Highway 83 at Sahuarita Road. The biggest challenge of the day was removing stubborn root balls from the trail tread. Some took upwards of 15 minutes to hack away at. Persistence paid off, and in the end the group succeeded in building some beautiful sections of trail.

After the four hour work event lunch was provided by Beyond Bread. A number of the SAR group then rounded out the day by testing out the new trail--they went for a run! Apparently they didn't work hard enough.

Volunteers are still needed, even for non-SAR day events. If you are interested in working on the AZT head over to their website to learn more.

Several SAR members are planning on attending the April 23rd event.

Volunteers included Steve and Sheryl Felde, John Norris, Paula Morrison, Scott Morris, Scott Segal, Doug Kelly, Randy Gimblett, Salvadore Taormina, and Olga Kuhn.