SAMAYA x PATRICK MORILLON
ARIZONA TRAIL EXPERIENCE: 1,287 KM OF ADVENTURE AND RESILIENCE
Patrick Morillon, accompanied by two friends passionate about wide-open spaces, hiked the Arizona Trail, a legendary 1,287-kilometer route connecting Utah to Mexico. In total autonomy, they explored the deserts, forests, and canyons of the American West. An intense adventure, rich in challenges and emotions, which Patrick shares with us for Samaya.
What motivated you to undertake this project? Why did the Arizona Trail stand out as your choice?
In 2024, our project was to hike the Arizona Trail (AZT), an exceptional trail crossing the state of Arizona for 1,287 km, from the Utah border down to Mexico. This iconic route offered us 39 stages in the heart of nature, 35 of which were spent in tents, and included the crossing of a legendary site: the Grand Canyon National Park.
After hiking the John Muir Trail in the autumn of 2023, the desire to head back out and explore the American West never left us. We initially considered the Colorado Trail, but its snowy conditions in October pushed us to look for an alternative. The Arizona Trail, completed in 2011, stood out as an obvious choice: a varied route blending desert, forests, and canyons, rich in visual, cultural, and environmental discoveries.
But beyond the physical challenge, this project was, above all, a human adventure. Sharing these intense moments as a team, experiencing strong emotions in wild landscapes, and pushing ourselves together: that is the quest that drove us.
After hiking the John Muir Trail in the autumn of 2023, the desire to head back out and explore the American West never left us. We initially considered the Colorado Trail, but its snowy conditions in October pushed us to look for an alternative. The Arizona Trail, completed in 2011, stood out as an obvious choice: a varied route blending desert, forests, and canyons, rich in visual, cultural, and environmental discoveries.
But beyond the physical challenge, this project was, above all, a human adventure. Sharing these intense moments as a team, experiencing strong emotions in wild landscapes, and pushing ourselves together: that is the quest that drove us.
Can you describe the itinerary of your expedition and what makes this trail unique in your eyes?
Despite the unpredictability of such an adventure, we had meticulously prepared our expedition to limit unexpected events. Starting in the winter of 2024, we organized regular meetings, created a detailed technical sheet for each stage, and carefully studied the water and resupply points, which are crucial in such an arid environment.
The Arizona Trail presented us with extreme weather conditions. Temperatures averaged 36°C in October, with fluctuations sometimes reaching up to 35°C between day and night. Hydration was essential: we carried up to 6 liters of water per day, always with a one-liter reserve for emergencies.
As for food, our meals were simple but adapted: noodles, mashed potatoes, tuna, dried meat, and cereals, with an effort to include a fresh fruit or vegetable every day, such as apples or carrots. Physically, we leveraged our experience as mountain professionals and our practice of the Wild Trekking Concept® (WTC). With stages averaging 37 km, and sometimes up to 52 km, the cumulative elevation gains regularly reached 1,500 m. But it was only as we progressed that we truly measured the difficulty of the terrain: a constant sequence of "yoyos" made every stage more demanding than expected.
Finally, the local wildlife reminded us that in the heart of nature, vigilance is mandatory. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, tarantulas, and even black bears: every bag, shoe, and tent had to be carefully checked to avoid unpleasant surprises.
The Arizona Trail presented us with extreme weather conditions. Temperatures averaged 36°C in October, with fluctuations sometimes reaching up to 35°C between day and night. Hydration was essential: we carried up to 6 liters of water per day, always with a one-liter reserve for emergencies.
As for food, our meals were simple but adapted: noodles, mashed potatoes, tuna, dried meat, and cereals, with an effort to include a fresh fruit or vegetable every day, such as apples or carrots. Physically, we leveraged our experience as mountain professionals and our practice of the Wild Trekking Concept® (WTC). With stages averaging 37 km, and sometimes up to 52 km, the cumulative elevation gains regularly reached 1,500 m. But it was only as we progressed that we truly measured the difficulty of the terrain: a constant sequence of "yoyos" made every stage more demanding than expected.
Finally, the local wildlife reminded us that in the heart of nature, vigilance is mandatory. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, tarantulas, and even black bears: every bag, shoe, and tent had to be carefully checked to avoid unpleasant surprises.
How did you prepare for a challenge of this magnitude, both physically and logistically?
We split the route into nine sections, ranging from 115 to 230 km each, interspersed with strategic resupplies. Upon arrival in Phoenix, we made our final equipment purchases before taking a domestic flight to Page. On-site, the help of "trail angels" like Denise Hargis allowed us to access the starting point of the AZT.
Over such a distance, the unexpected is inevitable. This year, several areas of the trail were affected by fires. We had to improvise: move out of burnt areas, walk on isolated roads, or hitchhike to bypass obstacles.
Minor injuries were also part of daily life: blisters, foot chafing, and tendon pain, aggravated by the heat of the ground and packs sometimes loaded up to 20 kg.
The isolation required total autonomy in terms of navigation and safety. Equipped with GPS beacons, mobile apps, and solar panels, we were able to manage emergency situations, even in areas without cell service.
For sleeping, the Samaya INSTANT2 tents proved essential. Lightweight, compact, and resistant, they offered us precious comfort to recover after intense days. Complemented by inflatable mattresses and suitable sleeping bags, they allowed us to face the cool nights with complete peace of mind.
Psychologically, mental preparation made the difference. We knew our personalities and our habits. The autonomy of each individual, with personal tents and a minimal emergency kit, allowed us to find the right balance between solitude and shared moments.
Over such a distance, the unexpected is inevitable. This year, several areas of the trail were affected by fires. We had to improvise: move out of burnt areas, walk on isolated roads, or hitchhike to bypass obstacles.
Minor injuries were also part of daily life: blisters, foot chafing, and tendon pain, aggravated by the heat of the ground and packs sometimes loaded up to 20 kg.
The isolation required total autonomy in terms of navigation and safety. Equipped with GPS beacons, mobile apps, and solar panels, we were able to manage emergency situations, even in areas without cell service.
For sleeping, the Samaya INSTANT2 tents proved essential. Lightweight, compact, and resistant, they offered us precious comfort to recover after intense days. Complemented by inflatable mattresses and suitable sleeping bags, they allowed us to face the cool nights with complete peace of mind.
Psychologically, mental preparation made the difference. We knew our personalities and our habits. The autonomy of each individual, with personal tents and a minimal emergency kit, allowed us to find the right balance between solitude and shared moments.
What were the greatest difficulties encountered on the trail and how did you overcome them?
Doubts are inevitable in such an endeavor, especially at the beginning, when you wonder if your preparation was sufficient. Despite our motivation and experience, we knew that an unforeseen injury could jeopardize everything. Fortunately, these uncertainties gave way to confidence as we progressed through the stages.
Is there a specific moment or experience that, for you, summarizes the beauty and intensity of this adventure?
Without hesitation: the sunrise from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Seeing the light slowly reveal the immensity of this legendary site is an indescribable experience. Even having visited this place before in 1996, I rediscovered its full grandeur. These moments transcend words: you have to experience them to understand them.
Looking back, what have you learned from this adventure and how has it changed your perception of nature and exploration?
We returned transformed, enriched by a profound human experience and strengthened resilience. This adventure taught us the importance of sharing, mutual aid, and managing adversity. Each of us has grown from it, with memories that will remain etched forever.
