SAMAYA x PATRICK MORILLON
ARIZONA TRAIL EXPERIENCE: 1,287 KM OF ADVENTURE AND RESILIENCE
Patrick Morillon, accompanied by two friends with a passion for the great outdoors, hiked the Arizona Trail, a legendary 1,287-kilometer route linking Utah to Mexico. Completely self-sufficient, 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 emerge as your choice?
In 2024, our project was to hike the Arizona Trail (AZT), an exceptional trail crossing the state of Arizona over 1,287 km, from the Utah border to Mexico. This emblematic itinerary offered us 39 wilderness stages, 35 of which were spent in tents, and the crossing of a mythical site: Grand Canyon National Park.
After completing the John Muir Trail in the fall of 2023, the desire to explore the American West again never left us. We first considered the Colorado Trail, but its snowy conditions in October prompted us to look for an alternative. The Arizona Trail, completed in 2011, was the obvious choice: a varied itinerary mixing desert, forests and canyons, rich in visual, cultural and environmental discoveries.
But beyond the sporting challenge, this project was above all a human adventure. Sharing these intense moments as a team, experiencing strong emotions in wild landscapes and surpassing ourselves together: this was the quest that drove us.
After completing the John Muir Trail in the fall of 2023, the desire to explore the American West again never left us. We first considered the Colorado Trail, but its snowy conditions in October prompted us to look for an alternative. The Arizona Trail, completed in 2011, was the obvious choice: a varied itinerary mixing desert, forests and canyons, rich in visual, cultural and environmental discoveries.
But beyond the sporting challenge, this project was above all a human adventure. Sharing these intense moments as a team, experiencing strong emotions in wild landscapes and surpassing ourselves together: this was the quest that drove us.
Can you describe the itinerary of your expedition and what makes this trail unique for you?
Despite the unpredictability of such an adventure, we had meticulously prepared our expedition to limit the unforeseen. As early as winter 2024, we organized regular meetings, drew up a detailed technical sheet for each stage and carefully studied the water and supply points, crucial in such an arid environment.
The Arizona Trail offered us extreme weather conditions. Temperatures averaged 36°C in October, with variations of up to 35°C between day and night. Hydration was essential: we carried up to 6 liters of water a day, with always a 1-liter reserve in case of emergency.
Food-wise, 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. On the physical front, we drew on 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 altitude difference regularly reached 1,500 m. But it was only as we progressed that we really got to grips with the difficulty of the terrain: a constant series of "yo-yos" made each stage more demanding than expected.
Finally, the local wildlife reminded us that in the wilderness, vigilance is essential. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, tarantulas and even black bears: every bag, shoe and tent had to be carefully checked to avoid unpleasant surprises.
The Arizona Trail offered us extreme weather conditions. Temperatures averaged 36°C in October, with variations of up to 35°C between day and night. Hydration was essential: we carried up to 6 liters of water a day, with always a 1-liter reserve in case of emergency.
Food-wise, 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. On the physical front, we drew on 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 altitude difference regularly reached 1,500 m. But it was only as we progressed that we really got to grips with the difficulty of the terrain: a constant series of "yo-yos" made each stage more demanding than expected.
Finally, the local wildlife reminded us that in the wilderness, vigilance is essential. 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 divided the route into nine sections, ranging from 115 to 230 km each, interspersed with strategic refuelling points. On arrival in Phoenix, we made our final equipment purchases before boarding a domestic flight to Page. On site, the help of trail angels like Denise Hargis enabled us to reach the AZT starting point.
Over such a distance, the unexpected is inevitable. This year, several areas of the trail were affected by fires. We had to improvise: get out of burnt areas, walk on isolated roads or hitchhike around obstacles.
Minor injuries were also part of the daily routine: blisters, foot warm-ups and sore tendons, aggravated by the heat of the ground and bags sometimes loaded up to 20 kg.
Isolation required total autonomy in terms of orientation and safety. Equipped with GPS beacons, mobile applications and solar panels, we were able to manage emergency situations, even in areas without a network.
For sleeping, the Samaya INSTANT2 tents proved essential. Lightweight, compact and durable, they offered invaluable comfort for recuperating after intense days. Complemented by inflatable mattresses and adapted sleeping bags, they enabled us to face the cool nights in complete serenity.
Psychologically, our mental preparation made all the difference. We knew each other's characters and habits. Everyone's autonomy, with individual tents and a minimal first-aid kit, enabled 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: get out of burnt areas, walk on isolated roads or hitchhike around obstacles.
Minor injuries were also part of the daily routine: blisters, foot warm-ups and sore tendons, aggravated by the heat of the ground and bags sometimes loaded up to 20 kg.
Isolation required total autonomy in terms of orientation and safety. Equipped with GPS beacons, mobile applications and solar panels, we were able to manage emergency situations, even in areas without a network.
For sleeping, the Samaya INSTANT2 tents proved essential. Lightweight, compact and durable, they offered invaluable comfort for recuperating after intense days. Complemented by inflatable mattresses and adapted sleeping bags, they enabled us to face the cool nights in complete serenity.
Psychologically, our mental preparation made all the difference. We knew each other's characters and habits. Everyone's autonomy, with individual tents and a minimal first-aid kit, enabled us to find the right balance between solitude and shared moments.
What were the greatest difficulties you encountered on the trail, and how did you overcome them?
Doubts are inevitable in such an undertaking, especially at the outset, when you wonder whether the preparation has been sufficient. Despite our motivation and experience, we knew that an unforeseen injury could jeopardize everything. Fortunately, these uncertainties gave way to confidence as the stages progressed.
Is there a particular moment or experience that sums up for you the beauty and intensity of this adventure?
Without hesitation: sunrise from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Watching the light slowly reveal the immensity of this mythical site is an indescribable experience. Even though I had already visited this place in 1996, I rediscovered all its grandeur. These moments transcend words: you have to experience them to understand them.
Looking back, what did you learn from this adventure and how did it change your perception of nature and exploration?
We return transformed, enriched by a profound human experience and strengthened resilience. This adventure taught us the importance of sharing, of helping each other and of dealing with adversity. Each of us has grown from it, with memories that will stay with us forever.
