The SaddleBrooke Hiking Club is pleased to present a documentary produced and directed by Darwin Rakestraw, called “The Arizona Trail: Through the Great Southwest”. Immediately following the viewing, several of our own hiking club members who have completed this fabulous trek will join us for a panel discussion where they will share firsthand impressions. This special presentation is scheduled for 4 p.m. in the MountainView Ballroom—different from the usual club’s program location—on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
In 2009, Congress named the Arizona Trail a National Scenic Trail. Dale R. Shewalter, “the father of the Arizona Trail”, wrote, “I am personally grateful for all of the devoted people who have worked so hard to bring National Scenic status to our Arizona Trail. The trail will be an adventure for generations of outdoors people to enjoy, and the magic of Arizona’s landscape will be shared with the world.” This documentary not only showcases the shear majesty of the trail, but also delves into just what it takes to bring such a gem to reality.
Dale Shewalter, a Flagstaff Public School teacher, conceived of the idea of a non-motorized trail traversing Arizona from Mexico to Utah after numerous long-distance hikes throughout the state. Because of his vision, determination, teambuilding and hard work, a long-distance trail that highlights the state’s biologic, geologic and historic diversity became a reality.
‘Through the Great Southwest’ is a film which Darwin Rakestraw, in partnership with the Arizona Trail Association, documents the community and the efforts behind the 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT) that spans the length of Arizona, between Mexico and Utah.
Deeply diverse in geography and history, the AZT is truly a modern multipurpose trail—loved and used by an array of hikers, runners, riders, equestrians and supporters from across the state. The film showcases the stunning landscapes of the trail while exploring the impact this path has on users and community members.
In just 40 minutes, the film encourages people to participate in a broader conversation about the trail and its community. In a uniquely thoughtful manner, it highlights the people most intimately involved with the AZT, like Matt Nelson, Executive Director of the ATA, and Rob Bauer, the volunteer who has made nearly 100 iconic gates for the Trail.
‘Through the Great Southwest’ focuses on the faces behind the scenes that give this iconic trail the energy and direction (quite literally) hikers see as end-users. It leaves the viewer with a deep sense of gratitude not only for the beauty of the trail itself, but the community members and advocates who are deeply proud to have put this trail on the map.
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