The Department of Homeland Security and the Arizona Trail Association discussed the closure of the Arizona National Scenic Trail and the plans to construct a double-layered border wall through the Coronado National Memorial.
Trump Administration officials said there is a possibility of the trail reopening in late 2027 at the intersection of Yaqui Ridge Trail and Joe’s Canyon Trail but added it would leave hikers with restricted access.
It is not yet clear how much of the national park will be affected by this closure as there has been no release of a designated planning area.
Two rows of 30-foot-high steel barriers separated by a 150-foot-wide road will mark the regions border that has formally been the start or end point for hikers attempting the entirety of the Arizona Trail.
Matthew Nelson, Executive Director of Arizona Trail Association, and Eamon Harrity, Program Manager at Sky Island Alliance Wildlife, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the trail closure.
