Tucson woman tackling Arizona Trail, raising money
May 23, 2014, 5:00 AM | Updated: 11:37 am
PHOENIX — An Arizona woman is taking the walk of a lifetime — just to enjoy the scenery.
Sirena Dufault, 40, began her 817-mile stroll March 14 near Sierra Vista. Her goal is to raise awareness and money for the Arizona Trail, she said.
“I originally got inspired by the Arizona Trail when I saw a map of the trail,” Dufault said. “On the map were all of these fantastic places like the Grand Canyon, San Francisco Peaks, Superstition Mountain, Saguaro National Park — and this trail connected them all.”
Dufault said she plans on completing the trek May 31 at the Arizona-Utah border. She said she spends about 10 hours a day walking, usually getting started around 9 a.m.
She estimated she’s alone about half the time, but has invited others to join her on her crusade to enjoy Arizona’s diverse scenery and raise $20,000 to maintain, protect and promote the Arizona Trail.
On Friday, a reception is being held for her at the Big E Steakhouse & Saloon near the Grand Canyon, where she’ll spend Saturday through Monday before moving further north.
She said she has no plans to take it easy on her stomach over the weekend just because she’s in the middle of a long jaunt.
“Are you kidding me? I’ve been hungry since about the second week of the hike, so I’ll be partaking for sure,” said Dufault.
You can learn more about the Arizona Trail or to make a donation, click here.
