Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions by folks interested in joining the Migrant Trail. If you have any additional questions that are not answered here or on the rest of this website, please feel free to e-mail us at azmigranttrail@gmail.com.
What are the demographics of participants on the Migrant Trail?
The ages of participants vary greatly on the Migrant Trail. Our youngest participant was 7 years old, and our oldest was 80. On average, we have a large portion of our group that is 18-35 years old, and an equally large group that ranges in the 45-80 age group. The group tends to be slightly more women than men, and approximately one-fourth to one-third people of color. Our group is a mix of individuals who spiritual and/or religious (many faiths are represented), individuals from the activist and social justice community, and those who are neither but feel moved to walk with us.
Are there age restrictions for the Migrant Trail?
There is no maximum age restriction for the Migrant Trail. Any individual who is fit/able enough to walk most and/or all of a 12-16 mile walk each day for 7 days is welcome to join us. Our oldest participant was 80 years old, and left plenty of younger folks in the dust!
Minors are welcome to apply for participation on the Walk for the full week, as well as for the sending and closing days. We have had children/teens on the Walk before, and value the opportunity to participate and interact with them. Minors need parental or legal guardian permission to participate, and every minor must have an adult and/or guardian with them on the Walk. The adult companion is responsible for looking out for the youth’s safe participation each day, and for guiding them into full participation as a member of the Migrant Trail community. Youth are invited and expected to participate on appropriate teams, and to otherwise carry out the responsibilities that all participants assume, as they are able. Minors are not permitted to do night safety shifts, and may be limited from participation in some other activities as appropriate and necessary for the safety and comfort of all participants.
What airport should I fly into?
Participants should fly into Tucson, Arizona (airport code TUS). You may also choose to fly into Phoenix, but will need to arrange transportation between Phoenix and Tucson.
By what time should my flight arrive?
We would recommend selecting a flight that arrives into Tucson no later than 3:30-4pm.
As Tucson is a fairly small airport, and only a 20 minute drive from the orientation, we recommend budgeting 30-60 minutes to arrive in time.
The Organizing Committee will be at the orientation location by 3pm, so if your flight gets in earlier and you would like to arrive earlier, this should not be a problem, but we request that you notify us so we will know to expect you early.
What time is orientation?
We ask that participants arrive by 4:15pm to check in with our Registration Team to ensure that we have all of your registration documents, and fees. You will also receive your badge and any merchandise you ordered.
Where will the orientation take place?
The location for the orientation will be sent to you in the Participant Packet, which you will receive via e-mail once we have received all of your registration documents. For privacy and safety reasons, we do not publish this information on our website.
How will I get from the airport to the orientation?
As we are a small organizing crew with limited resources, we are not able to provide transportation from the airport to the orientation. Participants are expected to make their way themselves. The easiest way to get to arrive would be taxi or via public bus– Suntran. You can go to http://www.suntran.com to figure out the routing once you have received the address via email about a week before the walk begins. Past participants have informed us that it was very easy to figure out, and have never reported any problems.
How will I get down to Sásabe to begin the walk?
Participants will arrive to the designated meeting place in Tucson early on Monday morning with their gear and bag ready for loading. Teams will meet, we will have a short press conference, and then our group, along with friends and allies, will carpool down to Sásabe, Arizona. The group will cross the border on foot. The Migrant Trail begins one mile south of the Mexican side of the border, in Sásabe, Sonora.
Is there somewhere I can leave my car for the week while I am on the Migrant Trail?
One of our sponsoring organizations has limited space in their parking lot. Although the lot is gated, it is accessible at all times and there is no security. While we have never had a problem with vehicles parked there, we cannot guarantee your vehicle security. The safest thing to do is to be dropped off at the site, and picked up again on Sunday afternoon.
Are sleeping accommodations provided for Sunday evening after the Orientation?
Participants of the Migrant Trail are welcome to stay at the orientation location the night before the walk begins. You will be sleeping on the floor in your sleeping bag. Shower facilities are available.
If you intend to sleep in the orientation location, please advise the Organizing Committee at azmigranttrail@gmail.com so we can get a proper head count.
Will there be a way for my family to get a hold of me during emergencies while I am on the Migrant Trail?
The Migrant Trail has a cell phone with full reception during the week. This cell phone is for media purposes and to allow participants to contact their families any time they need. The phone number will be provided in the Participant Packet, which will be sent once all registration documents have been submitted. This number can be used for emergencies or any time that family and friends need to get in touch with participants.
How many participants usually walk the Migrant Trail?
In recent years, our group has ranged between 45-55 participants. Due to increased interest, our limited capacity, and our respect for the pristine Sonoran desert in which we are guests, we have implemented a cap of 60 participants.
What if there is a medical emergency while we are on the Walk?
Migrant Trail participants are accompanied on the walk by three support vehicles, which leap ahead of our group in 1.5 miles intervals. Should an emergency arise, participants can be evacuated from the walk in one of the support vehicles. For less minor emergencies, participants can get a ride into town with supporters bringing in our meals or water.
What time should I schedule my flight home after the Migrant Trail?
Participants are expected to return to our orientation location as a group to help unload our trailers and vehicles, clean up equipment, and get our supplies packed up for upcoming years. Participants can expect to be finished by 3pm, and we ask that you plan your rides or flights accordingly.
As some flights (particularly those flying from the west to east coast) do not have options later than 3pm, we understand that this is not always possible. Exceptions are made for participants with extenuating circumstances, which we ask to be advised of as soon as possible.
Party alert! There us usually an informal party that is hosted by one of our long-time participants on Sunday evening after the walk. While not officially part of the Migrant Trail and not required, we like to let all participants know so they can make travel plans accordingly if they wish to join us. It is a lovely and relaxing way to hang out with new friends after a long week together.
How will I get from the Migrant Trail to the airport for my flight home?
Rides to the airport for those participants who need them can be arranged by the Organizing Committee. Please advise us of these needs at azmigranttrail@gmail.com so that we can plan accordingly.
Will I need any money while on the Migrant Trail?
There is no need for money during the Migrant Trail for meals or sleeping arangements, as those are paid for by registration fees. If you plan on purchasing a Migrant Trail t-shirt and did not send your money in with your registration fee, you can purchase one at orientation or at the receiving ceremony on the final day.
Can the Migrant Trail help me with travel costs or registration fees?
The Migrant Trail Walk welcomes participation by all who share our vision of a humane and just border community, and who wish to commit to this witness with us. Unfortunately, the Migrant Trail does not itself have the capacity help with costs associated with the Walk. However, many of our participants over the years have been successful in raising the funds to participate in the walk. This is also a great way to get support from your community and spread the word about this important event. Some ideas to help raise funds include seeking sponsors with local community groups, such as supportive faith communities, friendly businesses, and local non-profits. You can agree to present at these upon your return from the walk! Other participants have found crowdfunding sites, such as GoFundMe, to be very effective. If you decide to do an online crowdfunding campaign, we welcome you to post it on the Migrant Trail Facebook group. So please do not let funding be a barrier to joining the Migrant Trail!
Can I bring my pet on the Migrant Trail?
Unfortunately, pets are not permitted on the Migrant Trail. We work to be as accommodating as possible to all of our participants, but must consider the medical risks that the desert poses to pets, the fact of human allergies, and the general comfort of all participants. If you require a service animal, exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Migrant Trail 