Aravaipa Canyon

Location: Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness, AZ
Rating: Basic Canyon Hiking 1C V
Length: 1 to 3 days
Mileage: ~10.5 miles one way (21 miles round trip)
Longest Rappel: None
Start: West Trailhead or East Trailhead
End: East Trailhead, West Trailhead, or out and back
Permits: Required through BLM Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Permit System
Wet Suit: Not typically needed
Shuttle: Yes, recommended for one way traverses

Overview: Aravaipa Canyon is one of Arizona's premier wilderness canyon experiences. Located within the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness, the route follows a perennial desert stream flowing through towering canyon walls and one of the most biologically diverse riparian habitats in the Southwest.

Unlike many Arizona canyons characterized by dry washes and technical obstacles, Aravaipa Canyon contains flowing water year round and supports cottonwoods, sycamores, wildlife, birds, reptiles, and numerous native fish species.

The canyon is well known for its remote beauty, excellent backpacking opportunities, and continuous stream travel through a spectacular desert setting.

Access is tightly regulated by the Bureau of Land Management in order to protect the canyon's sensitive ecosystem and wilderness character.

Approach:

• West Entrance: Upstream travel - From Winkelman, travel south on Hwy 77 approximately 10.8 miles to Aravaipa Canyon Road. Follow the graded dirt road approximately 12 miles to the western trailhead.
• East Entrance: Downstream travel - From Safford, travel northeast on Hwy 70 and turn onto Klondyke Road. Follow roads through the Klondyke area toward the eastern trailhead. Permit holders typically receive updated driving directions from the BLM.

Road conditions may vary depending on weather.

Route Description: Aravaipa Canyon follows Aravaipa Creek through a deep limestone canyon featuring flowing water, sandy streambeds, dense vegetation, and towering cliffs. There is no maintained trail through most of the canyon. Travel occurs directly within the creek bed, adjacent sandbars, and occasional game paths.

Water crossings occur constantly throughout the route and wet feet should be expected for the majority of the trip. Numerous side canyons enter Aravaipa and provide additional exploration opportunities. Water is present throughout the canyon year round. Water levels can rise rapidly following storms.

Exit: Most visitors either:

• Complete a one way traverse between the east and west trailheads using a shuttle vehicle.
• Complete shorter out and back trips from either entrance.
• Backpack the entire canyon over multiple days.

Aravaipa Canyon is widely regarded as one of Arizona's finest wilderness canyon experiences, combining flowing water, abundant wildlife, towering canyon walls, and a remote desert setting rarely found elsewhere in the Southwest.