Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
A Hiker's Heaven — A Naturalist's Dream

The worthiness of this spectacular wilderness area as a destination for hikers was recently featured in a National Geographic Magazine article about the best hikes in the United States. See: National Geographic Magazine; August 2006; page 87. The commitment to keep this area pristine is so profound, that only 50-hikers per day are allowed to enter – permits are required for hiking the area.

The US Congress designated the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness in 1984, and it now has a total of 19,700 acres. All of the wilderness is in Arizona and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. It is through this intense management that the area remains in its primitive conditions for hikers.

Aravaipa Canyon is a perfect example of the Southwest's desert country. It is a stretch of incredible scenic wonder, filled with diverse biological treasures that have attracted enough hikers to make overuse a problem since the 1960s. Aravaipa Creek, frequently shaded by sprawling cottonwoods, has cut a trough up to 1,000 feet deep in the Galiuro Mountains, and the canyon walls are uniquely carved and painted in subtle sandy colors. The creek runs year-round from springs, seeps, and tributary streams. Along the water grows one of the most lush riparian habitats in southern Arizona. The main canyon's length is about 11 miles, a perfect distance for those who have achieved intermediate hiking skills, and the Wilderness extends well beyond it to include surrounding tablelands and nine side canyons. There are seven species of native desert trout may be found here, along with the majestic desert bighorn sheep, an extensive variety of large and small mammals and reptiles, and at least 238 species of birds. Also, caves and jutting rock ledges provide habitat for 12 known species of bats. When hiking here, be sure to bring your camera and lots of film.

When you're hiking Aravaipa Canyon, you may find that utter solitude is difficult to achieve, and without an advance reservation, you may not find yourself hiking here at all. The attention is well deserved, since you'll find few places in the state where canyon hiking is as spectacular. Although no hiking trails are marked, a route follows a well-used path along the canyon, crossing through the creek several times. Most people rate the hiking as easy. The canyon grows so narrow in places that wading in the creek is the only option. Be prepared to encounter lightning storms, flash floods, and poisonous snakes, insects, and plants. Even though the high walls and water keep the canyon floor more humid than the surrounding desert, the summer heat can be extreme.

Before there were roads and highways and railways, before there were pioneers, before Columbus landed, the land we know as the United States was truly a vast wilderness. To protect these last remaining areas, Congress created the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. Aravaipa's outstanding scenery, desert fish, diverse wildlife, rich history, and opportunities for primitive recreation will remain free from the influence of man and protected in their current state for future generations to enjoy. Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness' 19,410 acres call to all adventurers who yearn for solace and endless scenic splendor.

Things you should know before starting your hike in Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness:
•Pets are not allowed in the wilderness.
•Access to each wilderness boundary is courtesy of The Nature Conservancy. Please respect their private property.
•The maximum length of stay is 3 days (2 nights).
•Your party size cannot exceed 10 people.
•Equestrians can have only 5 stock animals per party and stock cannot remain overnight in the canyon bottom.
•Hunters need a permit. The flood plain of Aravaipa Creek and the first 50 vertical feet above the streambed are closed to shooting but are open to bow and arrow hunting in season.
•Use of public land for business or financial gain requires a special permit.
•Wilderness is closed to motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment.

Leave No Trace
-Remember, when visiting any wilderness area, always follow these principles:
-Plan Ahead and Prepare
-Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
-Dispose of Waste Properly
-Leave What You Find
-Minimize Campfire Impacts
-Respect Wildlife
-Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Hikers from the east end trailhead should be aware of the parking situation. The wilderness boundary is located 1.5 miles west of the Information Kiosk and restroom (new trailhead). It is recommended that visitors park there and hike through The Nature Conservancy property due to road conditions and possible flooding. Open space at the junction of Turkey Creek and Aravaipa Creek provide additional parking options depending on flood danger.

For additional information contact the following Ranger Stations:

East Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
Klondyke Ranger Station
(928) 828-3380

West Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
Brandenburg Ranger Station
(520) 357-6185

Hiker Support Information

Arizona On-Line Recreation Permits for Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
https://www.blm.gov/az/aravaipa/index.cfm?CFID=790458&CFTOKEN=52893155

This web site allows you to check for hiking availability and pay for a permit for hiking in the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. Advance registration and payment are required to hike in the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness.

Permits can be purchased for today up until Midnight Mountain Daylight Time. Permits can be purchased 13 weeks in advance beginning at 8:00 A.M. Mountain Daylight Time.

This web site can only process transactions that use a credit card for payment. If you do not want to use the Internet to get your permit, you can call the Safford Field Office at (928) 348-4400 to get a permit.

You must call the BLM Safford Field Office in advance of your permitted dates to cancel. A $30 processing fee is charged for refunds requested.

Things To Know - Before You Go to Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness

Expect to get your feet wet. You must cross the creek many times.
Pets are not allowed in the wilderness area.
Access to the wilderness boundary is courtesy of The Nature Conservancy. Please respect their private property.
There are no facilities, trails, or signs in the wilderness.

Click here to see some great maps.

More maps are available from map stores, some sporting good stores, and the USGS at www.usgs.gov or USGS, Federal Center, Building 41, Denver, CO 80225.