Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
Just 60 miles north of Tucson,
AZ there is one hike I do every
year. This breathtakingly scenic hike ventures into Aravaipa Canyon.
I love this hike and the reasons are simple, you can never get enough! This
hike is workable for the whole family. These nearly 20,000 acres of canyon
wilderness was once part of a large area ruled by Apache Chief Ezkiminzin.
Today Aravaipa
Canyon is cared for by
the Bureau of Land Management. You must log into their website to arrange for
permits to camp or hike into the canyon. There is a limit of 15 permits issued
per day at each end of the 15 mile canyon. I prefer entering the canyon from
the West entrance. The best times of year to enter the canyon are in the
Spring, Summer or Fall. I prefer the month of May or early June. Mind the
monsoons in August to avoid a 20 foot wall of water chasing you out of the
canyon.
From Tucson (70 miles, 1.5 to 2 hours): Take US Highway 77
through Oracle Junction to the Aravaipa
Road (8 miles north of Mammoth). Turn right on Aravaipa Road and
go 12 miles to the trailhead along a paved and graded dirt road. From the
trailhead, it is a 1.5-mile hike through Nature Conservancy land to the west
wilderness boundary. It will be hot at the trail head however, once you make it
down into the canyon there is a natural air conditioned effect from the breezes
gently blowing off the stream, it feels amazingly refreshing. Your nose will be
pleased from the scents coming off of the varied array of riparian vegetation
as well.
You will want to pay
special attention to your footwear on this hike as much of it will be in a
stream and that means wet feet. Do not wear swim or water slippers as they will
fill with sand and become very uncomfortable fast. I recommend using a hiking
boot with good ankle support. I also use custom insoles for added stability,support and comfort. I recommend the custom orthotics that are made from
impressions of your feet and not the over the counter insoles. You will need
sunscreen, a few first aide items, a wide brim hat, a towel, something to swim
in and of course lots of water and snacks. A camera and binoculars are also
recommended. You will want to find a nice walking cane along the hike to help
you balance while traversing the stream. Since you will be hiking in water a
good bit of the time, try a DryMax sock. These socks are designed to keep your
feet dry and will help prevent soggy feet syndrome. You also must be aware of
the wildlife as you are funneled into the canyon together with other living
creatures. I have seen many Javalina. Pay no mind and you should be fine.
Finally, remember the motto, pack it in, pack it out. Now you are ready.
You can take your time
and hike as far in as you wish. There are several beautiful resting/swimming
spots along the first 3 mile stretch, pick one and settle in for a snack, a
rest and a well deserved cooling down swim. The water is refreshing and feels
great on a hot day and there is no better way to cool down. The further you
hike in the higher the surrounding canyon walls become. At mile 6, about half
way through the canyon you will be confined by canyon walls on each side of you
reaching as high as 300 feet. F-16 fighter jets out of Tucson have been known to make the dive into
the canyon.
Aravaipa creek flows
all year long through the canyon. There are as many as 9 side canyons worth
exploring as well. Remember, there are no designated trails, signs or
facilities of any kind. You will be in the Wilderness, expect the wild! If you
love nature, the outdoors and love the water this hike is worth doing every
year no matter how far you must travel to get here.
Happy trails!
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