Near Aravaipa Creek
Looking east
Near Aravaipa Creek
Looking north
Near Aravaipa Creek
Looking east
Near Aravaipa Creek
Looking east
Near Aravaipa Creek
View from the trail.

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Aravaipa Creek

4.9 (9 Ratings)
This wet hike through Aravaipa Canyon wades in the creek and navigates terrain on both banks to head deep into the wild.
21.3
mi
Distance
1,476
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Commonly BackpackedFamily FriendlyRiver/CreekViewsWildlife
Access Issues
A permit is required to enter the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Area. Entry is limited to 50 people per day. No pets are permitted in the wilderness area.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
21.32mi
Distance
1,476ft
Elevation Gain
1,476ft
Elevation Loss
35%
Max Grade
3,079ft
High Point
2,594ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
Aravaipa Creek flows year-round, which makes this hike a treat. There are well-developed, signed trailheads at either end, and short maintained trails to access the canyon bottom. There is no official trail once you reach the canyon bottom, but often you'll find one or more social trails on the banks. Overall, the general route is obvious, so you shouldn't have any problems. Expect to get your feet wet, as the easiest progress is frequently by wading in the creek or by crossing from one bank to the other. Don't bother with waterproof boots because the water level will typically be over your boot tops. From the west end, the canyon starts relatively open but narrows down at about the 2 mile point, which is near the confluence with Hell's Half Acre Canyon.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Downed Tree
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Contributors
hdjohnson