Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Trail Guide - Pinal County, Arizona
Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Trail Guide - Pinal County, Arizona
After two cancelled trips from recent flooding, we were lucky enough to be able to spend three days in the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. The Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness is an incredible area in Arizona; the crystal clear, perennial stream provides the perfect habitat for all types of plants and animals, creating an incredible 19,410 acre oasis in the middle of the desert. Sure, there are other places similar in Arizona, but I have never been to one with the abundance and diversity of wildlife that you will encounter here.
Unlike a lot of 'destination' hikes, Aravaipa IS the destination. You can backpack in as far as you want from one of two trailheads and set up camp. Unburdened from your pack, you're then free to explore the main canyon and the many side canyons. I absolutely love this type of layout, because it isn't a slog to get from Point A to Point B. You're completely immersed in the place from the first step.
In addition to the wildlife, there are plenty of side canyons to explore. One of my favorites is Deer Creek, located about 2.7 miles from the east trailhead. Keep walking until the impressive narrows section - you'll know it when you see it. This trip we also checked out what appeared to be a tiny, unnamed side canyon and found towering canyon walls, moki steps cut into the stone from past residents and plenty of wildlife....We still haven't scratched the surface of all the different areas to explore.
If you haven't visited Aravaipa before, put it on your list, and start planning. You will absolutely love it.
Visit www.recreation.gov to obtain permits. Permits go up for sale up to 13 weeks in advance.
Пікірлер: 40
My husband and I landed on this video prepping for our trip to Aravaipa in May and have since binged your entire channel. Thanks for all this bitchin’ content! Your edits are really well done and you two are a joy to watch! 🥾
I really like how detailed your videos are.
@JerryArizona
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
I am going to hike solo in this amazing canyon in 3 weeks. I have scheduled the trip for a full moon to enhance the experience. This is my official start to a new chapter in my life spending time with my Higher Power and Mother Nature. I hope to return home a new revitalized man with a new perspective for the rest of my life. Check out the video for an excellent view of my journey
@JerryArizona
Жыл бұрын
Enjoy. Aravaipa is incredible. Check the conditions and weather though. We've had a LOT more rain and snow than usual, and that area can definitely flood.
Now.. on my bucket list
@JerryArizona
5 жыл бұрын
This hike is an absolute blast. I can't recommend it enough. If you go, I definitely recommend going in the west end if you have the vehicle for it. More shade an better scenery from the first step.
love your videos man, keep up the good work
Really enjoying your videos - very informative and well edited. Thanks for making them!
@JerryArizona
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks, man! I need to check out yours when I have time. From the little bit I saw, well shot and edited. And look very Superstitions oriented, which is always a good thing. Haven't made it out there since the fire.
You Bright and Risen Angels explains the bug thing.
Love going to Aravaipa!!
Love The High Quality. There is a Book with this Title. ¨ Raids on The Unspeakable ¨ That fit`s You two and Your Journeys! Thank You Both!
ok so.... fyi...... you only need permits from east entrance if you're hiking the canyon, but don't need permit if your camping outside the east canyon entrance
Just went Jan 6th 2020. No people, no bugs and NO heat!
@JerryArizona
4 жыл бұрын
Nice! Being from Phoenix, we struggle with the cold weather camping (especially backpacking), but we're year round now. That's a great way to get popular places like Fossil Creek all to yourself.
I just love all of your videos. In AZ do both of you ever encounter rattlesnakes and scorpions when you hike or camp and if so where?
@JerryArizona
3 жыл бұрын
I've only encountered one rattlesnake. Tina said "that sounds like a rattlesnake". I said "No, it's cicadas". A few minutes later, she said "I can't believe you walked right over that rattlesnake in the middle of the trail." I don't advise that, but that was my encounter. I'm pretty lucky. I've seen plenty of scorpions, but they were all in my house.
@FlourishingLove
2 жыл бұрын
@@JerryArizona We don't live in AZ, but am wondering what county you live in? What about in the Camp Verde area? Would there be a big problem with scorpions in the house there? Or is that more in the Phoenix area with the warmer climate? TY
Had to watch this again preparing for a trip in September and November. Heard the area has been hit hard this summer with floods…. I think the east entrance (as of late summer 2022) is not accessible due to poor road conditions (from flooding).
@JerryArizona
Жыл бұрын
We've been getting hammered, which is a good thing. That road from the east crosses the creek several times, so no idea what shape it's in. Still, it's a beautiful place and worth it from either side.
Thank you for posting. Do you see people with their dogs?
@JerryArizona
4 жыл бұрын
I haven't seen any when I was there. I looked on the website and it said pets aren't allowed. I'm guessing one of the reasons is the abundance of wildlife here.
THANK YOU! I use your vids for most of my az planning now 😀✌ Question is, we only want one day hike/explore here. Doable yes? Hike in, explore, back to rig by dark. Please advise!
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
Aravaipa is overnight only. I want to say they only give permits for a minimum 2 nights....might be 1, but I can't recall. It's really best done as a backpacking trip. Going in from the west it's a short, easy hike to dispersed sites and you can use that as home base to explore.
@amberjones919
2 жыл бұрын
@@JerryArizona awesome, much appreciated 👍😄 I was able to get a one day pass so we'll see!
Did you go in June or May? Curious as we may have permits for June. Wondering how high the temps got and did it rain? Were you camped in Horse Camp area? Was your campground on higher ground? The outtakes! Too funny! Great video as always! Thanks!
@JerryArizona
3 жыл бұрын
I believe this was the first week of June. Can't remember the temps, but it was warm. Luckily lots of water and shade. No rain this trip, although there had been a while before and it had been closed due to flooding. We camped near the Deer Creek Narrows. I believe this was slightly west of Horse Camp. Not really high ground, but seemed to have been established for a long time and therefore above the flood line.
@Wendy-cf5tv
3 жыл бұрын
@@JerryArizona Many thanks for all the great info! Love your hikes and videos!
What time of year was this trip?
@JerryArizona
3 жыл бұрын
This was in May. We usually go early/mid summer. Lots of shade and water to keep it bearable in warmer weather.
Can you through hike backpack this canyon?
@JerryArizona
4 жыл бұрын
Just-A-Guy you can. You’d have to figure out a shuttle plan though. Might be easier to backpack in, set up camp, day hike the rest of the way through, then return to camp and go out the way you came in though.
@WildlandExplorer
4 жыл бұрын
You can - Aravaipa Canyon is included in the GET (Grand Enchantment Trail) of which the western terminus of starts in the Superstition Wilderness. Still need permits in order to enter it.
Hey Jerry, When are you going to the hanging gardens again?
@JerryArizona
5 жыл бұрын
Probably not making it there this year. Way too many trips planned, too little PTO.
Wrong distances, wrong county.
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
Clarify it for me. Not arguing, I seriously want to be correct in the info I give. I know we came in Graham county, but most of the wilderness/canyon is in Pinal. At least that's what my map shows. Is that wrong, or do you mean the east trailhead is in Graham? And I'm not sure what distances you're referring to.