Aravaipa Canyon carves through the northern Galiuro Mountains in southeast Arizona. The canyon’s name comes from an Apache term meaning “laughing waters,” honoring the ancestral presence of the Hohokam, Mogollon, and Salado cultures, later followed by the Aravaipa Apache. Starting at the West Trailhead, the route follows Aravaipa Creek through the canyon to the East Trailhead and then returns - 22 miles and 1000 feet of elevation gain in total. Expect frequent creek crossings in riparian terrain, mostly knee-deep or shallower, but this depends on the season and water flows.