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. Unlike most creeks in southern Arizona, Aravaipa is perennial, meaning it flows year-round. When not in water, the route is mostly sand, gravel, and cobble.
Alternatively, the route could be completed from the east entrance, but it is significantly further from population centers (Tucson is 3 hours, Phoenix is 3:45 to the East TH; versus 1:45 from Tucson and 2:15 from Phoenix to the West TH). A day-use permit is required for the wilderness (50 entrants daily - 30 from west, 20 from east) and can be obtained at recreation.gov.
It should be noted that flash floods in the canyon are common and can arise from seemingly nowhere, as clouds and storms in the east (upstream) cannot be seen while in the narrow canyon. For this reason, attempting the route during monsoon season (mid-late summer) is discouraged.
