How to get Aravaipa Canyon Permits
Have you ever dreamed of immersing yourself in a one-of-a-kind desert oasis? Are you looking to escape the crowds and find peace and solitude in a pristine desert landscape?
The towering cliffs and lush spring-fed creeks of Aravaipa Canyon, conveniently located just 2.5 hours from Phoenix, Arizona offer an incredible and unique hiking experience. And because the Aravaipa Canyon permits system limits the amount of hikers in the canyon to 50 at any given time, you are guaranteed to find a sense of remoteness and solitude that can be hard to find in today’s day and age. Making sense of the logistics and permitting structure of a trip to Aravaipa Canyon can be a confusing undertaking; but with this guide to Aravaipa Canyon permits you will have the knowledge to plan and tailor a trip to your needs.
What is Aravaipa Canyon
Hiking in Aravaipa Canyon is concentrated to a striking 12.25 mile section of remote wilderness located on the Eastern edge of the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. The canyon itself lies within the broader Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness, which encompasses a 19,410 acre parcel of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Bring your water shoes on this hike, because you will be hiking next to, in and out of, and through Aravaipa Creek, a spring-fed creek that runs year-round in the middle of the desert.
Along with helping to carve the immense cliffs that the canyon is known for, the creek supports a variety of flora and fauna not usually found in other parts of the Arizona desert. A lush riparian environment along the creek supports large ash, cottonwood, sycamore, and willow trees; and a variety of wildlife calls the canyon home, including amphibians, birds, desert bighorn sheep, bobcats, and javelina. The diversity of life within the cliffs of a desert canyon are what make Aravaipa Canyon a truly world-class hiking venue that should be near the top of any hiker’s bucket list.
When to visit Aravaipa Canyon
Although hard to believe while you are immersed within the quiet solitude and dark night skies of the canyon, Aravaipa is located within easy driving distance of both Tucson and Pheonix. Either of these cities can serve as a perfect launching point for a trip to the canyon.
There are two separate trailheads that provide access to the wonders of the canyon. When applying for Aravaipa Canyon permits, your permit will allow access to only one trailhead or the other, so it is important to know which trailhead you will be using when planning for your hike. There are pros and cons to beginning/ending at each trailhead:
West Entrance
The West Trailhead is the most convenient entrance when coming from Tucson and Phoenix. Getting to the West Trailhead involves a 9 mile drive on a dirt road which can be rocky in sections with a steep grade. High clearance is not necessary, but be aware of current conditions, as recent rainfall can cause rockfall or washouts on the road.
The West Trailhead is the more popular trailhead for beginning a hike in Aravaipa Canyon, and there are more permits allocated to the West trailhead than the East (30 at West TH compared to 20 at East TH). So if starting at the West trailhead you may see more hikers.
East Entrance
When applying for Aravaipa Canyon permits, the East Trailhead is an appealing option if you want a greater sense of solitude due to the lower amount of permits issued. That being said, it also involves a longer drive when coming from Pheonix and Tucson; and a high clearance vehicle is necessary to negotiate numerous creek crossings you will encounter along the 46 mile dirt road to the trailhead. Driving to this trailhead is not recommended during the winter or monsoon seasons, as the road can become impassable.
What to Expect on a Hike Through Aravaipa Canyon
Hikers to the canyon are in for an adventure. The terrain is rugged and you will be hiking through dense vegetation at times, in water that is up to knee-deep at times, and on uneven, rocky terrain. There are no established signs, trails or campsites in Aravaipa Canyon. Hikers will be following Aravaipa Creek and should be prepared to be hiking in the creek itself for a good portion of the hike. There are a vast array of side canyons and unique geological features to discover along the way, so be sure to allocate plenty of time for side-quests!
Backpack Aravaipa Canyon with Wildland Trekking
The nature of the canyon can vary greatly depending on what time of year you plan your hike. Spring and Fall are the most popular times to visit, with pleasant temperatures and the vibrant colors of desert wildflowers and falling leaves being a major draw. It can be easier to secure a permit in Summer or Winter, and generally less busy, but be aware of the potential drawbacks. Extreme high temperatures and the potential for flash-flooding can make a trip in summer difficult, and cold temperatures in the winter can make for cold feet when hiking through the creek.
Logistics and Aravaipa Canyon Permits
Permits are required year-round to access the canyon. Because the quota limits the amount of visitors to 50 per day, securing an Aravaipa Canyon permit can be competitive, especially during the high seasons of spring and fall. While the permit structure can seem confusing and daunting at first glance, with a little planning and preparation you will be able to secure a permit that suits your specific needs.
The Aravaipa Canyon permit system is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All users, whether day-hikers or backpackers must apply for a permit via the Recreation.gov call center (1-877-444-6777) or online.
There are a number of questions you need to ask yourself when planning a trip and before applying for Aravaipa Canyon permits:
- Will I be day hiking or backpacking? Users have the option to do the hike as a day-hike or as a multi-day trip. Day hike users need only select a single date, backpackers select multiple dates, up to a maximum of three days (two nights)
- Where will I be entering and exiting? Each Aravaipa Canyon permit allows entrance at one trailhead or the other. The hiking in the canyon can be done either as an out-and-back, or as a point-to-point. When done as a point-to-point (beginning at one trailhead and ending at the other), users need to apply only for a permit for the trailhead they will be entering at. This option also involves a long shuttle to leave vehicles at each trailhead, so be aware and plan accordingly when choosing a point-to-point trip.
- What dates will I be entering the canyon? Aravaipa Canyon permits are available for advanced reservation 13 weeks ahead of the entry date at 8 a.m. MT/10 a.m. ET daily. The earlier you can plan ahead the better, so circle those dates on your calendar well ahead of time and be ready to apply asap for your best chance at securing a permit.
Other important things to know
- The maximum amount of people per permit is 10, with no more than two vehicles
- The cost of the permit is $5 per person, per day, along with a $6 processing fee
- Pets are not allowed.
- Visitors must Leave No Trace
Have Fun!
You are now equipped with all the knowledge and tools to make your dream trip to Aravaipa Canyon a reality! Happy hiking and safe travels as you enjoy Aravaipa Canyon.
