Route Editor
Route Scout
What I need from interested parties.
-) Which trailhead would you prefer to start at?
-) Do you want to camp at the trailhead Thursday night?
I would like to put together a trip of about 10 people to backpack into the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness on December 12,13 &14. The trip would include a Friday, Sat & Sunday.
If possible drive to the trailheads and camp on Thursday night.
BLM limits the number of permits into this area and permits will go fast.
Permits are $5 per day per person with a Max group size of 10.
Min number of people for a through hike would be 4 (prefer at least 6) up to a max of 10 people.
http://azwww.az.blm.gov/rec/aravaipa.htm
I hope to get enough people interested so we can split into 2 groups, one group originate at the East trailhead and the other at the West trailhead,
then meet in the middle, camp & swap keys etc for a so each group can through hike.
Vehicles would be swapped before trip so everyone has the correct vehicles at the end.
The West trailhead is closer (2 -2.5 hours) to Phoenix and more accessible.
The East trailhead is a 4-5 hour drive and requires a high clearance vehicle and at times is not passable if the streams are high.
(4x4 Tacoma, Pathfinder, Forerunner, have worked well in the past).
What to Expect.
Aravaipa offers great opportunities to explore Aravaipa and side canyons in a solitude pristine environment.
Numerous crossing of Aravaipa creek are required, so Tevas & neoprene socks are a perfect choice.
Often hiking straight up the creek bed is the easiest place to hike. There are not many deep swimming holes, but plenty of places to wade and cool off. In December the water will be cold but you won’t feel it after you feet go numb.
If you or some one you know is interested please let me know.
Also include where you would like to start from EAST or WEST trailhead and if you would like to through hike the canyon or hike out the same way you came.
