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Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Backpacking Trip Dec 2003 12-14



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.

beatiful hike, but COLD wet feet in December!!! It's on my list for late next spring.

In response to Daryl's reply:


I have gone in mid September, late May and early December before. My favorite time is early December. The cottonwoods are turning colors and the cool crisp nights have knocked out the bugs. When you go in late spring prepare for the mosiquitos. Ben's 100 and REI Jungle juice had only a minor temporary effect.

Using the right gear, neoprene socks and Tevas or Chacos make it quite managable. Also bring a warm pair of socks and shoes around the camp is a nice relief.

In response to NautBrad's reply:
You know its a real good hike in December especially if it snows, I live in the Bonita area just east of the eastern trailhead. would consider it if you get a group together. could help with logistics have a 4x4, and you are right the creeks get high quickly during a rain storm.

tinhorn

I have not been able to gather enough people to do the through hike. I have 3 people total going. We will be going in from the west trailhead. If I can get 3 additional people to go then we could get a group to start on the east side. This close to the hike I doubt that we will get any more takers.

The plan now is to continue with the three that I have and have a group enter from the east.

In response to NautBrad's reply:
Ok, whats the roster look like so far ? I could probably drum up some more hikers. would like more information on your plans. would like to be included if you have room.
Tinhorn

In response to NautBrad's reply:

Opps, i meant enter from the West trail head.

Tinhorn - email me directly at
n_a_u_t_b_r_a_d_at_c_o_x_dot_n_e_t
just remove the underscores and change the at and dot .