Aravaipa - East or West

BrianJ · Post by **BrianJ** » Aug 22 2002 9:42 pm

Hi All!

I've heard about Aravaipa ever since I was a teenager, but never had gotten up the gumption to make that hike. I'm planning on a day hike there this weekend or next, and thought I'd solicit a few opinions from those who have been there.

So, if one was the leave the driving time deltas between the east and west entrance out of the equation, which of the canyon entrances seems to offer the most? I'm thinking of heading 3-4miles in for a day hike.

Secondly, I've got a 2wd Dodge Dakota. The BML description recommends a high-clearance vehicle for the east entrance, but doesn't say 4x4. Is this doable with the equipment I'm working with?

Cheers!
BrianJ

Daryl · Post by **Daryl** » Aug 23 2002 8:58 am

I've only done it from the west trailhead, but I can say if you go to that trailhead you won't be disappointed.
As for the road. I have a friend that takes a volkswagon rabbit on roads that the blm has said is 4x4 only. If it just says high clearance, you should be fine.

I'm day hiking there on Oct 19th from the west trail head. I hope to go 5-7 miles in.

joebartels · Post by **joebartels** » Aug 23 2002 9:14 am

The East... I quote the Verleys from ArizonaHikingTrails.com (Great site BTW!)

Several stream crossings, NOT suitable for passenger cars, will be encountered in the last 10 miles. High clearance vehicles are required. 4 Wheel Drive strongly encouraged!

There is a sign posted that reads "High Clearance Four Wheel Drive and Balls of Steel Only Recommended"...

better go read the rest of that at
http://arizonahikingtrails.com/Naked/Ar ... isited.htm

Generally, the less rocky roads rated 4x4 become so when muddy. In which case you're SOL and a tow generally starts around $500

I just checked the reservations. There's plenty available at this very moment for this weekend and next. Better grab 'em fast. September weekends are all taken except one Sunday.

BrianJ · Post by **BrianJ** » Aug 23 2002 10:39 am

Thanks teva! I also found that the water discharge rate and gauge height of the creek are considerably below normal. However based on the trip report you linked, it sounds like I could be in for a pretty rough time should the rain start to fall.

Thanks for the link to Arizona Hiking Trails - I hadn't run across that site yet.

-BrianJ

Nighthiker · Post by **Nighthiker** » Aug 25 2002 8:27 am

Its a long drive from the valley to the east entrance, suggest west entrance. If you can only get a day use permit and want to visit from the east, their are very good places to camp and explore near the the east entrance. Blm has a campground near Klondike.