Hells Hole Canyon • Canyon Trip • New Mexico • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

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Dec 23 2025

00blackout

Routes 40
Photos 5,373
Triplogs 206

51 male

Joined Mar 14 2016
Gold Canyon, AZ

Aravaipa Canyon, AZ

Hiking		Dec 23 2025
		00blackout • Triplogs 206

Hiking	10.00 Miles	800 AEG

Hiking	10.00 Miles	6 Hrs 1 Min	1.73 mph
	800 ft AEG	14 Mns Break

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Hells Hole Canyon

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

I headed out to the west entrance of Aravaipa Canyon at the end of November, so this past Tuesday, S and I got permits and headed out to the east entrance. Long drive on a dirt road to get there, but nothing horrible. We made a quick stop at the Turkey Creek Ruins before parking at the furthest point we could reach. A chilly, empty lot when we started, with tons of condensation covering the floor. The first water crossing is immediate, which was cold, but after multiple crossings, you get used to it. The east entrance differs from the west entrance in that you start in Aravaipa Canyon immediately; from the west entrance, it's a short walk to get into the canyon. Near Parsons Canyon, we came across the only people we would see all day, a pair of trail runners heading towards the east entrance. Once we got to Hells Hole Canyon, we made a right turn and headed up Deer Creek. Hell's Hole Canyon was incredible with its beautiful, steep canyon walls that intermittently narrowed. We came across at least a dozen deer who were not afraid of us as they walked within 5 feet of us heading up the canyon. We stopped a few miles up the canyon for a break before heading back to the TH. We briefly thought of continuing up to Horse Camp Canyon, but it was already after 2, and with the short days, we decided to come back at a later date to do it. On the way out, we made a stop at Parson's Canyon as Stephanie wanted to check it out; however, a swimming pool blocked her way shortly in. Most of the trees had already dropped most of their leaves; however, the further we headed up Hell's Hole Canyon, the more color we saw.

Wildlife - tons and tons of deer, including a young buck resting in the grass near the Deer Creek confluence. On the hike out, a huge Herron flew across the canyon in front of us, and on the drive out, a bobcat ran across the road.

The west entrance to Aravaipa Canyon is beautiful, but the east entrance turned it up another level. This hike put me over my stretch goal for the year, putting me currently at 507 miles.

Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

Deer Creek

Light flow

	Parsons Canyon	Pools to trickle	Pools to trickle
	Huge swimming pool, a short distance up the canyon.

Turkey Creek

Dry

_____________________

Hiking is just walking where it’s okay to pee.

2 archives

Nov 18 2012

imike

Guides 253
Photos 6,930
Triplogs 2,467

male

Joined Nov 05 2008
Cloudcroft, NM

Caballero Canyon North

Southeast, NM

Caballero Canyon North

Southeast, NM

Hiking		Nov 18 2012
		imike • Triplogs 2,467

Hiking	14.30 Miles	3,300 AEG

Hiking	14.30 Miles
	3,300 ft AEG

no routes

Linked

7 linked trail guides

Alamo Canyon Trail #104

Caballero Canyon Trail #103

Caballero Upper Canyon Traverse

Hells Hole Canyon

Hells Hole Trail #219

A Trail #119

Scenic Drive - Alamogordo

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A planned exploratory up to the top of the Steamboat formation got re-routed because of rain... we hiked up Alamo Canyon but instead of heading up Deadman for the planned hike, we stayed in the easier route, hoping for a change in the weather. Heading up Caballero the drizzle persisted, so detoured into Caballero North, then made an exploratory left turn up into Hell Hole Canyon. I've intended to check this one out for years. Today would be the day.

Expectations were high. Overshadowed by the dramatic ridge of Devils Backbone I had visions of bedrock cliffs and falls. What we got instead: easy walking gravel. At the entry there was some nice strata, but for the most part the sidewalls were 30-50' tall sedimentary deposits... precarious piles of impending dirt and gravel. Finally, we scored a great section of sculptured, multi-tiered falls... a section good enough to make the canyon worth the effort.

Choosing the split closest to towards the backbone, we exited the bottom of the canyon and worked our way up a steep side ridge, to the base of the backbone formation... then began the tedious process of finding a slot that would let us ascend. Close, but no exit... the wet/muddy rock was a bit too challenging. I'd spotted an access point at the far end of the backbone from down lower, so we made our way across and up, ascending the old tailings pile from the abandoned copper mine. That put us on to Hell Hole Trail, and into deep mud! Soon we were on to "A" trail and out of the mud... and to a touch of sunlight for our meal of the day. Down "A"... checking out a portion of the new Ortega Peak trail... then, the long trudge through town back to our cars... even diverted to city streets; Yubao's boots had killed the bottom of his feet; pavement felt better than dirt!?

So, not the exploratory Hike I had planned... but very nice day on the trail. I need to go back when it is dry and check out the other forks, maybe find a route up to Hershberger Peak?

_____________________

Ageless Mind... Timeless Body... No Way! Use It and Lose It. Just the way it is...

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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