GRAND CANYON COUNCIL, BSA ARIZONA TRAILS BOOK

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Eastern Arizona Trails

Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Trail You'll need a permit to enjoy this deep wilderness gorge of outstanding natural beauty. Situated at a low desert elevation, its summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees. Spring and fall months are ideal for hiking but winter nights get a little cold for camping inside the wilderness.

Aravaipa Creek flows year-round, an unusual enough phenomenon in the Arizona desert. Nurtured by this perennial water supply, large sycamores, ashes, cottonwoods and willows line the banks flanked by other riparian species. The creek itself is home to several native fishes, mostly minnow and sucker species. The canyon is a bird watchers paradise with more than 200 species observed in the canyon. Along the north canyon walls desert bighorn sheep will make an occasional appearance.

Aravaipa Canyon is about 11 miles long. The land is rugged, with no marked trails, and campsites are primitive in the wilderness tradition.

The steep-walled confines of the narrow canyons provide almost no means of escaping fast-rising waters from thunderstorms and flash flood potential must always be in mind. All hikers should bring sturdy footgear suitable for hiking over rocks and wading and a good supply of drinking water. Campers should bring chemical stoves as the supply of firewood in this popular spot is nearly exhausted. Of course, please pack out all litter!

The Bureau of Land Management is responsible for preserving and protecting this favorite wilderness of Aravaipa Canyon. The number of hikers allowed in the canyon is limited. Group size is limited to 10 or fewer and permits are required for entry. Advance reservations are nearly always necessary in the milder months as demand is so high. For information, reservations and permits contact BLM Safford District Office at 425 East 4th Street, Safford, Arizona 85546 (Telephone 928-428-4040).

GETTING THERE: If you hike from both trailheads, be sure to send your high clearance 4 wheel drive vehicle to the East Trailhead. There are some minor stream crossings and sandy areas. The West trailhead is OK for regular passenger cars. To get to the trailheads, drive to Superior. From there the East trailhead vehicle will continue to Globe and then head toward Safford (Highway 70). About 8 miles past Ft. Thomas look for Klondyke Road. It is dirt but kept in good condition. It is 50 miles to the end, at the Aravaipa Trailhead. Park on high ground in case of rain. For the vehicle going to the West trailhead, from Superior, turn south on Highway 177. Go to Winkelman and continue south on Highway 77, after about 6 miles look for Aravaipa Road, follow it to the parking lot.

GRAND CANYON COUNCIL, BSA ARIZONA TRAILS BOOK

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CAMPSITE: Horse Camp or Booger Canyon. These two side canyons are about half way in from both trailheads. If heavy rain is in the forecast do not attempt this hike.

WATER SOURCES: You are hiking in or by water the entire trip. No swimming is necessary but there are some swimming holes that the boys can take a dip if they get hot.

TRAIL LENGTH: 11 Miles. Total elevation change about 500 feet over the 11 miles.

TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Walking thru water about 80% of the time. The younger scouts can do it. Water will get waist high in some areas. Suggest you bring a walking stick to maintain balance

PERMITS: Only 50 total permits per day into this canyon are issued by the BLM. They are split 30 from one trailhead and 20 from the other. Max size of group is 10. I suggest you divide into 2 patrols. Hike from each trailhead, camp in the middle, Horse Camp Canyon, and drive home in the opposite cars. Be sure to swap keys. The permits go fast. Reservations are taken 13 weeks in advance. Call 928-348-4400.

MAPS: Brandenburg Mountain and Booger Canyon Quads

BOOKS: Streamside Trails by Steve Krause (See Cover and pages 50-51) Arizona Highways Book - Outdoors in Arizona (Pages 104-109)

TIPS: If heavy rain is expected, stay out. Double wrap sleeping bags and anything you do not want to get wet. Someone WILL fall in the water. If you do two patrols, have the bigger, stronger scouts hike upstream from the East trailhead. Bring some binoculars. Watch for Eagles and Big Horn Sheep.

Campfire Theme: Setting a direct course and not deviating from it. Obstacles get in the way but we go around, over and under to get to the final destination. Enjoy the scenery along the way. Life is in the journey not in the end.

DON'T FORGET PERMITS! BOTH BLM WILDERNESS AND BSA LOCAL TOUR ARE NEEDED.

Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness is managed by the Bureau of Land Management Safford Field Office. BLM has an excellent website describing the Aravaipa Canyon, the area and the permit process. The URL link directly to the Aravaipa homepage is http://www.az.blm.gov/sfo/aravaipa/aravaipa.html. From that site, there is a link to the reservation system.

GRAND CANYON COUNCIL, BSA ARIZONA TRAILS BOOK

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Aravipa Canyon Wilderness Trail

GRAND CANYON COUNCIL, BSA ARIZONA TRAILS BOOK

Page 38

Aravipa Canyon Wilderness Trail