Aravaipa Canyon
~3 days · 10.6 mi · easy · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Aravaipa Canyon is known for
A wet-footed canyon walk through the perennial creek and towering walls of Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness in southeastern Arizona, managed by the BLM. Hikers wade the year-round stream much of the way, passing side canyons such as Horse Camp and Booger Canyon beneath high desert cliffs. It is known for its riparian wildlife, including one of Arizona's most intact native fish communities and frequent bighorn sheep.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 2,615 ft to 3,583 ft over 10.6 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 3.4 mi · 32%
- Downhill 2.0 mi · 19%
- Flat 5.1 mi · 49%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Aravaipa Canyon?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Aravaipa Canyon scores 28/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Best in spring and fall; summer brings flash-flood risk from monsoon storms and winter can bring cold water and high flows.
Permits: A BLM day-use or overnight permit is required and is capped by a daily quota, reserved in advance through the recreation.gov system.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Aravaipa Canyon take?
Most backpackers hike the Aravaipa Canyon in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 10.6 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Aravaipa Canyon?
The Aravaipa Canyon climbs roughly 3,320 ft total — about 313 ft per mile, topping out near 3,609 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Aravaipa Canyon?
Best in spring and fall; summer brings flash-flood risk from monsoon storms and winter can bring cold water and high flows.
Do you need a permit for the Aravaipa Canyon?
A BLM day-use or overnight permit is required and is capped by a daily quota, reserved in advance through the recreation.gov system.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.