Aravaipa Canyon Permit: Quota, Dates and Route
Aravaipa Canyon permits are booked by advance reservation in Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. The route covers 12.3 miles.
This guide covers the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness permit.
50
People Per Day
$5 per person per day plus a $6 reservation fee
Permit Cost
1-3 days
Duration
12.25 miles
Distance
430'
Elevation Gain
About Aravaipa Canyon
Entry permit for the permitted stretch of Aravaipa Canyon. You pick East or West trailhead and a date, then walk the creek — there are no trails, no signs and no designated campsites.
The Aravaipa Canyon route
- Distance
- 12.25 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- Elevation gain
- 430 ft
- High point
- 3,060 ft
- Low point
- 2,630 ft
- Trip length
- 1-3 days
- Difficulty
- moderate
Southeast Arizona. Nearest town: Safford
Points along the route
- Aravaipa Trail West (west trailhead)Mile 0, 2,630 ft
- Whitewash CanyonMile 0.29, 2,591 ft
- Buzan CanyonMile 0.7, 2,608 ft
- Hells Half Acre CanyonMile 1.95, 2,654 ft
- Cave CanyonMile 2.28, 2,670 ft
- Javalina CanyonMile 3.41, 2,727 ft
- Virgus CanyonMile 4.45, 2,805 ft
- Horse Camp CanyonMile 4.83, 2,814 ft
- Booger CanyonMile 6.3, 2,879 ft
- Paisano CanyonMile 7.01, 2,912 ft
- Deer CreekMile 8.28, 2,973 ft
- Parsons CanyonMile 8.8, 2,994 ft
- Aravaipa Trail East (east trailhead)Mile 12.25, 3,060 ft
Aravaipa Canyon permit detailsandAll Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness permits
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Pro Tips
Book the West Trailhead if you do not have high clearance. The East approach crosses the creek 46 miles in on dirt with no bridges.
You will be walking in the creek most of the way, with dozens of crossings up to knee deep. Plan on wet feet from the first mile.
Flash floods are the real hazard. Check the flow gauge before you go and camp high, well back from the creek.
Two cars per permit, and the permit number goes on each dashboard.
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Aravaipa Canyon permit?
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Aravaipa Canyon permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When can I use a Aravaipa Canyon permit?
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The season typically runs January 1 to December 31. Check with Aravaipa Canyon for exact dates.
How long is the Aravaipa Canyon route?
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The route is 12.25 miles, as a point-to-point. Plan on 1-3 days.
How difficult is the Aravaipa Canyon route?
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This is a moderate route, requires good fitness and some outdoor experience.
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