Hiking in the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness

Join us as we slosh through miles of water in the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness!
A permit is required for any type of hiking and/or camping in Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness - and getting a permit for the West Entrance is challenging!
What we did not do was our usual pre-hike research. We did not check the weather (forecast: rain), we did not check the road (last several miles are an unpaved, winding road), and we did not check the trail conditions (what trail?). But we were determined and up for an adventure.
Ours is the only vehicle in the trailhead parking lot when we arrive. It’s overcast, a little breezy, and in the mid-40’s - great hiking weather! Click on the GPS and off we go!
About a half mile in, we arrive at the first stream. We look around for a narrow place to cross over. Nothing. We look around for a rock bridge. Nada. So, after much discussion (and a little swearing), I take off my hiking boots and socks, roll up my pants, and walk through the stream barefoot. Joe plows through with his boots on. After I get my socks and boots on, we take off again.
Not long after and the next water crossing stops us. I try some heroic mountain climbing (not my gig!) and almost slide off the hill into the water. So, after more discussion (and a LOT more swearing), we take the plunge and just start walking through the water.
So goes the next five miles into the canyon and five miles back out.
Apart from the mud-covered hiking boots and wet pant legs up to our knees, this place is breathtakingly beautiful. The trail is a bed of fallen leaves. Green grass grows knee-high. The clear water flows over colorful rocks and deep sand. The gray skies make the perfect backdrop for the leaves that are still changing colors. I now understand why permits are so sought after: this place is truly an Arizona hidden gem.
We return to the trailhead parking lot mid-afternoon with wet boots and happy hearts. We can’t help but laugh at how unprepared we were: no backup outfits, shoes, or even towels to dry off with. So, we do the next best thing: cranked up the car’s heater and drove home barefoot.

[@charlesrowe6720]

Gorgeous..now on my list..❤

[@Krsthight]

Love the views!

[@rosendogutierrez151]

This very nice film and great place to see thanks

[@penttijuvonen3257]

Awesome place! 🇫🇮

[@ervinslens]

Stunning trail, so beautiful and peaceful.

[@GeographicallyFree]

Beautiful spot. Such a calming video too.

[@beccabaril1777]

Thank you ☺️