Explore a rugged canyon in Southeastern Arizona protected by The Nature Conservancy.
Located between Phoenix and Tucson, Aravaipa Canyon is a surprising oasis in the high-desert backcountry. The stunning beauty of the Sonoran Desert is preserved here, and permits are required for a maximum of 50 visitors daily to explore this natural wonder. When temperatures are mild in the spring and fall seasons, visitors might encounter other hikers and horseback riders. During hot summers and cold winters, solitude surrounded by the natural splendor of Arizona is guaranteed.
Hike Into the Canyon
Do not expect to find designated trails, campsites or facilities in this primitive wilderness area. Aravaipa Creek carved a 1,000-foot-deep chasm and feeds a canopy of trees along the waterway. Two-day, three-night permits are available for serious adventurers who want to backpack and camp in the canyon and explore side canyons and caves. Most visitors secure one-day permits to hike or ride horses along the natural contours of the creek, often crossing the creek in ankle-deep water. As hikers get deeper into the canyon, cliff walls begin to narrow, creating a dramatic slot canyon.
Stay the Night
Backpackers come here for primitive camping in the remote canyonlands. For those seeking creature comforts, Aravaipa Farms Orchard & Inn near Winkleman adds history and agriculture to the getaway. Stay in remodeled ranch structures turned into luxurious casitas or rent the historic farmhouse with three bedrooms. The resort is off the grid, so visitors replace screen time here with stargazing, porch sitting, card playing or strolling on trails that wind through the orchards and lead into the surrounding hillsides.
