Leave No Trace 
When visiting any BLM site, you should follow a "leave no trace" policy. There are no trash receptacles, and you are responsible for carrying out any waste.
BLM Camping
Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness in Safford, Arizona, presents a unique opportunity to see high-walled canyons, a wide variety of native wildlife, and a large creek replete with fish. The 19,410-acre wilderness is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, a federal agency that administers 245 million acres (1/10) of land in the United States. The BLM is directed to manage renewable resources. The organization also conserves wilderness regions, national monuments, national conservation areas, rivers, historic trails, wild horse and donkey ranges, wildlife, fish, and plant habitats, Native American and "Old West" artifacts, and paleontological resources.
There are no designated campsites or facilities within the boundaries of Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. The preserve is rugged, and hikers should wear sturdy, waterproof shoes for crossing the creek. As you hike, you will be able to explore caves, canyons, and chimneys that lie on side trails. Permits are required for hunting, backpacking, and hiking in the canyon by reservation. Visitors can spend up to two nights and three days in the canyon preserve. The following guide contains information on BLM camping in Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness.
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Aravaipa Canyon East Entrance
Aravaipa Canyon East Entrance is an in-and-out trail located near Pima, AZ, that is a long and wet hike, so be sure to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes that work well in water. The trail has two trailheads: the West Entrance and the East Entrance. Beginning at the East Entrance is the easier hike because it is mostly downhill. People often choose to spend a night or two along the trail, either on the trail or at Horse Camp.
Length: 12 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Aravaipa Canyon Trail West Entrance
Aravaipa Canyon Trail is an in-and-out trail located near San Manuel, AZ, that includes many sections of Aravaipa Creek. The trail is long, and many people choose to spend a night either along the trail or at Horse Camp. As much of this trail involves crossing the creek back and forth, be sure to wear shoes that work well in the water and on slippery rocks. The West Entrance trail ends at the Aravaipa Canyon East Entrance and is a more challenging walk than beginning at the East Entrance direction due to the continuous 430-foot elevation gain.
Length: 12 Miles
Intensity: Medium
Turkey Creek Trail
Turkey Creek Trail is an in-and-out trail located near Parsons Grove, AZ, that features beautiful wildflowers. Hikers will enjoy viewing a wonderfully intact cliff dwelling. You can park at the Turkey Creek East Wilderness Trailhead and then hike to the cliff dwelling on Turkey Creek. There is a campsite at the base of the trail to the ruins.
Length: 4.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing
You cannot fish in Aravaipa Creek when BLM RV camping in the wilderness. The BLM manages and protects the native species of fish that live here, including the Sonora Sucker, longfin dace, roundtail chub, speckled dace, longfin dace, desert sucker, loach minnow, and spike dace. Efforts are currently underway to remove nonnative and invasive species.
Horseback Riding
Equestrians are allowed to have up to five horses per party, but the horses cannot remain overnight in the canyon bottom. However, they can be taken back up to the top of the canyon if you are Bureau of Land Management camping.
Hunting
Hunters will need a permit for hunting in season. The flood plains of Aravaipa Creek and the first 50 vertical feet above the streambed are closed to shooting but are open to bow and arrow hunting in season.
Climbing
Climbing is allowed within the canyon wilderness areas. The upper canyon has shallow narrows that do not have many vertical obstacles. The end of the canyon features a more technical section and short series of narrows. Depending on the type of drops, certain sections can be rappelled.
Wildlife Viewing
There are numerous native species of wildlife inside the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. Visitors will have many opportunities to see birds like owls, woodpeckers, black hawks, black phoebes, rock wrens, warblers, and others. Amphibians and reptiles include the canyon treefrog, lowland leopard frog, black-necked garter snake, and several species of rattlesnakes. Sightings of bighorn sheep, coatimundis, mountain lions, white-tailed deer, mule deer, and javelinas are common. Bats are present in many of the caves as well.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
Fourmile Canyon Campground is a 1.5-hour drive from Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. The camp features mesquite trees and desert grasses. RV camping is available on gravel sites that are 22 feet or smaller. Camp amenities include vault and flush toilets, water, picnic tables, and fire rings.
Free Camping 
Bureau of Land Management free camping is allowed inside Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. There is no designated camping section, but there are numerous unofficial areas that are popular among backpackers and hikers for dispersed (free) camping. This is all "dry camping," as there are no bathrooms or waste receptacles.
RV Rentals Near Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Plan your next adventure
Planning your Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness BLM trip
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness area are undeveloped and managed as a preserve of the natural environment in the Aravaipa Canyon region. As the campsites are primitive, you will need to bring in your own supplies. These should include water and food, a sleeping bag, small camping utensils, a flashlight, a small lantern, and some type of lighter if needed. As the trails are unmarked, you should bring a GPS device and maps of the area. Before you embark on your trip, visit our blog to read more about BLM camping.
Leave No Trace
Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Location
The East Trailhead leads off US Highway 70 between Safford and Bylas. The drive is on a 46-mile dirt road with creek crossings that do not have bridges. The West Trailhead leads off Arizona Route 77 between Mammoth and Winkelman and is a 12-mile road that is paved for three miles and dirt for nine miles.
Ready to visit Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness? RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice, soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.