Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The 19,410-acre Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness is an underrated desert oasis tucked within the high tablelands of southeastern Arizona. It is a rare desert ecosystem sustained by a clear, perennial creek that flows year-round and supports lush vegetation. Large sycamores, ashes, cottonwoods, and willows line the corridor, creating a striking contrast against the surrounding arid landscape. In the fall, you can delight to a kaleidoscope of brilliant red and golden leaves glowing against the canyon walls. Aravaipa has no roads or vehicle access; you explore it on foot. RV travelers base at a nearby campground and hike in. Permits are required for hiking, backpacking, and hunting, and daily entry is limited, so reserve your permit early.
Quick Facts About RVing in Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
• RV Friendly: Limited • Max RV Length: Smaller, compact rigs recommended • Camping Type: Developed and primitive • Reservations: No • Hookups: None • Dump Station: None on-site • Potable Water: Available only at Fourmile Canyon Campground • Cell Service: None • Pets: Not allowed in the wilderness; leashed pets OK at Fourmile Canyon • Roads: Unpaved and rugged • Best Seasons: Spring and fall
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• More accessible west trailhead reached via Highway 77 • Compact-rig friendly • Great for backpacking • Excellent hiking and outdoor recreation • Convenient access to several small towns and communities • Abundant wildlife to observe • The area is uncrowded and pristine
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.
Developed Campgrounds
The main developed option is Fourmile Canyon Campground, a BLM site near Klondyke on the east side of the Aravaipa area, about 10 miles from the east trailhead and roughly an hour's drive from Safford. It has 10 first-come, first-served campsites set among large mesquite trees, each with a concrete picnic table and a fire ring. The campground provides potable water, trash containers, and a toilet, and the nightly fee is $5, which covers two vehicles. A BLM ranger station sits less than a mile away in Klondyke. Confirm current RV length limits with the Safford Field Office before you go. For more details, see RVshare's Fourmile Canyon Campground guide.
Dispersed Camping
You can stay up to two nights and three days in Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness as a backpacker. Vehicles are strictly prohibited from entering the canyon, and all overnight stays must be done on foot with a valid permit. Book early, especially if you are visiting during the peak season from March to May. The wilderness is managed to remain as natural as possible, so camp on durable surfaces well away from the stream and trail. Abide by Leave No Trace principles: You must carry in all food, water, and gear, respect wildlife, be considerate of other campers, minimize campfire impacts, and pack out every bit of trash and waste.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness is an excellent place to visit with an RV. While the wilderness itself allows no vehicles, the developed campgrounds at Fourmile Canyon give you a comfortable base camp within reasonable driving distance. The surrounding BLM lands also offer wide open desert scenery, quiet nights, and plenty of space to set up a self-contained rig. • Camper Vans: Camper vans are ideal for RV camping near Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. Their compact footprint, maneuverability, and self-contained design make them well-suited for navigating the rugged access roads and finding level parking areas. • Travel Trailers: The rough, curvy access roads leading up to the campground and the wilderness may present a challenge for travel trailers. The combined length of a tow vehicle and trailer makes tight turns, soft shoulders, and uneven terrain more difficult to manage, and the campground's sites are small. • Fifth Wheels: Fifth wheels are not ideal for visiting BLM campgrounds in this part of Arizona. You'll need to drive many miles on secondary and unpaved dirt roads, many of which narrow, wash out, or develop deep ruts after storms. The size and turning radius of fifth wheels make these conditions difficult to navigate. • Class A Motorhomes: Class A motorhomes are too big for the trails and campground. Also, most Class A motorhomes need to run a generator, which is often discouraged in BLM-managed lands. • Class B Motorhomes: Class B motorhomes are excellent for visiting Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. They offer the comfort of a full RV in a compact, maneuverable package that fits the campground's tight sites. • Class C Motorhomes: Shorter Class C motorhomes can work if they fit the campground's compact sites, and their extra storage helps carry the supplies dry camping requires. Confirm site length limits before you book.
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.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
First and most importantly, secure your permit well in advance of your trip to Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. Only 50 people per day are allowed in the wilderness, and demand is often high during peak seasons like spring and fall. Arriving fully self contained is essential. Renting a capable, fully equipped RV can help you stay comfortable and safe throughout your visit. The surrounding BLM lands have no hookups, water is not always available, and cell service is almost nonexistent. You can get all your gear and supplies in nearby towns, such as Winkelman, Mammoth, and Kearny. Lastly, adhere to BLM's Leave No Trace principles both at the RV campground and in the wilderness.
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.
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.
Plan Your Day at Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
• Morning: Start your day early at your RV with a hearty breakfast to fuel the hike between the east and west trailheads, a route of about 12 miles. Some visitors arrange for a local outfitter to shuttle them back on the return trek, which is worth setting up ahead of time if you'd rather not hike both directions. • Afternoon: Find a shady spot along the bank of Aravaipa Creek and enjoy your packed lunch. You can watch desert animals moving across the thousand-foot canyon walls or take photos of the varied, lush vegetation that thrives along the riparian corridor. • Evening: As the sun begins to drop behind the canyon walls, explore a bit more, take photos, or simply sit and listen to the creek. If you arranged a shuttle, you'll meet your driver around this time; if not, begin your return hike while there's still plenty of daylight. Back at your RV, freshen up, cook your evening meal, and enjoy stargazing under Aravaipa's dark skies.
Nearby Attractions
Arizona is rich in natural beauty, historic sites, and small desert towns that offer memorable stops before or after your visit to Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. Popular options include: • Aravaipa Ghost Town: About 30 minutes from the canyon's east side, this historic site offers a glimpse into Arizona's mining past. Weathered structures, old equipment, and the quiet desert surroundings create an atmospheric stop for travelers who enjoy history and photography. • Boyce Thompson Arboretum: About an hour north near Superior along Highway 60, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum is one of Arizona's most impressive botanical destinations. Its shaded trails that weave through collections of desert plants from around the world offer a peaceful half-day experience ideal for photography, bird-watching, and learning desert ecology. • Biosphere 2: About an hour southwest near Oracle, Biosphere 2 is a massive Earth systems science research facility that once housed fully enclosed ecological environments. Today, guided tours take visitors through its rainforest, ocean biome, and desert habitats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my pet? Pets are banned inside the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness, including all side canyons. At Fourmile Canyon Campground, leashed pets are generally allowed, but keep them under control and be mindful of wildlife and other campers. Can I have a campfire? There are fire rings for campfires at Fourmile Canyon Campground, but fire restrictions vary throughout the year. During windy conditions, for instance, campfires may be prohibited to reduce wildfire risk. Is the road suitable for all RVs? Access roads are rough, unpaved, and sometimes narrow, especially the long dirt road to the east trailhead. Smaller, high-clearance rigs like camper vans and Class B motorhomes handle the terrain best. The west trailhead road off Highway 77 is the more forgiving approach. Where can I get supplies? On the west side, Winkelman, Mammoth, and Kearny offer fuel, groceries, and basic supplies. If you're camping at Fourmile Canyon on the east side, Safford is the closest full-service town, so stock up there before the long drive out to Klondyke. Can I stay for 14 days? Inside the wilderness, backpackers are limited to three days and two nights. At Fourmile Canyon Campground, the standard BLM stay limit applies, so you can typically camp up to 14 consecutive days in a 28-day period.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
A compact camper van or Class B motorhome with good ground clearance is the best type of RV for an Aravaipa trip. These rigs are fully self-sufficient and compact enough to navigate the rough roads that lead through nearby towns, desert backroads, and the surrounding BLM lands. Browse Mammoth RV rentals to find the right vehicle for your trip to Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness.