Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Permits

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Permits

Sites like Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness are administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to preserve their scenic beauty and natural integrity for future generations to enjoy. The Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness is an example of the treasures that the BLM protects. Blessed with towering cliffs and an amazing mix of flora and fauna, the canyon is an oasis in the middle of the eastern ranges of the Arizona desert. BLM regulations protect the site by limiting human interaction through the limited distribution of permits. Only 50 people may be in the canyon at any given time and must travel on foot or by stock. Backpackers may remain in the canyon for two nights but must apply for a multiple-day permit to ensure an accurate count. Stock is permitted for day-use adventures only and may not remain in the canyon after sunset.

Located in southeast Arizona, roughly midway between Tucson and Phoenix, the canyon is within a day’s drive of two national parks: Petrified Forest National Park, 177 miles to the north, and Grand Canyon National Park, a nine-hour drive to the northwest.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Aravaipa Canyon Trails

Though there is a marked trailhead at the eastern and the western entrances to Aravaipa Canyon, there are no designated trails; hikers are free to venture along the Aravaipa River, into the side canyons, along cliff walls, and anywhere else they wish to tackle.

Length: 9.6 miles

Intensity: Intermediate

Six-Shooter Canyon Trail

Located about 10 miles south of Aravaipa Canyon, Six-Shooter Canyon Trail is a challenging hike that rises 3,900 feet along its length to an elevation above 5,000 feet. Much like a mountain trail, hikers often get glimpses of mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and other high-elevation animals. It is an in-and-out hike, so be prepared for both uphill and downhill climbing.

Length: 13.2 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Climbing

The best location to climb near Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness is about 50 miles west in the Superstition Mountains. In this area, there are several high-quality rock routes available for avid climbers. The site draws professionals looking for a challenge.

Wildlife Viewing

Aravaipa Canyon is famous for its incredible variety of bird species. It is the Aravaipa River that draws them and other animals to the canyon. Migratory songbirds like the vermillion flycatcher and the white-throated swift join birds of prey such as peregrine falcons and elf owls to provide a dazzling aerial display that brings bird-watchers to the canyon. White-tailed and mule deer live along the river banks and are hunted by mountain lions and coyotes.

Picnicking

Picnic tables are available at the eastern and western entrances to the canyon, but there are none inside its boundaries. A few BLM RV camping areas near the canyon provide picnic tables with incredible views of the mountains for travelers.

Stargazing

Those who camp overnight inside Aravaipa Canyon remark on the night sky. The walls serve as a focusing agent for eyes looking upward, blanking out any light from far-off communities. Distant stars seem to grow nearer the more they are watched.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

There is one developed BLM RV camping site that charges a fee of $5 to stay the night that is within 50 miles of Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness: Ponderosa Grove Campground. Located 48 miles southeast of Aravaipa Canyon, this campground is a great place to stay while accessing the canyon for day-use excursions. The campground provides 19 dry-camping sites amongst mesquite trees and sagebrush. The BLM provides restrooms, fire pits, and picnic tables. This area is a free-range region, so be prepared to share the campsite with roaming cattle.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at several sites near the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness, including the Dripping Springs Road Dispersed Camping Area, which is located 23 miles south of the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. The road into the site is bumpy but drivable, and the entire area is relatively level, with a few dips here and there. A bit further south, the Christmas Recreation Site offers room for RVs in a minimally developed area. It sits alongside the Gila River with 23 dirt pad areas on a gravel road developed by former RV campers. Vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits accompany the campsites.

RV Rentals Near Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Permits Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Permits BLM trip

Vacation planners performing an Internet search requesting “BLM camping near me,” designating the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness as their location, find several BLM dispersed campsites available for boondocking. Travelers cannot reserve any Bureau of Land Management camping sites as they are on a first-come, first-served basis.

BLM RV camping near Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness is a popular activity the entire year. Most campgrounds in BLM areas are either undeveloped or minimally developed. Travelers planning on using these campgrounds should check the upcoming weather to ensure a safe and happy stay. Before heading out on a trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Since Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are not staffed, campers are on their honor to abide by the “leave no trace” regulation, especially in dispersed camping or boondocking areas. To comply with this regulation, make sure to check your site for any evidence that you have stayed there before leaving. Though nature will, in time, cure itself, every camper needs to take precautions against damaging the area. Some logical solutions are to seal your food containers before retiring for the night and contain any campfire in a metal skillet or other ash-catching device.

Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Permits Location

To reach Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness from Phoenix, take Interstate 10 East (I-10 E) for six miles to exit 154. Turn left to access United States Highway 80 (US-80) and drive 83 miles to merge left with United States Highway 70 (US-70). Stay on US-70 for 59 miles and then turn right onto Klondyke Road. Stay on Klondyke Road for 41 miles to reach the entrance to Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness.

Ready to visit Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness? An 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 for the night, 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 RV Share.