advertisement
2 June 2025
Arizona is widely known for places like the Grand Canyon and Saguaro National Forest, but one of its most stunning and underrated treasures is Aravaipa Canyon. Just southeast of Phoenix and northeast of Tucson, this wilderness area remains a well-kept secret for those seeking a fun outdoor adventure. Aravaipa Canyon offers a rare combination of serene beauty, challenging terrain, and diverse wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for backpackers, nature lovers, and adventurers alike.
advertisement
Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness spans an impressive 19,410 acres and is located in Graham and Pinal counties. The canyon itself stretches over 11 miles and cuts through the dramatic terrain of the Galiuro Mountains, offering visitors a glimpse of Arizona’s unique beauty.
What sets Aravaipa Canyon apart from other natural wonders in Arizona is its unique blend of desert and riparian environments. The waters of Aravaipa Creek wind through the canyon, providing a refreshing contrast with the towering rock formations, making it a truly magical experience for those who seek to connect with nature.
Aravaipa Canyon is a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife. Hikers may encounter everything from coatis to the rare glimpse of a mountain lion. A wide range of birds, including turkeys and Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, aka tree ducks, also call the canyon home. However, visitors should be aware of the occasional sightings of rattlesnakes.
One of the highlights of hiking in Aravaipa Canyon is the opportunity to witness the dramatic shifts in wildlife as the seasons change, whether you’re exploring the canyon in the cooler months, when the temperatures are mild. The wildlife is more active, or during the summer, when the water offers a refreshing dip.
Aravaipa Canyon is not only a natural wonder, but it is also steeped in history. The canyon and surrounding areas were once home to Native American tribes and have seen their fair share of significant historical events. Though now a peaceful wilderness, the area was the site of the 1870s massacre of Native American women and children, a somber chapter in Arizona’s history. Despite this dark past, the canyon stands today as a place of beauty and peace.
advertisement
Aravaipa Canyon is a prime destination for backpacking and camping. However, due to its fragile ecosystem, camping and hiking require a permit, and access is limited to maintain the wilderness area’s natural state.
For those who wish to explore the canyon over several days, the two-night, three-day permit option is the best way to experience Aravaipa at a leisurely pace. While some areas are more accessible for day hikers, it is recommended to plan for a more extended stay to appreciate the canyon’s beauty fully.
Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a casual nature enthusiast, Aravaipa Canyon offers something for everyone. With its stunning beauty, abundant wildlife, and serene atmosphere, it is truly one of Arizona’s hidden gems.
advertisement
Thinking about exploring Arizona caves? You’re in luck if you’re a spelunker! Several cave systems in Arizona are well-known and accessible to the public, offering a mix of guided tours and self-exploration: Kartchner Caverns – Famous for its preserved formations and extensive guided tours, Kartchner is a must-see for any visitor. Learn More » Peppersauce Cave – A favorite for more adventurous explorers, Peppersauce allows visitors to experience a raw and natural cave environment. Learn More » Colossal Cave – Located near Tucson, this cave provides both standard and advanced tours for those seeking a challenge. Learn More » Grand
Across the deserts, grasslands, and pine forests of Arizona and New Mexico, native predators once prowled: jaguars, wolves, and even grizzly bears once claimed Arizona as their home. Today, most of these species are gone, victims of hunting, habitat loss, and human expansion. But what if human intervention could remedy this? advertisement Jaguars Conservationists have long debated reintroducing jaguars into their historic range. Unlike some extinct or extirpated species, jaguars have garnered public fascination and broad support, making their comeback more politically and socially viable. Reintroducing jaguars wouldn’t just be a symbolic victory; it could help restore complex ecological interactions
Buying your first home can be exciting and a little nerve-wracking. For many buyers in Phoenix, Tucson, and the surrounding areas, one common concern is termites. If you’re house hunting, especially for older homes or condos built decades ago, termites are something you’ll likely encounter one day. advertisement Termites Are Common, Not Catastrophic In Phoenix and Tucson, termites are almost a given for older wood-constructed homes. Local homeowners joke that there are only two kinds of houses here: those that have had termites and those that will have termites. While the word “infestation” can sound alarming, a detected termite presence
The Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) is one of the rarest subspecies of gray wolf in North America and a symbol of both ecological resilience and conservation success. Once nearly extinct, this small gray wolf has become the focus of one of the most closely monitored wildlife recovery efforts in the United States. advertisement A Species on the Brink By the late 1970s, only seven Mexican gray wolves remained in captivity. Their disappearance from the wild was driven by habitat loss, hunting, and predator control programs. The survival of this subspecies depended entirely on careful intervention and breeding programs.
