Arizona is home to many remote, isolated landscapes, but few match the exclusivity of Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. Just 10 entrance permits are issued each day, making visitors feel like the last people on earth.

Spanning nearly 20,000 square feet, Aravaipa Canyon keeps the 'wild' in 'wilderness.'
AllTrails/Thomas Moore
All who enter these ancient lands travel back in time to a land far predating civilization as we know it - provided you're in the first 10 people to snag a permit on that particular day, of course.
Since 1984, these strict regulations have been in place to prevent overuse.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
There are also restrictions on hunting, camping trip length, and number of horses allowed.
Rugged trails traverse a lush riparian forest, complete with sycamore, ash, willow, and cottonwood trees, in addition to other types of vegetation.
AllTrails/Daniel Riley
Animals such as bighorn sheep, javelina, coatimundis, and ringtail cats also make their homes here.

Related Stories

You Can Spend The Night In An Airbnb That's Inside An Actual Cave Right Here In Arizona

You Can Spend The Night In An Airbnb That's Inside An Actual Cave Right Here In Arizona

 Arizona’s Grand Canyon Looks Even More Spectacular In the Winter

Arizona’s Grand Canyon Looks Even More Spectacular In the Winter

 The Underground Wine Cave In Arizona You Have To Visit

The Underground Wine Cave In Arizona You Have To Visit
While the canyon is beautiful year-round, it truly comes alive during autumn.
Flickr/Al_HikesAZ
Brilliant red and gold leaves capture sunlight and reflect it back onto the surrounding rock walls.
A creek with powerful waters carved out the canyon long ago and it runs year-round; a rarity in the dry Arizona desert.
AllTrails/Thomas Moore
You'll walk past many natural pools that almost resemble an extraterrestrial landscape, such as the moon's craters.
If you're just looking for a day trip, expect to spend 8-10 hours hiking from end-to-end.
AllTrails/Ty Truong
Otherwise, several camping areas allow for more leisurely exploration of side canyons, caves, and outcrops.
Address: 711 South 14th Avenue, Safford, AZ 85546
Google Maps
The entrance fee is just $5, but you'll need to purchase a permit in advance.

Visit the AllTrails page to learn more.

Have you ever been to Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness? If so, what was your favorite thing about it? Let us in on all the details.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Arizona

Featured Addresses
Aravaipa Canyon, Arizona 85192, USA