My December 5, 2019 hike in Aravaipa Canyon was quite magical, so I decided to do it again with Alastair and several friends. Aravaipa Creek flows year-round, an unusual phenomenon in the Arizona desert. The Bureau of Land Management manages Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness to protect its essential wilderness character and fragile environment, and you must have a permit to hike.
Like last year, the weather was great – clear skies, very little wind, and afternoon temperature close to 70F. But this year we had a late fall, which fortunately meant there was still some great color on the trees. We started at the West entrance and did an out-and-back 8-mile hike. Water temperature was bit colder than last year, but we were prepared and felt quite comfortable. We had a couple of wildlife sightings: a Great Horned Owl was perched in a tree above the trail (it was there when we passed both coming and going), and a raccoon crossed the stream just in front of us.
It was a gorgeous day, enjoyed by all! Plans are in the works to hike the entire 12 mile canyon in the spring.
