This is a spectacular hike along and through a year around free flowing stream that has carved a deep, 10 mile long canyon through the Galiuro Mountains.  The hike is particularly beautiful when the cottonwood trees are turning in fall (November) and again after the spring green up in mid March.  Numerous side canyons offer even more opportunities for exploration. 

This hike is in a Wilderness Area and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) requires a permit to enter the area and limits the number of hikers that can enter each day.  Thus, hikers need to call (928-348-4400) the Safford Office of the BLM  to request a permit prior to hiking the canyon.  Permits for Friday through Sunday can be difficult to get unless one schedules well in advance.  Weekdays are not as difficult.

The hike that I took on 3 March 2014 was recorded with my cell phone GPS app called View Ranger.  The GPS indicated that I traveled 5.17 miles to the point where I could see the Hell Hole.  I returned by the same route and so my total distance would be a little more than 10 miles during the 6 hour hike.  However, down in the canyon GPS readings can be "iffy" and I have less confidence in these readings than I normally do when using this GPS app.  For instance, look at the indicated travel up into Hell Hole Canyon.  The GPS readings show me climbing up and down the canyon walls.  This definitely did not happen.  The readings are better in the much wider main part of the canyon, but even there they are not perfect.

Due to the remote nature of this hike and to the ever present water there is abundant wildlife in Aravaipa Canyon including Bighorn Sheep and Whitetail Deer.  Unlike seasonal streams, Aravaipa Creek has a resident fish population and along with the fish, a resident populations of fish eating herons.   A sign at the BLM Sign In Station details some of the wildlife that can be seen in the canyon.

Besides requiring a permit, this hike also requires that one has a high clearance vehicle capable of driving through a stream about 10 times.  Some of these crossings requiring driving through water as much a foot deep.  Also, once one starts hiking, one finds that the trail crosses the stream repeatedly requiring hikers to wade across or down the stream.  During a recent hike in Aravaipa Canyon I estimate that I waded the stream at least 40 times.  Sometimes the streambed is sandy and sometimes the streambed is rocky and slippery.  Hiking poles can help while crossing the stream.  One should come prepared with footgear that is comfortable but able to withstand thorough soaking.       

There is a Pit Toilet at the BLM Wilderness Area Sign In for this hike.  There are no toilet facilities at the actual trailhead at the Turkey Creek junction.