Transfer to Aravaipa Farms & Welcome Orientation
This afternoon we meet our fellow travelers and guides and set off for Aravaipa Canyon. Catch a glimpse of the jagged and majestic Superstition mountains as we drive through small towns and farmland making our way into the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. As we enter the canyon, the road turns to dirt before we end up at the beautiful 46-acre Aravaipa Farms Orchard where we will spend the night camped beneath the vibrant pecan and pear trees that line the orchard. Tonight, we will have our backpacking orientation around the campfire and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the babbling creek. Dinner included.
Van transfer: 2 hours
Enter Aravaipa Canyon and begin our amphibious backcountry adventure
After breakfast we depart for the western entrance of Aravaipa Canyon. Our route into the canyon takes us through the creek to the mouth of Hells Half Acre Canyon, a great spot for a respite and views of the Painted Cave. Keeping our eyes peeled for bighorn sheep on the canyon walls, we continue our hike to Horse Camp where we set up along the banks of the creek. Tonight, our guides prepare dinner while we watch the night sky unfold above us. All meals included.
Backpacking: 4.9 miles with minimal elevation gain/loss
Explore Aravaipa’s inner gorge and Hell Hole Canyon
We start the day with a backcountry breakfast prepared by our guides. With camp set up we don our daypacks and set out for Hell Hole Canyon and Deer Creek. Today we fully immerse ourselves in the Aravaipa Wilderness, a fantastic opportunity to learn about the ecology of the inner canyon, the wildlife that call it home, and to enjoy the restorative power of the desert. Tonight, we return to our camp nestled along the creek where our guides prepare a backcountry dinner, and we reminisce about our adventures. All meals included.
Hiking: 6.9-7.9 miles with minimal elevation gain/loss
Enjoy a final morning hike in Aravaipa before returning to Phoenix
We wake up to the soft trickle of the creek before sunrise and enjoy an optional hike into Horse Camp Canyon before returning to our final delicious guide-prepared breakfast. After breaking camp, we hoist our backpacks and begin our last hike to the western entrance of the gorge. Along the way, we get to see Aravaipa’s southern tributaries including Parsons and Half-Acre Canyons before arriving at the West Trailhead. We'll share a picnic lunch before heading back to Phoenix to complete our adventure. Our guides drop trip members off at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport before stopping back at our host hotel in Scottsdale. Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: 1.5 miles; Backpacking: 4.9 miles with minimal elevation gain/loss; Van transfer: 2.5 hours