With towering cliffs, flowing water and a rich diversity of flora and fauna,
Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness remains as one of Arizona's truly unique areas. Its
19,410 acres of designated wilderness beckons adventurers who yearn for
solitude and scenic splendor. Located in southeast Arizona, roughly between
Tucson and Phoenix, the wilderness and surrounding public and private land
conserve a vital ecosystem for future generations.

Aravaipa Creek flows year-round, an unusual phenomenon in the Arizona desert.
Nurtured by this abundant water, large sycamore, ash, cottonwood, and willow
trees flourish along the stream, flanked by other riparian vegetation. In the
fall, a kaleidoscope of brilliant red and golden leaves contrasts dramatically
with the surrounding Sonoran Desert landscape.

The Bureau of Land Management manages Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness to protect
its essential wilderness character and fragile environment while providing the
visitor with a world-class opportunity for primitive and unconfined
recreation. **You must have a permit to hike, backpack, and hunt in Aravaipa
Canyon and all the side canyons.** **Learn more about Aravaipa Canyon
permits.**

## Know Before You Go

  * Expect the wild! There are no designated trails, campsites, signs, or facilities within the wilderness boundaries. The land is rugged and you should be in good condition to pass through dense riparian vegetation (a sign of a healthy ecosystem). Wear sturdy footwear suitable for hiking in sand, gravel, and cobble with potential for numerous stream crossings in knee-deep water.
  * From the west trailhead (2,630 feet), expect a continuous 430-foot elevation gain over uneven terrain for 12.25 miles to the east trailhead (3,060 feet).
  * There are multiple side canyons, caves, outcrops, chimneys, and "windows" to explore along your way. Strong or destination hikers can traverse from end to end in 8 to 10 hours, while nature watchers, photographers, and those wanting to explore side canyons may take one or two nights.

With towering cliffs, flowing water and a rich diversity of flora and fauna, Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness remains as one of Arizona's truly unique areas. Its 19,410 acres of designated wilderness beckons adventurers who yearn for solitude and scenic splendor. Located in southeast Arizona, roughly between Tucson and Phoenix, the wilderness and surrounding public and private land conserve a vital ecosystem for future generations.

Aravaipa Creek flows year-round, an unusual phenomenon in the Arizona desert. Nurtured by this abundant water, large sycamore, ash, cottonwood, and willow trees flourish along the stream, flanked by other riparian vegetation. In the fall, a kaleidoscope of brilliant red and golden leaves contrasts dramatically with the surrounding Sonoran Desert landscape.

The Bureau of Land Management manages Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness to protect its essential wilderness character and fragile environment while providing the visitor with a world-class opportunity for primitive and unconfined recreation. You must have a permit to hike, backpack, and hunt in Aravaipa Canyon and all the side canyons. <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-passes/lotteries-and-permit-systems/arizona/aravaipa" rel="nofollow">Learn more about Aravaipa Canyon permits.</a>

<h2>Know Before You Go</h2>

<ul>
<li>Expect the wild! There are no designated trails, campsites, signs, or facilities within the wilderness boundaries. The land is rugged and you should be in good condition to pass through dense riparian vegetation (a sign of a healthy ecosystem). Wear sturdy footwear suitable for hiking in sand, gravel, and cobble with potential for numerous stream crossings in knee-deep water.</li>
<li>From the west trailhead (2,630 feet), expect a continuous 430-foot elevation gain over uneven terrain for 12.25 miles to the east trailhead (3,060 feet).</li>
<li>There are multiple side canyons, caves, outcrops, chimneys, and "windows" to explore along your way. Strong or destination hikers can traverse from end to end in 8 to 10 hours, while nature watchers, photographers, and those wanting to explore side canyons may take one or two nights.</li>
</ul>

You must have a permit to hike, backpack, and hunt in Aravaipa Canyon and all
the side canyons. Learn more about Aravaipa Canyon permits.

Bird's eye view of the park

Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness

Nestled in the northern foothills of the Galiuro Mountains of southeastern
Arizona lies Turkey Creek, a small riparian canyon that flows into Aravaipa
Creek. Lined with large sycamore, Arizona walnut, and Arizona white oak trees,
this narrow canyon provides a quiet retreat for picnicking and camping.

Numerous small pull-outs along the three-mile length of the canyon are perfect
for primitive camping. Day hiking is easy along the canyon bottom, a jumping
off point to the east entrance of Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness.

Colorful birds, as well as an occasional deer, javelina, or even a coatimundi,
can be seen on early morning walks along the dirt road. A short trail leads to
a prehistoric cliff dwelling; remnants of 120 years of homesteading and
ranching are visible in the canyon. Due to its rich natural and cultural
resources, part of Turkey Creek has been identified as an Area of Critical
Environmental Concern by the Bureau of Land Management.  
  
The Turkey Creek cliff dwelling is one of the most intact structures of its
kind in southeastern Arizona. It was probably occupied for a few months each
year by prehistoric farmers around 1300 A.D. These people, of the Salado
culture, probably collected plants along Turkey Creek, grew corn, and hunted
wild animals. Salado farmers disappeared suddenly around 1450 A.D.  
  
Access to Turkey Creek is via a dirt road that is maintained by Graham County.
Conditions vary with seasonal precipitation and may require high-clearance
vehicles and sometimes four-wheel drive.

Restrooms are located at a small parking area near the wilderness boundary;
maps and information about the wilderness are available at the BLM ranger
station in Klondyke. Restrooms and general information is available at the
wilderness parking lot, additional information at the ranger station in
Klondyke, developed campsites at Fourmile Canyon Campground in Klondyke,
interpretive sign at the cliff dwelling.

Nestled in the northern foothills of the Galiuro Mountains of southeastern Arizona lies Turkey Creek, a small riparian canyon that flows into Aravaipa Creek. Lined with large sycamore, Arizona walnut, and Arizona white oak trees, this narrow canyon provides a quiet retreat for picnicking and camping.Numerous small pull-outs along the three-mile length of the canyon are perfect for primitive camping. Day hiking is easy along the canyon bottom, a jumping off point to the east entrance of <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/aravaipa-canyon-wilderness" rel="nofollow">Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness</a>.Colorful birds, as well as an occasional deer, javelina, or even a coatimundi, can be seen on early morning walks along the dirt road. A short trail leads to a prehistoric cliff dwelling; remnants of 120 years of homesteading and ranching are visible in the canyon. Due to its rich natural and cultural resources, part of Turkey Creek has been identified as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern by the Bureau of Land Management. The Turkey Creek cliff dwelling is one of the most intact structures of its kind in southeastern Arizona. It was probably occupied for a few months each year by prehistoric farmers around 1300 A.D. These people, of the Salado culture, probably collected plants along Turkey Creek, grew corn, and hunted wild animals. Salado farmers disappeared suddenly around 1450 A.D. Access to Turkey Creek is via a dirt road that is maintained by Graham County. Conditions vary with seasonal precipitation and may require high-clearance vehicles and sometimes four-wheel drive.Restrooms are located at a small parking area near the wilderness boundary; maps and information about the wilderness are available at the BLM ranger station in Klondyke. Restrooms and general information is available at the wilderness parking lot, additional information at the ranger station in Klondyke, developed campsites at <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/fourmile-canyon-campground" rel="nofollow">Fourmile Canyon Campground</a> in Klondyke, interpretive sign at the cliff dwelling.

Turkey Creek Cliff Dwelling Trail

A graded county road provides access to the east Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
boundary. Creek crossings and seasonal road conditions may necessitate high-
clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles. Winter and summer flooding make the
road impassable to all vehicles. Call the Safford Field Office for road
information.

A graded county road provides access to the east <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/aravaipa-canyon-wilderness" rel="nofollow">Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness</a> boundary. Creek crossings and seasonal road conditions may necessitate high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles. Winter and summer flooding make the road impassable to all vehicles. Call the Safford Field Office for road information.

Turkey Creek

Rug Road got its name from the remnants of carpet that people have used to
fill holes and ledges along the road to make it more passable. The road is one
of the roughest roads in the Safford Field Office - it is not for the faint of
heart.

Travel on the Rug Road requires a good high-clearance, four-wheel-drive
vehicle and experience driving in these conditions. The road transverses Table
Mountain between Turkey Creek on the east end and Mammoth on the west end. It
is only about 20 miles long but will take a full day to traverse. You may want
to plan for two days to be safe and to let your body recuperate from the
rugged road! This is a serious four-wheel-drive road. For your safety, travel
with another vehicle. Carry plenty of extra water and food, plus spare tires
and tools that may be needed for vehicle repairs.

The road crosses a variety of land ownership including federal, state, and
private lands. Respect public and private property, and be careful with
campfires. Part of Turkey Creek is an Area of Critical Environmental Concern
because of the sensitive riparian and cultural resources. Stay on the road,
and please use the existing campsites. Pack out all trash. Use dead and down
wood for campfires.

Rug Road got its name from the remnants of carpet that people have used to fill holes and ledges along the road to make it more passable. The road is one of the roughest roads in the Safford Field Office - it is not for the faint of heart.

Travel on the Rug Road requires a good high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle and experience driving in these conditions. The road transverses Table Mountain between Turkey Creek on the east end and Mammoth on the west end. It is only about 20 miles long but will take a full day to traverse. You may want to plan for two days to be safe and to let your body recuperate from the rugged road! This is a serious four-wheel-drive road. For your safety, travel with another vehicle. Carry plenty of extra water and food, plus spare tires and tools that may be needed for vehicle repairs.

The road crosses a variety of land ownership including federal, state, and private lands. Respect public and private property, and be careful with campfires. Part of Turkey Creek is an Area of Critical Environmental Concern because of the sensitive riparian and cultural resources. Stay on the road, and please use the existing campsites. Pack out all trash. Use dead and down wood for campfires.

Rug Road

The Gila River recreation area is located along the Gila River and SR 77
between the Town of Winkelman and Globe in Gila County, Arizona. It is
approximately 70 miles north of Tucson and 100 miles southeast of Phoenix. The
area includes approximately 5 river miles on public land administered by the
Bureau of Land Management that is open to public recreational use.

The area includes two minimally developed sites that provide access from SR77
to the Gila River for river related recreation, such as wildlife viewing,
picnicking, camping, fishing and small craft river floating in a scenic
Sonoran desert canyon landscape. The Shores and Christmas recreation sites
offer site roads off the highway, gravel parking, toilets and primitive picnic
camping units. The sites are available at no cost on a first come first served
basis.

Primitive sites with parking and a fire ring are available. Bring your own
table, cooking stove and site furnishings. The sites are not suitable for
large motor homes or RV trailers due to narrow clearance and maneuvering
space.

## Wildlife

The Gila River riparian area and upland canyon habitats provide habitat for a
variety of wildlife, including resident and migratory avian species, small
mammals, reptiles and insects. The recreation sites is largely natural
habitat, and some wildlife may present a hazard, such as rattlesnakes.

Warm water fish (channel catfish and carp, as well as some large flathead
catfish and largemouth bass) may be found in this section of the Gila River.

## River Floating

The Gila River can be accessed for floating at the Christmas and Shores sites,
with a downriver take-out at the Town of Winkelman River Park. River flows are
controlled by releases from the Coolidge Dam for agricultural irrigation in
the Casa Grande-Coolidge area, and are typically suitable for small craft
river floating (such as inflatable kayaks, canoes and tubes) from May through
October when flows are over 300 cubic feet per second (cfs) at the USGS Gila
river Below Coolidge Dam stream gage.

**CAUTION RIVER FLOATERS** : At high flows, 600 cfs or greater, the river may
be at bankfull, and the current runs fast making maneuvering float craft
extremely challenging and difficult or impossible to avoid navigation hazards.
Hazards that may be encountered include tight river turns, restricted sight
distance, debris deposits, tree branches overhanging the stream, fallen trees
across the channel, dense vegetation along the riverbanks, and steep terrain.
Other hazards include a fence across the river upstream between the Christmas
and Shores sites.

## Prohibited Activities

Target shooting and fireworks are not allowed. Vehicles must be kept on the
designated roads and parking areas.

The Gila River crosses private and Arizona State Trust land. Please respect
private property rights by not stopping on private land without permission and
obtain a permit from the Arizona State Land Department for use of State Trust
lands. A valid Arizona Game and Fish Department license is required for
hunting or fishing.

## Traveler Services

Lodging, food, fuel and other traveler services are available in nearby towns
of Winkelman, Kearny, Superior, Mammoth, and Globe. The nearest medical
facilities are in Globe at the Cobre Valley Community Hospital, and in Oro
Valley at the Oro Valley Hospital.

The Town of Winkelman operates a river park with facilities for motor home and
RV camping, water, toilets available for public use. The River Park provides a
take out for floating from the Shores recreation site.

The Gila River recreation area is located along the Gila River and SR 77 between the Town of Winkelman and Globe in Gila County, Arizona. It is approximately 70 miles north of Tucson and 100 miles southeast of Phoenix. The area includes approximately 5 river miles on public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management that is open to public recreational use.

The area includes two minimally developed sites that provide access from SR77 to the Gila River for river related recreation, such as wildlife viewing, picnicking, camping, fishing and small craft river floating in a scenic Sonoran desert canyon landscape. The Shores and Christmas recreation sites offer site roads off the highway, gravel parking, toilets and primitive picnic camping units. The sites are available at no cost on a first come first served basis.

Primitive sites with parking and a fire ring are available. Bring your own table, cooking stove and site furnishings. The sites are not suitable for large motor homes or RV trailers due to narrow clearance and maneuvering space.

<h2>Wildlife</h2>

The Gila River riparian area and upland canyon habitats provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, including resident and migratory avian species, small mammals, reptiles and insects. The recreation sites is largely natural habitat, and some wildlife may present a hazard, such as rattlesnakes.

Warm water fish (channel catfish and carp, as well as some large flathead catfish and largemouth bass) may be found in this section of the Gila River.

<h2>River Floating</h2>

The Gila River can be accessed for floating at the Christmas and Shores sites, with a downriver take-out at the Town of Winkelman River Park. River flows are controlled by releases from the Coolidge Dam for agricultural irrigation in the Casa Grande-Coolidge area, and are typically suitable for small craft river floating (such as inflatable kayaks, canoes and tubes) from May through October when flows are over 300 cubic feet per second (cfs) at the USGS Gila river Below Coolidge Dam stream gage.

CAUTION RIVER FLOATERS: At high flows, 600 cfs or greater, the river may be at bankfull, and the current runs fast making maneuvering float craft extremely challenging and difficult or impossible to avoid navigation hazards. Hazards that may be encountered include tight river turns, restricted sight distance, debris deposits, tree branches overhanging the stream, fallen trees across the channel, dense vegetation along the riverbanks, and steep terrain. Other hazards include a fence across the river upstream between the Christmas and Shores sites.

<h2>Prohibited Activities</h2>

Target shooting and fireworks are not allowed. Vehicles must be kept on the designated roads and parking areas.

The Gila River crosses private and Arizona State Trust land. Please respect private property rights by not stopping on private land without permission and obtain a permit from the Arizona State Land Department for use of State Trust lands. A valid Arizona Game and Fish Department license is required for hunting or fishing.

<h2>Traveler Services</h2>

Lodging, food, fuel and other traveler services are available in nearby towns of Winkelman, Kearny, Superior, Mammoth, and Globe. The nearest medical facilities are in Globe at the Cobre Valley Community Hospital, and in Oro Valley at the Oro Valley Hospital.

The Town of Winkelman operates a river park with facilities for motor home and RV camping, water, toilets available for public use. The River Park provides a take out for floating from the Shores recreation site.

The Shores and Christmas recreation sites are available at no cost on a first
come, first served basis.

A permit is not required for private, non-commercial use of the sites. Use of
public lands in connection with commercial recreational use requires a BLM
Special Recreation Permit.

Gila River

The Needle's Eye Wilderness (8,760 acres) in Arizona, is managed by the Bureau
of Land Management. In 1990, the Needle's Eye Wilderness became part of the
now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System established
by the Wilderness Act of 1964. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging
recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. Please
follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace
techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and
experiential qualities. How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace
principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky
Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about
how they apply. Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical
transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as
wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs),
motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the
landing of aircraft including helicopters Contact the agency for more
information about regulations. Obtain a recreation permit from the San Carlos
Apache Indian Tribe before crossing Reservation lands. Ask for permission to
cross State Trust lands and private lands in advance.

The Needle's Eye Wilderness (8,760 acres) in Arizona, is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. In 1990, the Needle's Eye Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.
How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.

Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

Obtain a recreation permit from the San Carlos Apache Indian Tribe before crossing Reservation lands. Ask for permission to cross State Trust lands and private lands in advance.

Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness

Know Before You Go

Directions

Stay Limit

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Turkey Creek Cliff Dwelling Trail

Turkey Creek

Rug Road

Gila River

Needle's Eye Wilderness