Aravaipa Canyon Trail

When my hiking partner Misty asked if I'd like to hike 10 miles up a canyon, crossing a stream dozens of times in 40+ degree water, in temps ranging from 35º-60º, I admit I was a little skeptical. I tend to like my feet dry and my shoes devoid of sand and gravel when I hike. But I survived, and after the shock of the first few plunges, and despite water nearly up to the knee at times, I actually got used to it and enjoyed myself like any other hike. The canyon turned out to be stunning, and to our surprise, completely devoid of other bipeds. This is a permit area (they give out 30 passes a day), but despite being only an hour from either Tucson or Phoenix, nary a soul would we see today.

The sun rising at the trailhead and parking lot.

Some stretches leave you no choice but to hike in the stream.

This massive limestone up cropping would soon reveal itself.

Great little campground and our lunch spot, with an amazing backdrop.

Getting ready to head back after lunch.

Back at the parking lot in time for the clouds to roll in. I will say, I would hate to be caught out in a monsoon rain in this canyon. No where to run, no where to hide. And the debris we saw spoke of several gushing floods well over our short heads.

My soaked feet. I thought these water shoes would work but the traction was horrible, the support non-existent, and at the end, the pain palpable. They will be returned.