The 11-mile-long Aravaipa Canyon is about 50 miles northeast of Tucson and is very popular for hiking because of its diverse surroundings.

The trail leads through rocky gorges through which a stream flows and is surrounded by lush vegetation and rich wildlife. The trail goes along the base of the canyon, and in many places it is necessary to walk in the water. We were there in November and the water was cold and there is no way to avoid getting your feet wet.

The wilderness area is managed by Bureau of Land Management, and in order to protect the diversity of the canyon, it issues strictly controlled permits to visit. A maximum of 50 people can enter daily; 30 from the busier west lane and 20 from the less accessible east entrance and you may need reservations a few months in advance. The maximum stay is three days and the maximum group size is ten. Pets are not allowed.

This is a riparian area along the streams of water, where there are mixed deciduous forests consisting of cottonwood, willow, walnut, alder, trees, and on the magnificent cliffs of the canyon you may see big-horned sheep. For more details on the biodiversity of this area, go to this link http://www.inaturalist.org/projects/aravaipa-canyon-wilderness-biodiversity