Arizona is home to many remote, isolated landscapes, but few match the exclusivity of Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. Just 10 entrance permits are issued each day, making visitors feel like the last people on earth.

Spanning nearly 20,000 square feet, Aravaipa Canyon keeps the ‘wild’ in ‘wilderness.’

AllTrails/Thomas Moore All who enter these ancient lands travel back in time to a land far predating civilization as we know it - provided you’re in the first 10 people to snag a permit on that particular day, of course.

Since 1984, these strict regulations have been in place to prevent overuse.

Flickr/Bureau of Land Management There are also restrictions on hunting, camping trip length, and number of horses allowed.

Rugged trails traverse a lush riparian forest, complete with sycamore, ash, willow, and cottonwood trees, in addition to other types of vegetation.

AllTrails/Daniel Riley Animals such as bighorn sheep, javelina, coatimundis, and ringtail cats also make their homes here.

While the canyon is beautiful year-round, it truly comes alive during autumn.

Flickr/Al_HikesAZ Brilliant red and gold leaves capture sunlight and reflect it back onto the surrounding rock walls.

A creek with powerful waters carved out the canyon long ago and it runs year-round; a rarity in the dry Arizona desert.

AllTrails/Thomas Moore You’ll walk past many natural pools that almost resemble an extraterrestrial landscape, such as the moon’s craters.

If you’re just looking for a day trip, expect to spend 8-10 hours hiking from end-to-end.

AllTrails/Ty Truong Otherwise, several camping areas allow for more leisurely exploration of side canyons, caves, and outcrops.

Address: 711 South 14th Avenue, Safford, AZ 85546

Google Maps The entrance fee is just $5, but you’ll need to purchase a permit in advance.

Visit the AllTrails page to learn more.

AllTrails/Thomas Moore

All who enter these ancient lands travel back in time to a land far predating civilization as we know it - provided you’re in the first 10 people to snag a permit on that particular day, of course.

Flickr/Bureau of Land Management

There are also restrictions on hunting, camping trip length, and number of horses allowed.

AllTrails/Daniel Riley

Animals such as bighorn sheep, javelina, coatimundis, and ringtail cats also make their homes here.

Flickr/Al_HikesAZ

Brilliant red and gold leaves capture sunlight and reflect it back onto the surrounding rock walls.

You’ll walk past many natural pools that almost resemble an extraterrestrial landscape, such as the moon’s craters.

AllTrails/Ty Truong

Otherwise, several camping areas allow for more leisurely exploration of side canyons, caves, and outcrops.

Google Maps

The entrance fee is just $5, but you’ll need to purchase a permit in advance.

Have you ever been to Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness? If so, what was your favorite thing about it? Let us in on all the details.

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Address: Aravaipa Canyon, Arizona 85192, USA