Aravaipa Canyon by Motorcycle

Well this was one of those trips that we knew was going to be a haul – we estimated it’d be 12 hours, and it was. My ADV riding buddy likes to stay off social media, but I’m so grateful for him. We’ve been able to challenge each other to do things we would never do solo.

)Entire day’s route captured via Garmin inReach)

A perfect Arizona day: started out chilly but unfolded into a perfect 65-70ºF. Having the first goal of the day to see the gem of Aravaipa Canyon for the first time was good motivation. The necessary first haul eastward was out past Globe AZ and across the White Mountain Apache reservation. There’s no way around it. A fuel stop just to the north of Mt Graham then slight backtrack to the wilderness.

I’m always seeing things in the rocks – looking across the arid rocky wilderness

beginning of the descent into the canyon and many miles on dirt

Panorama: when you first approach the stream

I honestly wasn’t expecting such gorgeous fall foliage

There are many, many water crossings as the stream and tributaries and road criss-cross one another . THIS is the road!

Water crossing action shot. I wore protective jeans rather than my goretex pants with a 0% chance of rain. I got soaked up to the thighs. I’ll dry out before dark, right? right?

Another water crossing. Remember having to ford a river in Oregon trail? Like that, with less dying.

The beauty in there is indescribable and delicate. We only stayed on the right of way road access. You must have special permits to do the through hike on foot. I wanted to do it before. Now I REALLY want to do it. It’s a serious logistical challenge though. Even though it’s only a 12 mile hike from end to end, it’s something like a 170 mile drive on a lot of dirt roads between each trailhead West and East. Groups are known to each start at opposite ends, meet in the middle and trade keys and drive the other party’s vehicle back out. One of the reasons this is a rarely visited treasure indeed. I felt so honored to be there.

Well that’s the highlight. There was soo much more on this trip I just couldn’t capture it. Crossing very old ranches. Views and vistas from Mammoth, AZ – which I’ve taken in before and I’m finally glad I’ve gotten a taste of those mysterious Galiuro Mountains… but I’m more enchanted than ever. I cannot wait to visit this part of Arizona again.