Stay

This canyon cutting through the northern end of the mountain range is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and The Nature Conservancy as the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. A perennial stream runs through the canyon producing a lush riparian corridor only a few feet away from yuccas, cacti, and desert shrubs on the canyon slopes.  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.  

This protected Eden is perfect for primitive, adventure-based recreation like horseback riding, hiking, camping and hunting. In order to keep the wilderness wild, there are strict guidelines such as group size (no more than 10 people and no more than 5 horses), length of stay (3 days/2 nights) and hunting restrictions based on season and equipment. These restrictions have been keeping the territory wild by preventing overuse since 1984. 

 Aravaipa Canyon at the north end of the Galiuro Mountains contains the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. The creek goes northwest then southwest through the canyon and downstream about 9 miles (14 km) to meet the San Pedro River and State Route Highway 77 between Dudleyville and Mammoth, Arizona.

   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. 

15: Passage 1 rolls across a remote section of the Sonoran Desert up to the foothills of the Tortilla Mountains, and then down to the Gila River. This section is hot, dry, and exposed but with a unique, rugged beauty that is synonymous with the desert. It features moderate miles along single and doubletrack trails through rolling desert terrain. The trail crosses sandy washes and several ranch roads, and passes large boulder piles and unique rock formations.

The trail descends through Ripsey Wash and its forest of swollen saguaros, and then ascends into the foothills of the Tortilla Mountains. The toughest part of this section is the ascent up the “Big Hill,” a two-mile exposed climb with a series of switchbacks that leads to a scenic ridgeline with expansive views. The scenery remains impressive as the trail continues across the ridge and eventually descends towards the Gila River.

16: Passage 16 features the Gila River and the scenic Gila River Canyons. This section features a lush riparian environment with large cottonwood trees, spectacular gorge scenery, and some of the best wildflower displays in Arizona.

This passage begins at the Kelvin-Riverside Bridge, crosses the Gila River, and briefly follows alongside railroad tracks. The trail consists of a winding singletrack that follows the Gila River for many miles, sometimes rising several hundred feet above the river. It passes through thick saguaro forests, and crosses numerous canyon drainages. 

Turning east from State Route 79, the Florence-Kelvin Road is paved for about the first 12 miles. You might wonder whether you veered the wrong way but don’t fret.  

The first part of the trip passes through an area of moderate density cactus with plenty of saguaro, then as it lessens, a great surprise awaits the uninformed traveler: the Boulders at Skyrise. A campground with an outcropping of beautiful big boulders and stunning mountain views, the Boulders is the perfect area for desert lovers of all kinds. Breath taking backdrops for photography, numerous trails that provide access for off roading or mountain biking and endless desert for hiking. An ideal resting point for lunch with the family on a day drive, or for pitching a tent or parking a camper overnight underneath the stars!

After this point the road then becomes a graded dirt road, easily traveled by any vehicle. In the distance, you’ll see ASARCO’s open pit mine. At Mile 27.7, the road passes the A-Diamond Ranch headquarters and begins to climb. By Mile 30, the journey nears its end, and before you know it, you’re back on pavement soon connected to State Route 177. You can then turn left, which goes to Superior, or make a right and continue down the Copper Corridor to Kearny.

Located in Kearny, this area is good for beginners and allows for all types of off-highway vehicles. Elevation from 2,000 to 2,400 feet. Use limited to existing routes which are on Bureau of Land Management managed land. Includes staging area, picnic and camping areas and restrooms. 

These trails are popular amongst outdoors enthusiasts for day or night rides with beautiful, one of a kind, scenic views. 

Camping is available on a first come first serve basis at no cost.

  The Copper Corridor is in the center of endless desert. If you enjoy the thrill of off-road driving there is plenty of trails to ride with little chance of encountering many other people. Site see the desert landscapes or explore the abandoned mines of the past (exercise caution and avoid actually entering these for safety reasons). 

Gila River Loop

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/gila-river-loop

Battle Axe To White Canyon

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/battle-axe-road-to-white-canyon-wilderness

AZ Trail Passage 16

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/arizona-trail-passage-16-gila-river-canyons

White Canyon

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/white-canyon

Ripsey Mine, Florence Lead Silver Mine, Hackberry Mine

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/ripsey-mine-florence-lead-silver-mine-hackberry-mine

The Copper Corridor is in the center of endless desert. If you enjoy the thrill of off-road driving there is plenty of trails to ride with little chance of encountering many other people. Site see the desert landscapes or explore the abandoned mines of the past (exercise caution and avoid actually entering these for safety reasons). 

AZ Trail Passage 15

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/arizona-trail-passage-15-tortilla-mountains

Catclaw Canyon to Slate Canyon

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/catclaw-canyon-to-slate-canyon

79 Mine

 79 Mine - Arizona Ghost Town (ghosttowns.com) 

 FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board :: View topic - The Mineral Collecting History of the 79 Mine, Gila County, Arizona, USA - (33) (mineral-forum.com) 

Chilito Mine

 Chilito Mine Road - FunTreks 

The developed climbing at ‘Tamo’, is on the many cliffs of Troy quartzite scattered to the north below 4,633 foot Tam O’Shanter Peak. Tam O'Shanter is the name given to an assortment of crags located along a ridge of the Dripping Spring Mountains just east of Kearny, AZ. The various cliffs of the area range from about 30 feet to around 2,000 feet, however the average route length is around 65 feet. Because of the incredible quality of the rock, ‘Tamo’ hosts a large quantity of Trad and Trad/Sport routes, rope climbs, and bouldering problems. Visitors are encouraged to exercise caution when scrambling and hiking around the undeveloped areas, as there are many unstable blocks which can be easily dislodged.

Known for its gargantuan size "The Homestead" is a one-of-a-kind rock-climbing experience.  It is said to have the best moderates, best 10s and the best hardlines period. The Homestead is well bolted and has the best wilderness experience possible.  The Road is a little sketchy but don't let that stop you from experiencing this gem!

 The San Pedro river flows 140 miles north through Chocise, Pima, Graham, & Pinal Counties to its confluence with the Gila River at Winkelman, Arizona. It is the last major undammed desert river in the American Southwest, and it of major ecological importance, hosting two-thirds of the avian diversity in the U.S. Access points to the San Pedro run along State Route Highway 77, in Aravaipa and Dudleyville.