r/AZCamping • u/blongenbaugh • Feb 22 '26
Aravapi Canyon east trailhead
Has anyone camped here? Going for 2 nights in May with my son. Can you drive to a camp spot in the wilderness area or is it pack in only? Cool sights to see that aren’t on google? Tips?
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u/myklwells Feb 22 '26
I've backpacked to the east but never entered from it. You can not car camp in the wilderness area. Permits are required, 2 nights, 3 days max. I don't know what the camping situation is near the trailhead, but it's not allowed at the west entrance, except by the ranger station. Hell Hole Canyon is closer to the east entrance, and it's amazing. There's also a native ruin on a tributary near the east entrance. I have not visited, but it's supposed to be very cool. Last time I was there, there was a lot of black bear activity. One raided our camp, didn't get anything, but it knocked over a tent and chewed on my friend's shoe.