Day 25 - Aravaipa Canyon part 2

The nice thing about Canyons is that they look different going the other way. Having hiked from the west to the east end of Aravaipa the previous day, I got up early at 6am, had some coffee and protein bars for breakfast, packed up my gear and headed back to my supervan.

The sunlight hitting the top of the canyon walls made the east hoodoo-like section human-like (pic 1). The cool spring water on my feet was delicate as I sped down the creek. After about three miles I look a right turn to explore Hell Hole Canyon, a dry side canyon that I had read was stunning. The walls were towering and winding and narrow. Being in the narrow dark canyon so early in the day was a bit creepy feeling for some reason. Like other animals I felt safer when I was close to the water. After thirty minutes I turned back around and left the Hell Hole Canyon (pic 2 shows the entrance of Hell Hole) and returned down stream.

It wasn't until noon that I ran into another human being. The middle and west sections are the popular sections because of the massive canyon walls (pic 3) and great campsites. I took a final "conquered the canyon" photo (pic 4) and hiked toward the west entrance. The views and skies were incredibly scenic on the final section out. (Pic 5).

80% of the people I've met in the parks are retirees enjoying their free time. When I tell them about my trip they all have the same response "That is a great idea, to do it while your young." I agree, temporary retirement is grand!

I arrived back to my van, put away my camping gear, cleaned off the dirt from my pants and other clothing, took a French bath in the parking lot, put on fresh clothes and drove down to Tucson to a state campground. I devoured a big salad, breadsticks and spaghetti and meat sauce at Olive Garden, drove back to the campsite and crashed. 31 miles walking in a creek bed over two days is tough on the feet and legs. My left ankle/calf was bothering me. I hoped a nights rest would fix it.

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