
BOX CANYON IN GILA COUNTY, ARIZONA
For millions of years, the spring-fed waters of Christopher Creek have been forming the Box Canyon. Creak waters spill from the base of the Mogollon Rim and have sculpted the rose-tinted ramparts that flank the gorge and funnel water into slippery chutes, churning rapids and low-flow channels awash in swirls of pine needle litter.
The most spectacular section of the gorge is less than a mile in length and can be fully explored by those who don’t mind boulder hopping, minor hand-over-foot climbing, wading and swimming.
However, most of the action takes place at the head of the canyon where the sun-warmed escarpments fill up quickly with sunbathers and weekend warriors. So, if you’re looking for solitude---try visiting on a Tuesday.
HIGHLIGHTS: Canyon-bound outdoor "Spa" LENGTH: 1.25 miles roundtrip
RATING: moderate-difficult
ELEVATION: 5,680 – 5,400 feet DRIVING