29 ArizonaRealCountry.com March 2019 the riparian area and canyon slopes; among these were saguaro and prickly pear cacti, oak, juniper, pinyon, mesquite, paloverde, agave, and sotol. In addition, hunting and fishing were probably common seasonal activities. The Salado people abandoned the area by A.D. 1450. Traces of their culture can be seen at the Turkey Creek cliff dwelling, located 1.4 miles south of the east wilderness entrance. The cliff dwelling is one of the most intact structures of its kind in southeastern Arizona. It was probably occupied for a few months each year by prehistoric farmers around 1300 A.D. A trail leads visitors up to the structure. Anglo and Hispanic settlers began arriving in Aravaipa in the 1870s and engaged in mining, stock raising, and farming. Resolution of conflicts with the Apaches led to significant in-migration during the 1890s and a series of short-term mining booms contributed to the population increase. The village of Klondyke became a distribution center for the east end of Aravaipa Canyon. In 1905, there were 500 people living there, most involved in either mining for gold or ranching, or both. They had a school, a church, a post office, a saloon, and a general store. The post office closed in 1955. The general store held on until 2005. Perhaps a dozen people live in the vicinity now. PERMITS A permit system is operated by the BLM to limit visitor numbers, preserve solitude and protect the canyons. A maximum of 50 people are allowed to enter per day; 30 from the busier west trailhead, and 20 from the less accessible east entrance. Popular times, like weekends in the spring and fall, may require reservations several months in advance (permits become available 13 weeks ahead). The maximum stay is three days, and the maximum group size is ten. Pets are not allowed. Land at either side of the wilderness is also protected, part of the Aravaipa Canyon Preserve, which is managed by the Nature Conservancy. SALAZAR FAMILY CHURCH The Salazar Family Church is a Roman Catholic church located on Aravaipa Road, at the mouth of the east end of Aravaipa Canyon, about six miles northwest of the town of Klondyke, in Graham County. Normally, visitors are welcome, and there is a guest book. The Salazar Cemetery is about 200 yards east, on the other side of the road. NATURE CONSERVANCY CABIN Also near the east entrance to Aravaipa Canyon lays a cabin with the words "Guest House" painted on the sign that the Nature Conservancy rents out. It features two bedrooms/ two baths and is comfortably furnished in early Thrift Shop. It has just about everything you might need including plenty of towels, bedding, cooking utensils, and good showers. There are two big refrigerators, a toaster, coffee maker, etc. It sleeps several more on a screened-in porch. Bring bug spray and a flashlight. For more information contact Nature Conservancy Arivaipa Canyon or contact Mark Haberstich at 928-828-3443 or mhaberstich@tnc.org. ARAVAIPA FARMS ORCHARD AND INN Full of color, charm, and warmth, every nook of this quaint country inn has been handcrafted using local timber, stone, adobe, flagstone, tin, and mosaic tile. Every room features an eclectic blend of furnishings, textiles, and artwork collected from near and far by Carol Steele and the new owners, Jill and Kevin Madden. It’s a favorite getaway for hikers, birders, artists, photographers, and others. Carol Steele acquired Aravaipa Farms, formerly Across the Creek at Aravaipa Farms, from Bill Farney in 1995. Her dream was to leave city life behind and open a bed and breakfast in the remote backcountry. Carol sold C. Steele and Co. in Scottsdale in order to buy Farney’s peach, apricot, and pear farm. It had only two outbuildings then, one without a roof and the other without a floor. She moved herself full time into the farm’s main residence to direct the enterprise and hired Lazaro Cervantes, a local cowboy artisan, to build out more casitas and enhance the grounds with flagstone patios, a pool, and other amenities. In the summer of 2016, Jill and Kevin acquired the 46 acres including the orchard and lodging facilities. Lodging at Aravaipa Farms is spread out a bit over the property, with three lodging clusters that include five rooms and the farmhouse, for guests needing a bit more space. There is a gathering space where guests meet for dinner during the days of the week it is served. 89395 E. Aravaipa Rd. Winkleman, AZ 85192 aravaipafarms.com, 520-261-7373. Inquire about obtaining a pass in advance if you're interested in hiking the wilderness area. BIRDING For amateur and serious “birders” alike, Aravaipa is a birdwatchers’ paradise, earning the designation by the American Bird Conservancy as the best birding in the country. Researchers have recorded 228 species of birds in Aravaipa Canyon, including the endangered peregrine falcon and the yellow-billed cuckoo. The great blue heron has several colonies living along Aravaipa year round and can be seen almost daily. Rare raptors such as Mississippi kites and a variety of hawks including the zone-tailed, gray and black hawks are seen at various times throughout the year. Numerous colorful migrating birds stop on their way to their ultimate destinations, including bright red cardinals. Hummingbirds dart in and out feeding on the nectar of the saguaros and flowering desert plants. aravaipafarms.com