This trail is rated a 3 -- you definitely need 4-wheel-drive. Stock 4x4s can make the trip, but wide tires and low air pressure are extremely useful. This is not a trail to do by yourself as it goes through some very remote country. There is a steep rock hill climb coming up out of Turkey Creek, although the most difficult obstacle has been dynamited to keep vehicles from rolling. The trail is rough but easy going until you come to the famous "Carpet Hill". Anybody can go down (West-East), but coming back up can be quite a bit of wheelin' fun. Carpet Hill is a VERY long and steep hill climb, and at least in the past was completely covered with carpet. (Don't ask why.) Short wheelbase vehicles with open differentials may require assistance.
Remember to Tread lightly!

The directions are simple: ``go to Mammoth and turn right'', but if the San Pedro river is high/wet we have to cross it on the AZ 77 bridge just north of Mammoth. From the bridge we then come back south 2 miles on the east side of the San Pedro before turning east on the road into Copper Creek. In the dry season you can cross the dry San Pedro at Mammoth and save a few miles. (See the map.) After that there is about 10 miles of dirt road to get to Copper Creek proper. The trail to Carpet Hill and beyond splits off before the Copper Creek road drops down into the Copper Creek canyon. There is active mining in this area around Copper Creek, so you need to be alert for mining trucks and changes to the trail.
From the east side: Head north out of Wilcox to Bonita, and follow the Bonita-Klondyke road (well graded dirt) to Klondyke and then on to the east entrance to Aravaipa Canyon. The Turkey Creek trail goes south from the Aravaipa parking area.