The Chiricahua / Cave Creek

This tour initially heads to the Chiricahua National Monument and a moderate 3.4-mile hike along the Echo Canyon loop which includes the Echo Canyon, Hailstone, and Ed Riggs trails. The Echo Canyon trail descends 400 feet through spectacular rock formations. It is a wonder of engineering constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

The Hailstone Trail is almost level, with sweeping views of the Wonderland of Rocks. Desert yucca, agave, and cactus are abundant on Hailstone's sunny southern exposure. The Ed Riggs Trail climbs back up 400 feet to the starting location at Massai Point. This hike can be done in 2 hours, but we prefer to give it a little more time due to the unforgettable views

Along the way to the trailhead, the tour bus will stop frequently for photo ops. After this hike and a short break at the visitor center, we will follow the 4-wheel drive trail over the spine of the Chiricahua Mountains to Cave Creek Canyon. Cave Creek Canyon, which is commonly referred to as the "Yosemite" of Arizona is endowed with magnificent scenery and unparalleled biodiversity. Birding is fine here year-round, but is especially rewarding in the spring and summer.

After a short break for lunch on your own at the Portal Peak Lodge Store & Café, we will visit the Chiricahua Desert Museum, which is located in the miniscule town of Rodeo, New Mexico. This museum is probably one of the West's best kept secrets. In addition to its immense collection of artwork and artifacts, it includes a living assortment of reptiles including a collection of over 34 species of rattlesnakes, seven species of lizards (including a Gila monster, beaded lizard, Baja California rock lizard, and four kinds of alligator lizards), plus seven species of turtles.