The Chiricahua / Cave Creek

Experience the stunning beauty of Chiricahua National Monument on a moderate hike along the Echo Canyon loop, which includes the Echo Canyon, Hailstone, and Ed Riggs trails. Discover the impressive engineering of the Civilian Conservation Corps as you descend along Echo Canyon, passing through breathtaking rock formations carved by nature over millennia. Learn about the diverse plant life along the Hailstone Trail, where desert yucca, agave, and cactus thrive on the sunny southern slopes while enjoying sweeping views of the Wonderland of Rocks. Explore the climb along Ed Riggs Trail back to Massai Point, appreciating the panoramic vistas that make this hike unforgettable. Along the way, the tour bus will stop frequently to allow participants to capture the dramatic landscapes with photographs and to pause for scenic observation.

Discover more on the return journey as the group travels over the spine of the Chiricahua Mountains to Cave Creek Canyon, often called the Yosemite of Arizona for its magnificent scenery and rich biodiversity. Experience excellent birding year-round, particularly in the spring and summer when wildlife activity is at its peak. After a short break for lunch at Portal Peak Lodge Store & Café, tour participants will visit the Chiricahua Desert Museum in the small town of Rodeo, New Mexico. Learn about the museum’s extensive collection of artwork, artifacts, and live reptiles, including numerous rattlesnake species, lizards like the Gila monster and Baja California rock lizard, and a variety of turtles. Explore this hidden gem of the West while gaining a deeper understanding of the natural and cultural history of the Chiricahua region. The combination of hiking, wildlife observation, and museum exploration makes this tour both educational and memorable.