cave creek canyon

The elegant trogans were not seen but a flock of jays were enough of a reward in a beautiful canyon that this time of the year is nearly empty of people

Cave Creek Canyon is reached from Portal, AZ from the east, or from the west via mountain roads. The South Fork is a premier birding area, known for the frequently seen Elegant Trogan, otherwise difficult to find owls (including Flammulated), and other southwest specialties such as Sulfur-bellied Flycatcher, Painted Redstart and Bridled Titmouse.Aside from the excellent birding, the rhyolite formations decorated with chartreuse lichens are a delight to the eye and imagination.Come here to bird, to stroll, or to picnic, but do it in the quiet manner due this beautiful place.Additional excellent birding is at hand by driving up into the Chiricahuas, with new species awaiting at each stop at a new elevation.

hike the road from the fork at the beginning of south fork to the trailhead; the view of the surronding rock formations is tremendous; go in the evening to see the the cliffs lit up with spectacular colors, don't miss the short hike to vista point to look out over the tree canopy, the birding has not been as good as in years past according to local birders, but still many species to see-especially at cave creek ranch($5 fee), lunch at the research station was good($10 for lunch)-but nobody went out of the way to be friendly, the drive to barfoot was exciting with steep drop offs, exellent views and no guard rails; i can't understand why this place is not a national park.

Cave Creek in the Chiricahuas is definitely off the beaten path. This is not a place you will get to with a little detour on your journey. You will need a minimum of forty-five minutes from the Interstate to get to the photo location. But it is really worth it!Wonderful pink and red rhyolite mountains with a layer of chartreuse lichens. Caves litter the slopes and the wildlife is non-stop!My favourite two seasons to visit are spring (March/April) and summer (July/early August. Yes summer in the desert. It is a mile in elevation and then there is the summer monsoons. Wonderful rains that provide a seasonal wildflower bloom and induce the birds to nest again.Really a sweet place to visit and explore...

the title says it all. amazing rock formations and relatively few people to worry about. lots of wildlife and more bird species than a lot of other places...

On a bird watching trip to southeast Arizona we decided to start all the way out east in Cave Creek Canyon because it is know to be one of the few places in the USA were you might see an Elegant Trogon during late spring / summer. This is in a very remote part of the state near New Mexico in Portal, AZ.We were along South Fork Road and just about to give up on seeing a Trogon that day when we heard barking, just like a dog, and we knew there was one nearby. We didn't realize how close it really was, maybe 75 feet away but it sounded like it was 200 feet away. The barking these birds make is muffled so you think that they're much further away than they really are. For that reason, we actually walked up on it and scared it away to another tree. It was the male doing all the barking and the female was following him around through the woods. After Cave Creek Canyon we went to Ramsey Canyon, Miller Canyon, and Madera Canyon and did not see another Trogon. So Cave Creek Canyon will always be special to us.Lots of wildlife here, deer, snakes, mexican jays, acorn woodpeckers and we even saw the rare Chiricahua red squirrel. It was one of our most memorable bird watching days and well worth the drive to this remote canyon.

In season, it's usually pretty easy to find a Trogan. Just sit at one of the picnic tables. Or, go down the South Fork trail to hike and bird. You can hike the 7.5 miles to Sentinel Peak (one way), or go to the first water crossing and turn around! If it's during the monsoon season, expect many water crossings. It's wonderful to have such water in the desert! If you're hiking in the summer, start early and take plenty of water - it gets very hot! Also, watch where you step, there are rattlesnakes.

Spent several days on the trails in this area. Enjoyed the scenary, birds and desert environment.Pictures attached to review of Portal Store and Cafe; a nice place to stop before and after a mountain hike.

If you're seeking the elegant trogon, this appears to be the best place in North America to see them. But don't go running through the woods chasing them as some folks do. Visit in May (when they're looking for mates), walk the dirt road and listen for their call. They will come out to see you at the roadside, and you'll be rewarded with terrific photos. Warblers, tanagers, flycatchers, owls, hummingbirds and woodpeckers abound. You won't be disappointed!

the colors are magnificant, the rock formation amazing, the hiking is ideal for all levels, biking also !

Great views, wildlife, no crowds, hiking, birding. Many areas severely burned at high elevations, but still pockets of slightly burned forest can be found.

If you ever have a chance to get down to this part of Arizona, I recommend visiting Cave Creek Canyon and the hamlet of Portal. There's not a lot down on the southern end of the Chiricahuas. It's way off the beaten track, a good hour south of I-10. This place does attract a lot of birders interested in spotting some of the tropical species that migrate up from the south during the fall and winter. At the time of my visit, there was practically no one around, encountering only one group of birders in the canyon. There are some hikes in the area that look promising, but since I was here in June at mid-day, I decided not to exert myself too much. On the drive up to the Canyon mouth from Portal, there's a particular pull off that affords an unobstructed view of the canyon. Pull off here and get that photo - it's stunning.

We wanted a nice and easy hike near Portal, AZ. This was it. It is a National Forest, so senior passes work. There is a stream which we crossed several times (easy and no problems). The trees provided nice shade. The trail leaves from the parking lot and goes 1.5 miles back. Good marking. You can do more strenuous trails if you want.

Visited friends in Phoenix for a few days in Nov/11.Thought of visiting Tuscon and Tombstone .Having seen these places several times before it was suggested by a passing Russian of all people to visit CAVE CREEK just north of Phoenix .A small town caught nicely in a time warp between the 1800s and 21st century.There is something special about the desert landscapes of Arizona and driving out to Cave Creek gives you an insight.The town itself is very tourist friendly with numerous interesting shops cafes and bars .Without exception everyone we met and talked to were guenuinely interesed in us what we thought of the place ,where we were from etc.Well worth a visit and surrounding area to get a feel for the wild west .Next time will consider staying here rather than Down town.

My favorite place in the world. Magical with Elegant Trogons and Montezuma Quail calling and the water running.