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birding and nature discovery. Over 300
species of birds have been spotted in this
internationally recognized area, as well
as numerous rare wildlife such as the
coatimundi from South America and the
endemic Chiricahua Frog. Bird groups
come just to see the brilliantly-plumed
elegant trogon, the northernmost bird of
the colorful Quetzalcoatl family.
World-class hiking opportunities follow
the canyons up the South Fork trails
of Cave Creek. This fairyland of lichen
etched cliffs, pine and oak forests has long
been a popular hike among birders – so The Chiricahua Mountains, as seen from the hiking trails.
much so that the baiting and recording of
birds is now prohibited. Bats, javelinas, serenity of watching grassy, blue-green before venturing in such secluded areas –
deer, bobcats and mountain lions also strands of algae drift along the stream, tow trucks will not rescue your car here.
live here, and even an occasional jaguar weaving between the alligator bark
wanders through. In addition to the juniper trees. Snow accumulations can From Portal, one can drive 20 miles on
wildlife, there are ancient petroglyphs and occur at elevations above 5,000 feet. Any crude roads across the mountains to
old forts to explore along the way. Anyone runoff will likely flood the areas’ many Chiricahua National Monument. Keep
who appreciates plants and wildlife, be dirt roads, so it’s wise to prepare well in mind that these roads – which feature
they amateur or expert, will enjoy the hairpin turns topping out at 7,800 feet
unspoiled landscape. – are closed from November to April
In the winter months one can enjoy the
due to rutting and icing. Nicknamed
the “Wonderland of Rocks,” Chiricahua
National Monument (CNM) hosts some of
the most spectacular geologic formations
in the U.S. Around 27 million years ago,
vast amounts of rhyolite poured out of the
earth to form these mountains. Today,
pine-covered woodlands give way to
deeply weathered valley walls and gravity-
defying rock columns. There is a beautiful
drive in the park with sightseeing stops,
but to see the most dramatic rock pillars,
you have to hike for five or ten miles.
Whether explored on your own or on a
guided tour, the Madrean Sky Islands
are an archipelago of mountain life in an
ocean of desert. On your next vacation,
take a chance on these incredible green
spaces – you might be surprised to
discover there’s something for everyone
Resident Kay Devloo rests beside some Indian petroglyphs in the Cave Creek area. hidden in the secrets of the islands!
ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG APRIL 2017 SUNRAYS | 89
