I've been here twice and each time I have visited, it is mesmerizing and I don't want to leave!…read more This place is famous for their hoodoos and amazing rock formations that will leave you speechless and in awe! And while this place is a national monument, one thing our government could do instead of all the other nonsense going on is to upgrade this place to a national park. We stopped in here after spending time at Kartchner Caverns and today the scenic drive beyond the campground was closed because of the rain and snow that came down steadily last night. And because of this and due to the amount of time we had, we did a shorter walk along the Silver Spur Meadow. This trail is very easy, well shaded and what a beautiful place to view birds! I think may have seen 15 or more species in just the short walk we did here today. I was also here about 2 years ago and did the Echo Canyon Trail to the Grotto and that was such a lovely easy hike with all sorts of cool rock formations and I enjoyed climbing around. Id like to come back and do a more strenuous hike and when I get a chance, will come back and do the Heart of the Rocks trail! Visitor center is very cool with a really nice gift shop, museum, bathrooms and very informative rangers. Parking lot can be a bit tight but more parking available down the road. I was able to get a fun stuffed sandhill crane! I could spend a lot more time here and just love this place! Great place to get a dose of nature and love how the air feels at close to 5500 feet!

Hidden gem. Way in…read morethe southeast corner of Arizona, south of Wilcox, we dropped in to the secluded national monument, a mountain island, in a desert ocean. We dropped by the visitor center and the kids were able to work with NP Volunteer Eric V., who was amazing. Eric was enthusiastic, and such a motivator with the kiddos. He swore in the Ruiz kids with their Chiricahua Junior Ranger badges, and helped us with a late afternoon idea to get the most out of the park. We drove up to Massai Point and enjoyed the drive up looking at roadside views of rock formations, like Sea Captain and Organ Pipes. When we got to the top, the kids were excited about the leftover snow...yes, snow. We got out to walk around the top of Massai Point and the Nature Trail. The top of Massai allows for a good panoramic view of the park and it's peaks. After a good 20minutes of awesome views we dropped into Echo Valley to see some of the rock formations up close. It's crazy how through millions of years of erosion left the hillsides full of balanced rocks, mushroom rock formations, and trails to see all of them up close. Literally, a playground of rocks in the mountains. Being in the mountains even at this elevation is different than the surrounding flats below. Temperature is different, flora, and fauna...all distinct up in the Chiricahua. Another cool thing is that the monument is the 104th dark skies destination. When it's dark, you can see stars for days. Stars the limit here. Looking forward to the next visit...and maybe an overnight stay.

I hike the Cochise Trail ever few years. There's a lot to see here: rock formations, vistas,…read morebirds, insects and rattlesnakes, and is a challenging hike of ten miles. I usually start this from the west side, driving through Tombstone and taking Middlemarch road north of town for nine miles before turning north on a forest road. This road is a dirt road that gets very rutted the last two miles as it follows a dry wash. This wash fills into a creek during active monsoon season, so a high-clearance vehicle is necessary. Unlike the east side, parking and dry camping on the west side is free. The trail climbs immediately for 1.75 miles before hitting the western Stronghold and from here it's a gradual descent to the eastern trailhead and campground. The only source of water is at Halfmoon tank, a cattle pond about halfway up or down the trail, depending on which direction you start this hike. Lots of butterflies were in the area in September. During active monsoon season, the creek will run and the waterfall on the western side is a sight to behold. My hiking party rests here near the restrooms before returning the way we came. There was no water in the campground last month when I last did this hike. Dogs are allowed The only negative thing about this hike is its remoteness and accessibility. From Sierra Vista it's a two-hour drive each way. Add another five miles for the hike and it's a day-long adventure.

Well we came yesterday to get out of town and visit the dragoon hills…read more This campground is officially closed to all but hikers. They say mountain bikes are permitted but we are riders and I think the trails are too narrow. And slots where you can t pedal. I say hike. So no parking, bathrooms or camping or potable water. But you can park outside the gates. A few did, like us. Since we are new to the site, we only went to the water tank. Lots of shade along the way. Caves. Huge Rock formations. Hawks circling above hunting. Butterflies, BlueJays. Lots to see. I m going to go back while the weather is still cool. It is normally Officially Closed July to September due to extreme temps. Great to use your imagination about where the Apache's would have hidden in wait to protect the Stronghold.

First rule of the cave.. no pictures lol. Hence, no pictures are attached. They say it's because of…read moreaccidents reported from people not paying attention. Also, basically nothing is allowed in the cave. They had lockers that takes quarters but as far as I saw, no machine, you have to exchange with cash soooo prepare ahead. Leaving things in the car felt some what okay but not my favorite. I would appreciate if they had more security. They say they are not government funded so everything comes from public support. This was such a cool experience. You can tell the amount of work and detail they've put into the cave and preserving it. Truly different than other caves I've been to. There are two different parts of the cave you can choose from. If you can't do both my preference was the big room tour. I felt there was more to it, more things to see. Also, (sorry parents) perhaps the age limit made it more enjoyable too. Our tour guide Charles was INCREDIBLE. We did both tours back to back 0945 big room tour and 12 rotunda. Timing was perfect. Enough time to use the restroom and eat a snack. We brought our snacks, their cafe was closed. It would be an enjoyable experience to eat a packed lunch outside not sure if it's 100% allowed. Beginning of April was a GORGEOUS day. There's a McDonald about 12 min away. The big room tour is a man made/marked out, well paved easy walk/route. If you're worried about endurance or handiaccesible, it seems very accessible. The rotunda seemed a bit more incline but still well paved. You can wear white shoes and you wouldn't get dirty lol. I don't recommend open toes shoes/sandals because the Floor is very moist/wet. BOOK AHEAD. At least 2 weeks ahead to get the slots you want. If you're by yourself then a lot easier. It sells out quickly Restrooms were very clean and plentiful. As you wait for your tour guide before taking the tram to the cave there are another set of restrooms so that's appreciated. They want you to get there 30 min before. There really wasn't anything much to do ahead, it's just a simple check in. They have a mini museum that's nice to look around. You can get some good pictures outside prior or after the tour. Are both caves a must see, my bf says yes. I'm in between. If I would go back I would choose the big room tour again but that also has limited time opening due to the bats. As an AZ local or visiting this is a very enjoyable spot

Largest wheelchair accessible cave in North America? Yes please. My review of the tour is incapable…read moreof describing the magnitude of what you'll experience. You see structures that are a million years old. You see rock layers millions of years old. Everything about this experience forced me to reflect on my place in the universe. That there has been a near infinite amount of history before me and there will be a near infinite amount of history after me. So I need to stop worrying and enjoy the majesty of this beautiful cave.

We have stayed here two times…read more The first time was in February. On that occasion we were able to get a creek side room. It was equipped with a small kitchenette, bathroom and main room. It was clean and comfortable. Our second visit was in late April. The ranch was crowded but we were able to stay up the road at he owners guest cottage. It was similarly appointed. My husband preferred this location as it was away from the other guests and had fewer noises. (in the main area there are lots of feeders and therefore lots of chirping). Cave creek is well known for its birds. The ranch has numerous feeders and is an excellent place to look for birds. Deer, ringtail cat, and javelina come through. Chairs are provided so you can watch comfortably for hours. The ranch is accessible to those who are not staying until 4:00pm for a fee. There are no concessions or food sold on the premises, so bring water and food. A few items can be purchased down the road at the Portal store. The staff is friendly and helpful.

I tried to get a last minute reservation here, but they were completely booked. All the same, their…read morehospitality is impressive. They put a box of delicious apples on the porch so that people can enjoy them while watching the hummingbirds. They get an extraordinary number of rare species of birds here due to their pristine location and variety of habitats. They often host groups here, due to their proximity to the Southwestern Center for Research, which is just minutes up the road. The gift shop is impressive, although they don't take American Express. The staff is friendly and helpful. This place is well worth the visit, especially for outdoor enthusiasts.

Cienega Preserve run by Pima county only allows 10 to 15 people a day to visit because of it's…read morefragile and delicate ecosystem. This is one of last perennial running streams in Southern Arizona, as well as one of the last habitats for the Lowland Leopard Frog, Long Fin Dace, and Gila Topminnow. It's is also vital to our own potable water supply as well as ground water. The biodiversity of the area is amazing to witness. It is under attack from drought, habitat denigration, as well as the mining industry. I have been have been working for years directly with Az. Fish and Wildlife as well as countless organizations to help preserve areas like this for future generations. If you want to see what is stake, you need to get a permit from the county, and you better hurry before it all dries up.

This dam is very unique, and very picturesque! Too bad they have contracted the water downstream so…read moremuch, the lake is rarely very deep. The Apache Rez is currently closed for Covid. I was therefor business and able to go to the dam.

Probanly one of the last standing Great Depression dams in the world…read more You have to see it to believe it. Vaulting Eagles, Columns of such beuaty it will take your breath away. This is possibly the greatest standing Art Deco example of CCC work left in the US. Go see it now, before they take it down. Go now.

We were more than pleasantly surprised with this find! With gracious hosts Tom and Alicia who are…read moreas lovely as the picturesque landscape, you may be planning your next stay on the way home. Get ready to unwind and relax. Family style meals and a wealth of activities and history to take in and experience. Our family hiked Cave Creek of the Chiricahua Mountains, toured the old west towns of Douglas, Bisbee and Tombstone, and took time to experience ranch life. A great museum is near the ranch complete with a desert garden, wildlife and historical exhibits. We brought our family of 5 including three boys, ages 10, 12 and 15. We all had a blast with our hosts touring the canyon and spending time with the horses, and of course eating Tom and Alicia's delicious meals! If you are looking for a real taste of the American Southwest, look no further.

I stayed there this year, and it was great. For one, they provide breakfast, lunch and dinner…read more That's huge because in this community there are only two tiny restaurants, not always open. The next nearest food is 45 minutes away! The food was excellent. The hosts are clearly foodies and put a lot of thought in each meal, which were upscale-restaurant-quality. I even had several dietary restrictions and they made that work. The beef from their own cattle was delicious, as well. They even made me dinner on the evening I arrived, which I wasn't expecting. The lodge was appropriately rustic, one of the historic stone buildings of this region. They have a lovely patio with bird feeders close by. I learned several new bird calls this trip just from sitting on that patio, The ranch itself was also in very good condition. I love animals, but I don't love smelling animals - and they are doing good farming because it smells great there. The large livestock has a ton of room to range about, and the smaller ones (the mini horses) are kept close for their safety, I assume. Everything was clean, the animals were happy and entertaining, and adorable! The Great Danes were well behaved, sweet dogs, too. And the hosts - they were so lovely; World travelers with lots of fascinating tidbits to share. They are happy to talk and share stories if you want, and they are also very respectful of guest's time and privacy. This was a fun, convenient, and picturesque place to stay. I wish I would have been able to do one of the trail rides. An excellent trip.

Such a beautiful experience! So many different sites on the hour and a half up to the top of the…read moremountain. This is perfect for those who want to see the World and the different terrain of Arizona. It changes so frequently it's unbelievable!

One of the most beautiful places to hike ! Summerhaven is…read morethe so much fun to shop and eat . Highly recommend.

If I had to describe this place in one word, I would say 'sanctuary.'…read more The Catwalk Recreation Area is a compact gem of stupendous beauty. I'd say it's one of the can't miss locations among the many in this state. Although I had seen some photos and videos, they didn't prepare me for the overwhelming experience. It's a canyoned, slot canyoned, nature trailed, tree-lined, water featured, and wildlife wonder courtesy of a built-for-the-ages metal catwalk that floats through much of it as you are suspended between ground and sky. I've seen so many places of natural beauty that I don't get as impressed or as thrilled as I did when I was younger. However, here, I can't think of enough superlatives to say how amazed I was. This place can easily fill with people on nice weekend days. I chose a cold weekday morning and I had the place to myself for a few hours. I considered that time an honor as I walked the catwalk gazing up to the cliff faces and sky while listening to the subdued roar of the water passing by below. I took time to descend from the catwalk and sit at a few places at the water's edge. I hike and camp and bicycle and, while they offer exercise and joy, the Catwalk Recreation Area seems to have its own built-in stress relief feature. This is such an embracing and calming place that can lift you up and say don't lose sight of all the good things in the world.

The Catwalk is so beautiful…read more The boardwalk itself is higher above the water than I anticipated and much shorter in distance than I expected. Regardless the feeling entering the canyon after the catwalk is almost surreal the rocks seem as if they just fell minutes before arriving. Almost like stepping in the Flintstones cartoon. I suggest going here, bring lots of water and snacks and wear a hat plus sunscreen the sun is very direct and hot. Not much shade until you get up the river a ways. I would say I think smaller dogs paws would not be comfortable on the catwalks metal grating but large dogs seemed very comfortable walking on it.