|
|||||||||
Cave Creek Ranch is located in Cave Creek Canyon, about a mile west of Portal, in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeast Arizona. At an elevation of 5,000 feet, the temperature in summer is generally 10 to 20 degrees cooler than Phoenix or Tucson. Winters are mild, but there is usually snow on the mountain. Fall color is spectacular. In spring and summer many rare Mexican birds come here to nest. By car we're 2˝ to 3 hours southeast of Tucson, or about 3 hours west of El Paso.
Cave Creek Ranch has been transformed into the premier birding and natural history lodge in the Southwest. The Chiricahua Mountains provide some of the greatest diversity of species in all of North America, for birds as well as mammals, reptiles, plants, and insects. With Mexico less than 40 miles to the south, Cave Creek Ranch has hosted many exciting strays from south of the border. These include Blue Mockingbird, Yellow Grosbeak, and Aztec Thrush - all on our grounds. Eared Trogon and Flame-colored Tanager have been seen near the ranch. Resident birds include Painted Redstart, Brided Titmouse, Sulphur-Bellied Flycatchers,as well as numerous kinds of owls & hummingbirds (A total of 12 hummingbird species in the summer, 3 in the winter). Elegant Trogons nest nearby; in spring and summer, they have been seen foraging in our trees. In winter, exciting hawk and sparrow watching can be found in the valleys around the Chiricahuas.
The Chiricahuas are a naturalist's paradise, something scientists have known for decades. The American Museum of Natural History operates its famous Southwest Research Station 4 miles from Cave Creek Ranch. Scientists come from all over the world to study the area's unique reptiles, amphibians, insects, plants, mammals, and birds.
ABOUT OUR GROUNDS Cave Creek Ranch occupies 7 secluded acres alongside famous Cave Creek, with spectacular views of the rhyolite cliffs of the canyon. Our hummingbird feeders, seed feeders, and pond attract many Arizona specialty birds. Nearby habitats range from oak woodlands and sycamore-riparian areas, to grassy meadows and Chihuahuan desert. Canada-like evergreen forests are less than 10 miles away. Benches are scattered about the grounds. Hiking trails lead to the top of the canyon.
Our Common Room has comfortable seating around a fireplace, a naturalist's library and nature items for sale.
DINING OUT IN PORTAL The Portal Cafe serves three meals a day. They serve American and Mexican food. Please note that dinner ends at 7 p.m., and breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. (9 in the winter). The Portal Store (same hours) sells a general store-type selection of food. The Rodeo Tavern (about 10 miles away) serves shrimp dinners on Wednesday evenings, pizza on Thursday evenings, and a varied menu on Friday and Saturday night. In the summer Rodeo is an hour later than Portal. Gasoline can be found in Rodeo, New Mexico, 10 miles away, where there is a small convenience store and a gallery where local artists show their work.
COMPUTER & E-MAIL We’re sorry but our office computer is not available to guests. On-line computers are available at the Portal Library (by the Post Office - just down the street from Portal Peak Lodge). The library is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. On Thursdays they are open until 2:00 p.m. E-mail: Rooms & Rates | Bird List | Mammals | Butterflies | Plants | Reptiles | S.E. Arizona | Contacts | Maps | Reading | Links Website Design & Maintenance by
Hummingbird World |
|
||||||||
