General Information

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 2½ 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.

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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.

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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.

SPECIAL FACILITIES

Our Common Room has comfortable seating around a fireplace, a naturalist's library and nature items for sale.

DINING OUT IN PORTAL

The Portal Store sells a small selection of general items, including food. 

The Portal Café is not open every night.  Please call them at 520-558-2223 for current hours.     

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.  Rodeo is one hour later than Portal in Daylight Savings months.