Arizona Sky Island Sampler
November 8-14, 2008

Fall comes late to Arizona’s beautiful Chiricahua and Huachuca Mountains. Enjoy warm days and cool nights as maples along our canyon trails turn red against the yellow of cottonwood and the burnt sienna of sycamore. This is home terrain for Naturalist Journeys and we plan to have a very good time! For this special trip, we have carefully selected a variety of trails in Cave Creek near Portal, along the Chiricahua Crest Trail, and from Carr to Upper Ramsey Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains. On the day we drive from our delightful lodgings at the Casa de San Pedro to Portal, Chiricahua National Monument offers us great hiking in a wonderland of rock.

In addition to a variety of moderate hiking (3-7 miles) we visit Kartchner Caverns State Park, where spectacular underground formations are something to behold. We explore and delight in a meal in Bisbee, a colorful, historic mining town. We also investigate a local winery, feature catered dinners and enjoy good times at our favorite restaurants.

Let us introduce you to this scenic and rich biological mixing ground where Mexican plants and animals meet species of Rocky Mountains, and desert species mingle with those of the Great Plains. Our hikes are of moderate pace to allow time to interpret geology and natural history and to spot some of the region’s intriguing birds. Linger over grand scenery and stretch the magic of Fall a little bit longer before the snow flies!

ITINERARY

Sat., Nov. 8 Arrival in Tucson, Arizona
Arrive in Tucson by 2:00 p.m. for a scenic drive to the San Pedro River, where our delightful lodgings are situation in view of the rugged Huachuca Mountains. On either side of the highway, mountain ranges rise from the desert floor. Learn more about the geology of Southeast Arizona’s ‘Sky Islands’ as we pass through several small isolated mountain ranges. En route we stop at the Amerind Foundation, which include a museum that houses a fascinating collection of American Indian art and artifacts. Gambel’s and Scaled Quail frequent Casa’s bird feeders and the river’s lush cottonwood trees should still show some fall color. Relax, settle in and enjoy a welcome dinner.
Accommodations the Casa de San Pedro, Hereford (near Sierra Vista) (B,L,D)

Sun., Nov. 9 Huachuca Mountains: Carr Canyon / Ramsey Canyon
Today, after a delicious breakfast at the Casa, we drive up a winding road into the Huachuca Mountain high country where we start a trail that lets us descend into a colorful canyon. Near the trail head atop Carr Canyon we find an old silver mine and long vistas of valleys all the way to Mexico. Tall pines and fir surround us– quite a contrast from the open valley and cottonwood-lined stream near the Casa. We hike from Carr into Upper and then Lower Ramsey Canyon, home of a well-known Nature Conservancy Preserve. Red leaves of maple blend with white trunks of sycamore – an artistic mosaic unique to Arizona. Back at the Casa, watch Scaled and Gambel’s Quail at the feeders, or the antics of a Vermilion Flycatcher. We again enjoy a delicious meal in this lovely setting.
Accommodations at Casa San Pedro, Hereford (B,L,D)

Mon., Nov. 10 Huachuca Mountain Hike / Kartchner Caverns Cave Exploration / Historic Bisbee
There are numerous trails in the Huachuca Mountains, and today we choose a half day trail to match the energies of our group after yesterday’s full day hike. We may want to amble a bit at Coronado National Monument, or walk part way up scenic Miller Canyon after some time at the bountiful hummingbird feeders. Whatever we choose, it will be a relaxing hike. We have lunch in town, and then drive north to Kartchner Caverns State Park, where we have scheduled a guided hike to let us explore the underground realm. This is a relatively new park, with fabulous formations, and state of the art interpretation. After stopping back at the Casa for a break, we head into historic Bisbee, where we can enjoy time to shop a bit, look around, and choose a local restaurant for dinner at your leisure.
Accommodations at Casa San Pedro Inn, Hereford (B,L)

Tues., Nov. 11 Chiricahua National Monument / Chiricahua Mountains / Portal
This morning we have our last delicious breakfast at the Casa, then travel through the Sculpture Springs Valley to hike trails as we discover a wonderland of rock at Chiricahua National Monument. In this rugged terrain, Apache leaders Cochise and Geronimo took their last stand until the late 1800’s, when cattle ranching became a way of life. Today Zone-tailed Hawk and Peregrine Falcon patrol the rugged rock landscape that was born of explosive volcanic activity. Walk between huge pillars of rock in the realm of Rock and Canyon Wren. If wintering Sand hill Cranes have arrived, numbering some 35,000 birds at the peak of winter, we look for them en route. After a five-mile loop hike at the Monument, we continue on to Portal, traversing the mountain range on a winding scenic road. Views of majestic Cave Creek Canyon are lovely! Settle into the peaceful realm of this small village of 300 people. Enjoy a catered dinner tonight.
Accommodations at Portal Peak Lodge, Portal (B,L,D)

Wed., Nov. 12 Chiricahua Mountains / Cave Creek Canyon / Portal
Situated adjacent to the small village of Portal, Cave Creek presents a magical realm of massive, colorful cliffs that rise over 1000 feet. Its vegetation is rich and diverse – here yuccas mix with pine. Thick stands of maple decorate the stream while shrubs turn colors of the rainbow. Hummingbirds linger, some for the winter, and we may find late season flowers, the raccoon-like Coatimundi or a herd of Javelina. You may catch their spirit and want to linger along the creek while others ascend the trail to reach outstanding vistas. We spend several hours in this canyon realm, then return to visit some of our village highlights – scenic vistas, bird feeding stations at private homes and a one-street walk to our colorful Post Office. For dinner tonight we dine at Portal Peak Lodge. Anyone who wishes to observe the clear night skies (weather permitting!) can join an optional outing a short way into the desert where we have fine viewing.
Accommodations at Portal Peaks Lodge, Portal (B,L,D)

Thurs., Nov. 13 Rustler’s Park / Chiricahua Crest Trail
We reach the high Chiricahuas on a winding road with spectacular views amid forests of giant fir, spruce and Ponderosa pine. Rustler’s Park hosts a beautiful meadow where a number of trails divide. Walk down the very spine of the Chiricahuas through vigorous young stands of aspen. This is the realm of the Mexican Chickadee, Yellow-eyed Junco and other bird specialties. Listen for raucous Steller’s Jays and look for sign of Black Bear. The mix of pine, spruce and fir at this elevation is quite striking, as are the vistas. After a clean-up and rest at the lodge, we head down to neighboring Rodeo, New Mexico, where we can dine with the locals at the very popular ‘pizza night’. En route we visit a small pond and our local Chiricahua Art Gallery.
Accommodations at Portal Peak Lodge, Portal (B,L,D)

Fri., Nov. 14 Departures from Tucson (or - add a weekend here on your own to enjoy the desert)
This morning, after breakfast, we head back to Tucson. We plan to arrive at the airport by 11:00. Or, if you wish to extend your vacation, we can drop you at a Tucson hotel. (B)

Guide: Peg Abbott (2nd guide as needed)
Pace of the Tour: Moderate, a combination of hiking with sightseeing. Hikes range from 3-7 miles, and some involve a gain in elevation. You may choose to do parts of hikes that are longer than you wish to complete; we will have two guides to give you options.

Cost of the Journey $1895.00 from Tucson is based on double occupancy and includes airport pick-up, transportation throughout the journey, meals and accommodations as specified in the itinerary, museum and park entrance fees, Coronado National Forest permit fees, professional guide service and miscellaneous program costs. Single supplement is $375.00 Travel Planning Please plan to arrive in Tucson no later than 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 8th.. Plan to depart after NOON on Friday, November 14th. You’re welcome to extend your stay on either end; we can make arrangements to pick you up or drop you off accordingly. Photo Credits: Casa de San Pedro (Casa de San Pedro); all other photos by Peg Abbott.

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