Cochise County Arizona Environment
The Chiricahua Mountains emphasizes the raw natural beauty of mother nature. The ecosystem, the scenery, the wildlife, the people, the history of Southern Arizona's natural wilderness is still an iconic wonderland! Give us a call today! And get a FREE TOUR of our Cochise County Real Estate area. By Appointment Only! PS. Do Not Forget Your Camera!
I. The ecosystem:
Chiricahua Mountain Wilderness
The Chiricahua Mountains are home to a meltingpot of both plants and animals, and some of the Southwest’s most awesome rock out croppings and shear cliffs, simply the finest geology formations in Arizona and new Mexico. Topping-off at 9,797 foot Chiricahua Peak, this vast 87,700-acre Forest covers the upper slopes and inner canyons of the largest mountain range in the “Sky Island” region. Here, you will find views international in scope set in an area that supports a variety of birds and other wildlife, some of which are more commonly thought of as denizens of subtropical habitats in Mexico or Central America. This natural cornucopia attracts nature lovers from all over the world.
II. The Scenery:
The sharp ridges, high peaks and deep canyons of the Chiricahuas once served as a home and refuge to Chiricahua Apaches led by Cochise and Geronimo. Later, the area attracted prospectors, loggers and ranchers searching to find fortune or a home with elbow room in America’s far corners. Today, the Chiricahua Wilderness with its extensive system of trails provides an opportunity for nature lovers to engage in a more gentle quest, one of self-renewal, inspiration and personal discovery.
Chiricahua Mountain Beauty
Cave Creek Canyon (Forest Road 42)/ Portal-to-Paradise (Forest Road 42B) Loop
In Cave Creek you’ll find spectacular scenery, world class birdwatching, a riparian area teeming with unique wildlife, and a number of Forest recreation amenities to help you enjoy all those natural wonders. On this drive, you’ll get a good picture of what’s in store for you even before you enter the Forest. The soaring cliffs of Cave Creek Canyon, pocked with caves and punctuated with pinnacles, come into view well before you arrive. A short distance inside the Forest boundary, there is a Visitor Information Center to provide you with valuable information, including books, pamphlets, and maps to help you more fully enjoy all that this very special area has to offer.Most who come here do at least a little birdwatching. This is one of the best places in the southwest to see the elegant trogon. Among the two hundred plus species that have been sighted here, there are many notable ones, such as the rose-breasted becard, olive warbler, red-faced warbler, magnificent hummingbird and blue-throated hummingbird.
There are several Forest campgrounds in Cave Creek Canyon, as well as a number of trails that lead deeper into all that wonderful scenery. And if you’re not interested in doing a long hike, there is a short one to a scenic vista between Stewart Campground and South Fork Road.
After leaving Cave Creek Canyon, the drive turns northwest through the old mining town of Paradise before heading southwest back to Portal. Much of this section of the drive leads through an open area of high desert providing good views of Silver Peak and Portal Peaks and another perspective on the colorful cliffs of Cave Creek Canyon.
III. The wildlife:
Chiricahua Mountain Inhabitants
Isolated blocks of the Coronado National Forest are known world-wide as “Sky Islands”, steep mountain ranges soaring up from a desert sea. This unique environment changes from Sonoran desert scrub at the lowest elevation through desert grassland, oak woodlands, ponderosa pine and mixed conifer to Engelman spruce on the highest mountain peaks.
The extreme elevation and habitat variations of the Sky Islands result in greater diversity of plants and animals than on most other Forests in the nation. Some of the more than 576 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians that call the Coronado National Forest their home are found on no other National Forest.
Wildlife on the Coronado includes: birds and other animals that provide world-class opportunities for wildlife viewing, several threatened, endangered, or sensitive species that are dependent upon Coronado habitats for their survival, and numerous big and small game species that provide abundant opportunities for the hunter.
Watchable Wildlife
Whether interested in plants, insects, herps, birds or mammals, wildlife watching on the Coronado can be an unforgettable experience. Numerous wildlife-viewing areas have been established over the 1,100 miles of trails around the Forest where visitors may see anything from songbirds to bears.
Black bears may be found throughout the Coronado National Forest. Visitors to the area should be aware of their presence and take precautions in order to avoid attracting bears.
IV. The people:
IIV. The history:
Source: USDA Forest Service - Coronado National Forest
