Chiricahua Mountains – Cave Creek
One of the legendary spots in all of American birding, Cave Creek in the Chiricahua Mountains is a must visit for any birder to Arizona. The sycamore-lined Cave Creek is one of the best known spots to find Elegant Trogon, a spectacular bird that links southeastern Arizona with the tropics. Sulphur-bellies Flycatcher is found along the creek, as well. The pine-oak woodland adjacent to Cave Creek provide the opportunity to see several species of warbler, Montezuma Quail, Rivoli’s Hummingbird, Blue-throated Mountain-gem and many other specialties.
Site Information
Region: Tucson and Southern
County: Cochise
Directions:
Latitude: 31.899976
Longitude: -109.161056
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: Summer (May-August) offers the best time to see the greatest range of species.
Habitats: Pine-oak Forest, Stream or river
Know Before You Go
Monitor local weather conditions as heavy summer rains can flood roads.
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Rare: Elegant Trogon
Speciality: Acorn Woodpecker, Grace’s Warbler, Montezuma’s Quail, Painted Redstart, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher
Contact Information
Coronado National Forest Douglas Ranger District
1192 W. Saddleview Rd.
Douglas, AZ 85607
Phone: 520-388-8436
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coronado/recarea/?recid=82478
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L128939
Additional Resources:
Southwestern Research Station
Chiricahua Desert Museum
Chiricahua National Monument
Coronado National Forest
Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge
San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge
