Chiricahua Mountains – Southwestern Research Station
The Southwestern Research Station is a biological field station providing scientists, educators and students from around the world the opportunity to participate in research, workshops and classes in one of the most biologically rich environments in the United States.
Situated at 5,400′ in the heart of the Madrean Sky Island Archipelago stretching from the tropical Sierra Madre Occidental up to the Rocky Mountains. Nearby habitats include an elevational gradient from low desert to alpine meadows, rich riparian areas, and a unique blend of Chihuahuan and Sonoran Desert species.
The Research Station offers tours and accommodations when signed up for multi-day tours.
Site Information
Region: Tucson and Southern
County: Cochise
Directions: From Interstate 10, exit at Road Forks, New Mexico (Exit No. 5 onto Hwy 80. Note that coming from Tucson you may be routed to Portal via a mostly unpaved route out of San Simon rather than driving on to the Road Forks exit in New Mexico. During wet weather, this route may have low water crossings that could be impassable. The paved highway is about 20 miles longer and takes about 10 more minutes but is recommended in adverse conditions.
Latitude: 31.883732
Longitude: -109.206293
Operational Hours: Other
Other Operational Hours: Nature Shop open March 1 through October 31; Thursday—Sunday, 8:30 am–12 pm, 1 pm–4 pm
Admission or Fees:
Habitats: Mixed Conifer-Aspen Forest, Pinyon-juniper Forest, Pine-oak Forest
Know Before You Go
There is no cell service at the research center. No public restrooms. Facilities for overnight guests only.
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: Berylline Hummingbird, Elegant Trogon, Mexican Chickadee, White-eared Hummingbird
Speciality: Arizona Woodpecker, Bendire’s Thrasher, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Costa’s Hummingbird, Elf Owl, Gray Hawk, Montezuma’s Quail, Painted Redstart, Rivoli’s Hummingbird
Charismatic: Black-throated Sparrow, Phainopepla
Contact Information
Southwestern Research Station
American Museum of Natural History
2003 West Cave Creek Road
Portal, AZ 85632
Phone: 520-558-2396
Website: https://www.amnh.org/research/southwestern-research-station
Email: swrs@amnh.org
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L129102
Additional Resources:
Birds at the Research Station
