Astronomy
The stunning nocturnal expanse of the New Mexico Bootheel, removed from the hustle and bustle of urbanity, presents an unmatched Bortle 1 sky. Whether one is engaged in tranquil stargazing, photographing the Milky Way, or pursuing astrophotography, the brilliance of the night sky is truly unrivaled.
For astronomers, Valley Vista Getaway latitude and longitude are:
N 31.9195 W -108.97669
Elevation is 4,222 ft. / 1.225 meters
Birdwatching
The Portal, Arizona and Cave Creek Canyon region of the Chiricahua Mountains, located roughly 15 to 30 miles from Valley Vista Getaway, is home to some of the most exceptional bird watching opportunities in the United States. With over 300 species of birds inhabiting the area year-round, it is a bird lover's paradise. During the spring and summer months, numerous uncommon Mexican birds migrate to the region to breed and nest, making it an ideal time to witness rare avian species in their natural habitat.
Best time to visit:
Late April and May - migration time
May and June - Arizona breeds and owls
Late July and August - hummingbird migration
Winter - sparrows and hawks
Hiking
The Chiricahua Mountains provide a diverse range of hiking options, boasting hundreds of miles of trails. However, current and comprehensive information regarding these trails and their conditions is scarce.
To ensure a fulfilling hiking experience, it's recommended to visit the Cave Creek Canyon Visitor Center where you can obtain a trail map and receive useful advice on recent wildlife sightings and trail conditions from the knowledgeable staff, who are members of the Friends of Cave Creek organization.
If you're looking for the Granite Gap Hiking Trail, it can be found off Hwy 80, approximately 18 miles north of Valley Vista Getaway.
Chiricahua Mtns Hiking Trails
Southern AZ Hiking Project
Southern AZ Hiking Guide
USFS Chiricahua Trails
Portal Rodeo Hiking Club
Cochise Stronghold
Geocaching
The valley stretching from Animas and Rodeo, New Mexico to Portal, AZ is home to a multitude of geocaches. If you're up for the challenge, you could easily spend a full day scouring the area for treasure.
Geocaching
Rockhounding
With an abundance of sites and a diverse range of rocks and minerals to collect, New Mexico is renowned as one of the prime states for rockhounding.
Round Mountain BLM Rockhound Area
Black Hills Rockhound Area
Rockhound State Park
Museums & Galleries
There are several unique museums to be found at Cave Creek Canyon and Rodeo:
Chiricahua Desert Museum, located at the intersection of Route 80 and Portal Road, has a large gift shop and one of the best rattlesnake displays in the Southwest.
Chiricahua Gallery, located in a former church in Rodeo, offers an excellent selection of handcrafted items and original art work.
The American Museum of Natural History operates its famous Southwestern Research Station in the canyon about 4 miles from the ranger station. Scientists come from all over the world to study the area's unique reptiles, amphibians, insects, plant, mammals, and birds. The gift shop is open daily from 8:00 am to12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Dining Out
In Animas, Rodeo, and Portal, there are a number of pleasant local restaurants that provide both dine-in and take-out options.
PW's
Southline Cafe
Rodeo Cafe
Sky Island Grill and Grocery
Portal Lodge and Cafe
Cave Creek Sandwich Company