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

Valley Vista Getaway Clear Sky Chart

Valley Vista Getaway Weather Station

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

Birders Map to Cave Creek Canyon

Birds Around the Chiricahua Mountains

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

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

History Buffs

The Apaches used to inhabit the Chiricahua Mountains. For those interested in history, the Geronimo Monument, located just 18 miles south on Highway 80, is a must-visit site. Moreover, several other historically significant places, such as John Slaughter Ranch, Tombstone, Cochise Strong Hold in the Coronado Mountains, Fort Bowie, and the grave site of the notorious gunfighter Johnny Ringo, are all located within a couple of hours from Valley Vista Getaway.


Cochise Stronghold

Geronimo Monument

Johnny Ringo Grave Site

Tombstone

John Slaughter Ranch

Fort Bowie National Historic Site

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Day Trips

There are numerous enjoyable day trips from Valley Vista Getaway that you can take. You could embark on a scenic drive to Douglas, AZ and relish a meal at the famous Gadsden Hotel. Alternatively, you could witness a reenactment of the legendary gunfight at OK Corral in Tombstone, or go on a tour of Queens Mine in Bisbee. With so much to explore and discover, you're guaranteed to have a memorable time.


Bisbee Queens Mine

Historic Bisbee

Historic Lowell

Tombstone

Gadsden Hotel

Kartchner Caverns State Park

Chiricahua National Monument

Hatch "Chili" Capital of the World

The Pink Store in Puerto Palomas, Chihuahua, Mexico