THE CHIRICAHUA / CAVE CREEK LOOP

$225

This tour initially heads to the Chiricahua National Monument and a moderate 3.4-mile hike along the Echo Canyon loop which includes the Echo Canyon, Hailstone, and Ed Riggs trails.  The Echo Canyon trail descends 400 feet through spectacular rock formations. It is a wonder of engineering constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The Hailstone Trail is almost level with sweeping views of the Wonderland of Rocks. Look for unusual stones that resemble hail. Desert yucca, agave, and cactus are abundant on Hailstone's sunny southern exposure. Ed Riggs Trail climbs back up 400 feet to the starting location at Massai Point.  This hike can be done in 2 hours, but we prefer to give it a little more time due to the unforgettable views.

Along the way to the trailhead, the tour bus will stop frequently for photo ops. 

After this hike and a short break at the visitor center, we will follow the 4-wheel drive trail over the spine of the Chiricahua Mountains to Cave Creek Canyon, Cave Creek Canyon which is commonly referred to as the "Yosemite" of Arizona is endowed with magnificent scenery and unparalleled biodiversity. Birding is fine here year-round but is especially rewarding in the spring and summer.  

After a short break for lunch on your own at the Portal Peak Lodge Store & Cafe, we will visit the Chiricahua Desert Museum.  

After lunch, we will stop at The Chiricahua Desert Museum, which is located in the miniscule town of Rodeo, New Mexico. This museum is probably one of the West's best kept secrets.  In addition to its immense collection of artwork and artifacts, it includes a living assortment of reptiles including a collection of over 34 species of rattlesnakes, seven species of lizards (including a Gila monster, beaded lizard, Baja California rock lizard, and four kinds of alligator lizards), plus seven species of turtles. 

This tour is by special reservation which is preferably made at least two weeks in advance of the requested date.  Although less than 4 reservations can be requested, the tour may be cancelled if less than a total of four reservations are made prior to the tour dated. The tour commences at 6:00 a.m. (Please arrive 15 minutes early so we can check you in.) Tour participants will meet at the Grassy Park in old town Bisbee and be transported to the trailhead.  Approximate total time including transportation is 10 hours.  

Tour participants will be outfitted with hiking sticks, day packs, two liters of water and snacks. Hiking shoes and long pants are required.  Sunscreen and gloves are recommended.  This does not require mountain climbing equipment or technical climbing expertise, but some uneven ground and/or loose rock may be encountered.

This a lot to do in 10 hours, but we hope that next time you come to Bisbee, you will stay at least a week and possibly book an overnight camping adventure with us.

Click on the picture to learn more about the tour and view photographs and videos taken by our team and tour participants.  

Click below to book your tour.

Please review the following statement of prohibited conduct / release of liability that each tour / hike participant agrees to as a condition of participation in this tour / hike.