Rhyolite cliffs and sycamore-lined creek in Cave Creek Canyon

Cave Creek Canyon

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
ForestMountainDesert
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-September

Entrance Fee

$5 day-use fee per vehicle

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily

About This Location

Cave Creek Canyon in the Chiricahua Mountains is the premier spot in the US for Mexican mountain species, including the Elegant Trogon and rare vagrants. The dramatic canyon with its towering rhyolite cliffs hosts an incredible diversity of breeding birds from April through September.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

7/22/20261187 W Portal Rd, San Simon US-AZ 31.91358, -109.139193 observed

Berylline Hummingbird

Saucerottia beryllina

7/21/2026Cave Creek Canyon--Southwestern Research Station1 observed

White-eared Hummingbird

Basilinna leucotis

7/21/2026Cave Creek Canyon--Southwestern Research Station1 observed

Thick-billed Kingbird

Tyrannus crassirostris

7/21/2026Portal--Cathedral Rock Rd at Creek Rd1 observed

Lucifer Hummingbird

Calothorax lucifer

7/21/2026Chiricahua Mtns.--Whitetail Canyon1 observed

Curve-billed Thrasher (curvirostre Group)

Toxostoma curvirostre

7/20/2026Chiricahua Mtns.--Whitetail Canyon5 observed

Rufous-winged Sparrow

Peucaea carpalis

7/20/2026Bob Rodrigues yard (Dave Jasper's old yard)1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

7/20/2026AZ-Cochise-Portal--2494 S. Old Canyon Rd. (private)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

37/21/2026

Rivoli's Hummingbird

17/21/2026

Blue-throated Mountain-gem

17/21/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

27/21/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

37/21/2026

White-eared Hummingbird

17/21/2026

Berylline Hummingbird

17/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/21/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

37/21/2026

Northern Flicker

17/21/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

17/21/2026

Western Flycatcher

17/21/2026

Black Phoebe

17/21/2026

Plumbeous Vireo

17/21/2026

Common Raven

17/21/2026

Bridled Titmouse

17/21/2026

Northern House Wren

17/21/2026

House Finch

87/21/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

67/21/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

17/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Stay at the research station for immersive birding

  2. 2

    South Fork is the most reliable area for Elegant Trogon

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

  5. 5

    Listen for woodpecker drumming and warbler songs before scanning the canopy

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cave Creek Canyon for birding?
The best months to visit Cave Creek Canyon for birding are April-September. The best seasons are Spring and Summer.
What birds can I see at Cave Creek Canyon?
Notable species at Cave Creek Canyon include Elegant Trogon, Mexican Chickadee, Elf Owl, Hepatic Tanager, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Mourning Dove, White-throated Swift, Acorn Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Hutton's Vireo. The area supports forest, mountain, desert habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cave Creek Canyon?
Birding at Cave Creek Canyon is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Cave Creek Canyon?
The entrance fee at Cave Creek Canyon is $5 day-use fee per vehicle. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily.
What amenities are available at Cave Creek Canyon?
Cave Creek Canyon offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Campground.