Hikers traverse a winding trail in the canyon.

Cave Creek Canyon - South Fork

Arizona · Southwest

ChallengingOfficial Site View on eBird Directions

Habitat

CanyonRiver/Riparian

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Cave Creek Canyon - South Fork is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 235 species recorded on eBird. This canyon and river/riparian habitat attracts White-throated Swift, Acorn Woodpecker, and Hutton's Vireo among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

White-throated Swift Acorn Woodpecker Hutton's Vireo Mexican Jay Common Raven Gambel's Quail Inca Dove White-winged Dove Mourning Dove Blue-throated Mountain-gem Rufous Hummingbird Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Lucifer Hummingbird

Calothorax lucifer

7/20/2026Chiricahua Mtns.--Whitetail Canyon1 observed

Curve-billed Thrasher (curvirostre Group)

Toxostoma curvirostre

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

Berylline Hummingbird

Saucerottia beryllina

7/20/2026Cave Creek Canyon--Southwestern Research Station1 observed

White-eared Hummingbird

Basilinna leucotis

7/20/2026Cave Creek Canyon--Southwestern Research Station1 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

Thick-billed Kingbird

Tyrannus crassirostris

7/19/20262410 South Cathedral Rock Road, San Simon, Arizona, US (31.911, -109.146)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Broad-billed Hummingbird

37/20/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

157/20/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

17/20/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

17/20/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

17/20/2026

Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher

57/20/2026

Mexican Jay

107/20/2026

Bridled Titmouse

77/20/2026

Bushtit

57/20/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

47/20/2026

American Robin

17/20/2026

Spotted Towhee

47/20/2026

Black-throated Gray Warbler

17/20/2026

Painted Redstart

27/20/2026

Black-headed Grosbeak

17/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/20/2026

Coppery-tailed Trogon

47/20/2026

Northern Flicker

27/20/2026

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

27/20/2026

Plumbeous Vireo

17/20/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for echoing calls of Canyon Wren and other canyon specialties.
2
Check rocky ledges and cliff faces for nesting raptors.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.
4
Bird activity peaks at dawn in desert habitats; arrive at first light for the best sightings.
5
Hummingbird feeders at nature centers and lodges attract multiple species — visit during late summer for peak diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

Nearby Attractions

Chiricahua National Monument
Portal AZ
Southwestern Research Station

More in Arizona

Madera Canyon

Santa Rita Mountains canyon famous for Elegant Trogons and diverse hummingbirds.

Cave Creek Canyon

Chiricahua Mountains canyon and top US site for rare Mexican mountain species.

Ramsey Canyon Preserve

The Hummingbird Capital of the US with up to 15 species in the Huachuca Mountains.

Arizona Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Arizona →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

How to Attract Hummingbirds

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cave Creek Canyon - South Fork for birding?▼

The best months to visit Cave Creek Canyon - South Fork for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Cave Creek Canyon - South Fork?▼

Notable species at Cave Creek Canyon - South Fork include White-throated Swift, Acorn Woodpecker, Hutton's Vireo, Mexican Jay, Common Raven, Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Blue-throated Mountain-gem, Rufous Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird. The area supports canyon, river/riparian habitats.

How difficult is birding at Cave Creek Canyon - South Fork?▼

Birding at Cave Creek Canyon - South Fork is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.

Is there an entrance fee at Cave Creek Canyon - South Fork?▼

There is no entrance fee at Cave Creek Canyon - South Fork. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.

What amenities are available at Cave Creek Canyon - South Fork?▼

Cave Creek Canyon - South Fork offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.