Overview

Cave Creek Road, South Fork Road, and South Fork Canyon Trail are magical places to search the Madrean pine-oak forest for Mexican species who stray across the border into southeastern Arizona. This is the northern-most extension of Mexican woodlands, and the birds (who don't care much about border politics) just come on up to breed. No recording/playback devices are allowed in this area.

This is a driving and walking adventure, so from Portal, continue west on Portal Road following the pavement. The speed limit drops to 20 mph, so slow down, roll down the windows, hang your ears outside, and listen. When the birds sing (the loud, noisy birds are Mexican Jays), find a pullout and park off the road.

Link to South Fork Area Map.

The road passes open grasslands just above Portal where various sparrows and flycatchers can be seen. At night, watch for Poorwill on the road. The road passes turnoffs to Paradise, Cave Creek Ranch, then continues up as the canyon narrows.

The road passes the Ranger Station on the right, then Idlewild and Stewart campgrounds on the left (all good birding). At 3.25 miles above Portal Town, the road forks. The dirt road to the left follows the South Fork of Cave Creek.

Turn left onto the dirt road and drive slowly about 0.8 miles to a bridge, which is a good area for birds. Continue another 0.2 miles to the end of the road. The road ends unceremoniously at a berm and parking for about 15 vehicles. The walk back from the trailhead to the bridge is a pleasant place to relax and watch for birds.

For the more adventuresome, continue up South Fork Canyon Trail, which I think goes forever, but the first mile or two make for a nice walk and excellent birding. The upper areas burned a few years ago, but the vegetation is recovering.