Cave Creek Canyon, a sense of place

Cave Creek Canyon is one of the premier birding places in the states. But here we are and we found it also is a place of passionate devotees, people who love the canyon, the wildlife, the Chiricahua Mountains; astronomers, herpetologists, artists, and conservationists. 

Friends of Cave Creek Canyon have just published Cave Creek Canyon, revealing the Heart of Arizona's Chiricahua Mountains, a book with 42 contributing authors. It's fascinating reading. 

The canyon's towering cliffs overlook a lush diversity in plant and animal life. 

Years ago, When we traveled here with all four kids, we sat on rocks in cave creek and read Narnia aloud before hiking up the trail. A recent flood (caused by a previous fire that devastated the vegetation) wrecked havock with the stream, the roads, the accessibility to the canyon. 

It's back to running clear and merrily. 

Some fellow hikers pointed out a path to an overhang with petroglyphs. We would never have noticed. 

Historic bunkhouse. 

Helen