Chiricahua National Monument, Southeast Arizona:

Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona: The Heart of the Rocks Loop Trail (7 to 9 miles) makes a perfect day hike through the hoodoos here. 27 million years ago, huge volcanic eruptions laid down 2000 feet of ash and pumice in this area, which fused into a rock known as rhyolitic tuff.  Since then this rock has eroded into fascinating hoodoos, spires, and balanced rocks which lie above the surrounding desert grasslands at elevations between 5100 and 7800 feet. At Chiricahua, the Sonoran desert meets the Chihuahuan desert, and the Rocky Mountains meet Mexico's Sierra Madre, making one of the most biologically diverse areas in the northern hemisphere. While we drove the dirt road to nearby Portal, Arizona, Carol saw a mountain lion crossing the road! Other animals here include javelina, coatimundi, bears, skunks, and deer.

        Below right: Kissing Rocks, hoodoos in Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona.

Chiricahua National Monument.

Above: Cave Creek Canyon, Coronado National Forest, near Portal, in the southeast corner of Arizona, is one of the top destinations for bird enthusiasts in the USA. More than 12 species of hummingbirds can be seen here. The colorful cliffs of rhyolite (solidified volcanic ash layers) rise 2000 feet above sparkling creeks and pretty white sycamore trees.

Barn Owl, Sonoran Desert Museum, Tucson, Arizona.
       Below right: Cactus flowers in Sonoran Desert Museum, Tucson, Arizona.