Northern Chiricahua Mountains, AZ --Overview Map and Directions

General Info Selected Accommodations SE AZ Overview Map

ROUTES TO PORTAL IN THE CHIRICAHUAS

From Sierra Vista: There are several routes depending on the weather, how much time you have, and if you want to bird along the way.

If you want to do directly to Portal, the shortest (105 miles), fastest (a little under 2 hours) and least birdy route is to go east on Hwy 90 then south on Hwy 80 to Bisbee; continue east on Hwy 80 to Douglas; continue northeast on Hwy 80 to Rodeo, NM; and finally go west on Portal Road about 2 miles north of Rodeo. This route is entirely blacktop and is an all weather route. Note: Because Cochise College is located on Hwy 80 between Bisbee and Douglas, this section is well patrolled. Watch your speed!

The slowest and birdiest route to Portal is via Pinery Canyon Road, also known as the Trans-Mountain Road. Pinery Canyon Road begins near the entrance to Chiricahua National Monument, reached via Highway 186 (from Willcox) or Hwy 181 (Sulphur Springs Valley).. Note: the mountain section is sometimes closed in winter due to snow and ice, and can be difficult after prolonged or heavy rain. This road is not suitable for large motor homes. This is a good route if you are coming via Sulphur Springs Valley or Willcox and you have the time to bird your way to Portal. Pinery Canyon Road (an excellent birding road) ends at Onion Saddle. From here you can head down the mountain 15 miles to Portal (via either the Rustler Park or Paradise Roads), or continue up 3 miles to Rustler and Barfoot Parks.

From Tucson:
The longest (but perhaps the fastest route at a little over 3 hours) is to take I-10 east to Road Forks, NM about 5 miles east of the AZ state line, then go south on Hwy 80 to Portal Rd about 2 miles north of Rodeo, NM  Go west on Portal Road. This route is blacktop all the way and is an all weather route.

For a route about 30 miles shorter at the expense of 17 miles of good dirt road, leave I-10 at exit 382 and go south on the Portal-San Simon Road. From this road you can go directly to Portal or turn west after about 20 miles to reach Paradise.

Another option is to leave I-10 at exit 340 in Willcox and head SE on Hwy 186 to the entrance of Chiricahua National Monument. From here you take the Pinery Canyon Rd across the mountain.

From the east along I-10:
Exit I-10 at Road Forks, NM about 5 miles east of the AZ state line. Go south on Hwy 80 to Portal Rd about 2 miles north of Rodeo, NM. Go west on Portal Road.

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