Chiricahua Mountains

Going from the high desert of southeastern Arizona to the "sky islands" of the Chiricahua Mountains is like driving from Mexico to Canada in just a couple of hours. The pine forests in the Chiricahuas' so-called "Canadian biome," from 7,000 to 9,000 feet in elevation, are home to a unique assortment of plants and animals including exotic birds (the rare Elegant Trogon and a variety of parrots) as well as bear and deer. The region is home to the Smithsonian Institution's Southwestern Research Station. The scenery and weather are hard to beat. Camp at Bonita Canyon in the park (nice restrooms with running water). A good day hike is the Echo Canyon Loop from Massai Point.