Pinery Canyon Rd. (grasslands section only)

Pinery Canyon Rd. (grasslands section only)

Coronado National Forest San Simon, Arizona 85632

Pinery Canyon Official Website
Pinery Canyon map

Tips for Birding

This is one of many location-specific hotspots along FR-42 (Pinery Canyon Road).  This hotspot, which includes only the westernmost 2.25 miles of the road through grassland, is located about 8 miles northwest of the hotspot named Pinery Canyon, centered at Coronado National Forest’s Pinery Canyon Campground.

Except during migration, birders should not expect to reach a double-digit species list within this hotspot.

Birds of Interest

FR-42 being dirt surfaced, and having portions occasionally closed during the snowy season, there are many fewer lists for November through March than for warmer months. Yet, Vesper, Savannah, and White-crowned sparrow are most often reported October through April.

Among USFWS-designated Birds of Conservation Concern for the Sierra Madre Occidental, Sonora Desert, and Chihuahua Desert regions, the following species have been listed multiple times for the hotspot:  Gila Woodpecker (April-September), Olive-sided Flycatcher (August-September), Plumbeous Vireo (May and August), Verdin (all year), Cactus Wren (March-December), Curve-billed Thrasher April-August), Scott’s Oriole (May-July), Black-throated Gray Warbler (April and November), and Pyrrhuloxia (August-January).

Birders may want to brush up on the calls of Chihuahuan vs Common Raven;  although Chihuahuan are observed considerably less often, both species are listed.  Similarly, a familiarity with meadowlark calls is advised; Chihuahuan is more commonly reported than Western.

Both Dark-eyed and Yellow-eyed Junco are observed during spring.

About this Location

This hotspot extends two and a quarter or maybe two and a third miles from FR-42's westernmost point at that road's intersection with AZ-181, near the entrance to Chiricahua National Monument (https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L128945), to where county maintenance ends. There is a road sign indicating end of county maintenance, as well as a cattle guard, with ranch buildings to the south of the road at this easternmost point of the hotspot.  

The hotspot is, with one exception, totally roadside birding, as the land is barbed-wire-fenced on either side. The exception is an ungated (at least as of end of 2023) two-track road leading northeast from FR-42 a bit less than a mile from its intersection with AZ-181 (or about a mile and a third from the east end of the hotspot). This, which For Sale signs seem to indicate is private property, but is unposted, can be walked or driven, and a birder can wander a bit off road at least until you hit the northern boundary fence.  

The grassland is dotted with mesquite, juniper, saltbush, and a few agave in the far west. Birds are likely to be spotted diving in or out of this cover.  

About Pinery Canyon

See all hotspots at Pinery Canyon

This drive offers access to the forested floor of Pinery Canyon and the high slopes of the Chiricahuas. It provides magnificent views to the west of the basin-and-range region of southeastern Arizona. The sky islands of the Dos Cabezas, Swisshelms, and Dragoons form a rugged horizon, hemming in the seas of grass of the Sulphur Springs Valley. The rocky ridgeline of the fabled Cochise Stronghold bisects the Dragoons and stands out as one of the view’s most prominent features. If you come from the west, chances are you will have visited the Chiricahua National Monument on your way. When you arrive in Pinery Canyon, you’ll find the grasslands and forests more subtle, but with a beauty just as deserving of note. This broad canyon, home to a variety of habitats including a healthy riparian area, provides some excellent birdwatching and good chances for viewing resident mammals such as Coue’s white-tailed deer, coatimundis, and black bear. As the route climbs from riparian forests to oak juniper woodlands to the mixed conifers of higher slopes, it passes trailheads for Pinery-Horsefall and Ida Peak trails.

Pinery Canyon Campground is located north of the road about a mile from Onion Saddle, where a short trail leads from the road to a panoramic overlook. At Onion Saddle, you have the option to drive up the mountain to Rustler Park, a lush mountain meadow with a colorful history, or to continue east to more great sightseeing in Cave Creek Canyon.

High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. 4WD was also beneficial, if available. The western portion, from East Turkey Creek Road to Forest Boundary can be closed due to snow in the winter.

Features

  • Roadside viewing

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Pinery Canyon Official Website and John Montgomery

Last updated December 22, 2023