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Arizona

Hiking Southeast Arizona’s Sky Islands & Chiricahua Mountains

Program No. 2105RJ
Go off the beaten path and explore the Chiricahua Mountains, where you’ll hike alongside experts and learn about native wildlife, ancient geology and the region’s frontier story.
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Walking/HikingOutdoor AdventuresSmall GroupNature & Environment
Length
7 days
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Starts at
2,249
Program
At a Glance
Duration
7 days
Program Begins
Willcox, AZ
Program Concludes
Willcox, AZ
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
18 ( 6B, 6L, 6D )
Activity Level
Concealed in the Chiricahua Mountains of remote southeast Arizona are some of the best-kept secrets of the serious American hiker. Here, insulated from the crowded trails of the Grand Canyon by 450 miles of mountains and desert, immerse yourself in a hiker’s paradise where seldom-trodden trails climb through five undisturbed life zones, from the grassy scrublands of the desert up through the rarefied air of mountains thick with Douglas fir. From your base in the cowboy town of Willcox, hike tranquil trails known only to those who seek adventure in places left alone by the common tourist, discovering native wildlife, birds on their migratory odysseys and rich geology, Native history and frontier heritage.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Uncover the wonders of the “sky islands,” isolated mountain habitats that support endemic species and unique ecology.
  • Be transported back in time to the frontier period at Fort Bowie and the homestead at Faraway Ranch.
  • Learn about the Arizona ranching industry of the modern day and of yesteryear, and get a taste of Western culture with musical entertainment by a local couple.
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Featured Expert
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Steve Marlatt
Steve has a bachelor’s in Wildlife Management and a master’s in Environmental Education. He first worked in a variety of positions in research, range and recreation for New Mexico Game and Fish, the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. He then switched gears to work with another type of wildlife and spent the next 27 years teaching Middle School science! He recently retired so that he could spend more time hiking, backpacking, mountain biking and birding in his long-time home of Southeast Arizona.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Steve has a bachelor’s in Wildlife Management and a master’s in Environmental Education. He first worked in a variety of positions in research, range and recreation for New Mexico Game and Fish, the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. He then switched gears to work with another type of wildlife and spent the next 27 years teaching Middle School science! He recently retired so that he could spend more time hiking, backpacking, mountain biking and birding in his long-time home of Southeast Arizona.
Pat Lee has always loved hiking, getting out in nature, and great exercise. Being a retired physical education teacher, Pat has always been committed to exercise. For eight years, Pat ran a hiking club through WASA (Willcox Against Substance Abuse). Every week in summer, and one day a month during the school year, Pat led schoolkids on hikes around the area.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Long, often 12 hour days. Hiking between 4 and 8 miles daily over varied terrain. Elevation gain/loss between 800 and 1100 ft each day. Elevations of 5,000-8,000 feet.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
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Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

  • Peace of Mind

    We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

  • Assurance Plan

    Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

  • Want to Protect Your Investment?

    Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

  • Sustainable Travel

    We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.