Located on the outskirts of Sierra Vista, Garden Canyon is a lush hotspot noted for sought-after species such as Elegant Trogon and Spotted Owl. But it’s a great place to find many other birds, too. The grassy fields on the way into the canyon, for example, are where to watch for Cassin’s and Botteri’s Sparrows.
My favorite spot is the upper picnic area, where a small stream draws a variety of birds. At the site a couple of years ago, I watched Sharp-shinned Hawks chase slow-flying Elegant Trogons among the trees. In the spring, the towering deciduous forest in the lower canyon is filled with migrating tanagers, warblers, and grosbeaks.
Not far beyond the picnic area, the pavement stops, and the rocky track becomes slow-going even for high-clearance vehicles. I usually follow the road from the picnic area on foot. I once found a Spotted Owl perched in a sycamore tree just beyond the stream-crossing. The area is my favorite spot to find flycatchers, such as Hammond’s, Sulphur-bellied, and Buff-breasted. Side-trails lead to meadows that are good places to look for Painted Redstart, Mexican Jay, and Montezuma Quail.
Directions
Garden Canyon is a five-mile-long gorge on the Fort Huachuca Army Base in southeastern Arizona. From the intersection of Hwy. 90 and Hwy. 92, go west on Fry Blvd. about three miles to the Fort Huachuca main gate. Stop at the visitor center for a pass, then drive two miles on Squire Ave. Turn left onto Garden Canyon Rd.
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At a Glance
Click on the coordinates below to view location:
31°28’21.63″N 110°21’13.41″W
Habitat
Pine and deciduous trees, streams, mountains.
Terrain
Narrow, twisting gorge. Paved to upper picnic area, gravel beyond. Gradual climb on foot becomes steeper along rocky roadway.
Birds
Mexican Spotted Owl, Elegant Trogon, Montezuma Quail, Mexican and Steller’s Jays, Sulphur-bellied, Dusky-capped, Hammond’s, and Buff-breasted Flycatchers, Painted Redstart, Red-faced and Grace’s Warblers, Hutton’s Vireo, Canyon and Bewick’s Wrens, Acorn and Arizona Woodpeckers, Broad-billed and Black-chinned Hummingbirds, Hepatic and Western Tanagers, Bridled Titmouse, Scott’s and Bullock’s Orioles, Greater Roadrunner, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Band-tailed Pigeon, Golden Eagle, Chihuahuan and Common Ravens, Black-headed Grosbeak.
When to go
Spring through late June is best, but autumn also is productive during migration.
Amenities
Map and checklist available at visitor center. Several picnic areas have restrooms and drinking water. Bring your own snacks and water. Field trips offered through Huachuca Audubon Society.
Access
U.S. Army post. Access restricted to U.S. citizens only. Foreign nationals must be accompanied by specially trained military escort. All visitors 13 and over must have photo ID. Bring driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance (or auto-rental documents). Military maneuvers may limit access at times; obey all rules. Call main gate for current access info.
Tips
Be alert for military traffic on the canyon road. Take a high-clearance vehicle if you expect to drive to the top.
For more info
Fort Huachuca main gate, (520) 533-7373.
Huachuca Audubon Society
Sierra Vista visitor center, (800) 288-3861
Sites nearby
Ramsey Canyon Preserve
Less than 10 miles south of Sierra Vista on Hwy. 92. Up to 14 species of hummingbird buzz nonstop around the visitor center’s feeders.
San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area
A few miles east of Sierra Vista on Hwy. 90. More than 350 species documented. One of the best places in Arizona to see Gray Hawk and Green Kingfisher.