AI-assisted summaryPortal, Arizona, is a remote community in the southeastern corner of the state at the mouth of Cave Creek Canyon.Cave Creek Canyon offers excellent birdwatching, hiking and stargazing.Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, explore the Chiricahua Mountains and savor the peace and quiet of this hidden gem.It is the most hidden of all Arizona hidden gems. No one stumbles into Portal by accident. It is so far off the beaten path that visiting this unincorporated community requires a deliberate act. In fact, the only paved road to Portal enters from another state.Tucked away in the far southeast corner of Arizona, Portal snugs up against the bulk of the Chiricahua Mountains, at the mouth of Cave Creek Canyon.Towering rock cliffs are wrapped in lush forest and punctuated by a slender stream — a combination of dizzying drama and soft intimacy so rare to find. The name is appropriate because it really does feel like you’ve entered a portal to a different — and far more peaceful — world. This is where you come to slow down. Walks in the woods, scenic drives, birdwatching, hammock snoozes, picnics and stargazing should all be on the agenda. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.Cave Creek Canyon Arizona things to doCave Creek Canyon is a place of astonishing beauty. It is often called “Arizona’s Yosemite” due to the high ramparts rising above the canyon floor. The rhyolite cliffs were formed by ash and magma deposits from volcanic events dating back millions of years. Nature crowds in here. It’s personal and quiet with no distractions. The mouth of the canyon sits at 5,000 feet. Portal experiences all four seasons; expect it to be 20-25 degrees cooler than Phoenix in the summer. And in the shady forests, the cool mornings and evenings are a special joy. At night, the dark skies flitters with a canopy of stars. The road into Cave Creek Canyon is paved for about 4 miles. The lower dirt roads are manageable in a sedan. Make a scenic drive on the 17-mile Cave Creek Loop, combining Forest Roads 42 and 42B. The route takes you around Silver Peak and through the old mining town of Paradise before returning to Portal. Visitors can also cross the mountains to reach Chiricahua National Monument on FR 42, which crests Onion Saddle at 7,600 feet. This road is closed during winter and can be treacherous during monsoon storms. Vehicles are limited to 41 feet in length and high clearance is recommended. Several first-come, first-served campgrounds offer shaded sites along Cave Creek. A network of hiking trails plunges deeper into the woodlands following streambeds and offering stunning views of the landscape.Cave Creek Canyon birdingBesides its scenic beauty, Cave Creek Canyon is rich with biological diversity. The narrow passageway contains six habitat biomes and attracts an incredible array of wildlife. Among birders, it is a world-renowned destination. More than 370 species of birds can be seen in Cave Creek Canyon. This is the northern edge of the range for many species. It serves as both migratory path and breeding grounds.What birds are in Portal Arizona?Sharp-eyed visitors may spot plenty of branch-candy including hooded orioles, indigo bunting, sulphur-bellie …
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