The Chiricahuas —A Wonderland of Rocks!
April 25-26, 2024
$439(Double Occupancy) +$64 (Single Supplement)

In the far southeastern corner of Arizona are the impressive Chiricahua Mountains, one of several sky island mountain ranges surrounded by expansive desert grasslands. The Chiricahua Mountains are an inactive volcanic range twenty miles wide and forty miles long. It forms part of the Mexican Highland section of the Basin and Range Biogeographical Province and rises up dramatically from the valley floor to over nine thousand feet, cresting in a series of uneven, volcanic-looking peaks. At the northern end of the range is an extraordinary area of striking geological features and enormous biodiversity. Tucked deep into these steep, forested valleys and beneath the craggy peaks are the remains of violent geological activity that continued for many millions of years—the pinnacles, columns, spires and balanced rocks of Chiricahua National Monument. Apaches called this place “The Land of Standing-Up Rocks,” a fitting name for the canyons of extraordinary rock towers. Early pioneers in the late 1800s sensed the unique beauty and singularity of the rock formations in the area. The Ericksons and Riggs were instrumental in persuading Congress to protect this “Wonderland of Rocks,” so much so that in 1924 the Chiricahua National Monument was created.

Day One: We’ll head south for Tucson, where we’ll enjoy lunch on self in the historic Congress Street District, home to many fantastic restaurants. Back in the Transits, we’ll travel to Birds and Barrels Vineyard, where the onsite tasting room is located on the Willcox Bench, offering remarkable views of Sulphur Springs Valley to the west, and the Dos Cabezas over the vineyard to the North. We’ll taste a flight of five wines at Birds and Barrels, where the focus is not only to produce great wine but to offer its consumers an Arizona wine experience, and it’s all included. Later we’ll check into the Wilcox Holiday Inn Express, and after a refresh, we’ll enjoy a Welcome Dinner, complete with a glass of beer or wine at the Double S Steakhouse, a great favorite with the locals, included.

Day Two: We’ll enjoy breakfast, included at the hotel, then we’re off to explore the Chiricahua National Monument. Early afternoon, we’ll make our way to Tirrito Farm, a welcoming destination farm in the heart of Arizona’s wine country, where we’ll enjoy lunch on self. Tirrito Farm offers visitors a fabulous and affordable lunch menu that includes a lineup of craft beers, artisan cheeses and local wines. After lunch, we’ll jump on the Old West Highway and hightail it for home. It’s gonna be fun!

Scottsdale:
La Quinta Inn & Suites
8888 E Shea Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

The Scottsdale pickup location can be easily reached via AZ 101/Pima Freeway. Exit the freeway at Shea. The La Quinta Hotel is located at the northeast corner of AZ 101 and Shea Blvd.

Mesa:
Mesa Doubletree Hotel
1011 W. Holmes Ave
Mesa, AZ 85210

This is the Fiesta Mall region, and the Hilton Hotel is easily viewed from the U.S. 60/Superstition Freeway. Exit the freeway at Alma School and head east to Holmes. Park and wait for the bus at the west end of the hotel parking lot.