Southern Arizona - American Southwest - page 488

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housekeeping suites. It makes a superb base for hikes amid the area's fascinating rock
formations and for excursions farther afield in Cochise County. Owners John and Nancy
Yates are a great source of information both on solar-home design and on the preserva-
tion of the desert. In-room breakfast options include Southwestern dishes such as mes-
quite-cornmeal pancakes (made with mesquite flour). For a more adventurous experience,
you can stay in a yurt.
2126 W. Windancer Trail (P.O. Box 232), Pearce, AZ 85625. & 877/426-4141 or 520/826-4141. www.
cochisestrongholdbb.com. $179-$209 double; $129 yurt. Rates include full breakfast. 2-night minimum
stay. Children 8 and over welcome. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: Jacuzzi. In room (but not in yurt): A/C,
TV/VCR, kitchenette, Wi-Fi.

Sunglow Guest Ranch Value Located in the western foothills of the Chirica-
hua Mountains, roughly 40 miles southeast of Willcox, this remote ranch is surrounded
by Coronado National Forest and is one of the most idyllic spots in the state. There's
great bird-watching both on the ranch and in the nearby hills, and guests can use the
ranch's mountain bikes. The guest rooms are quite large, and decor includes rustic
Mexican furnishings. More than half the units have wood-burning fireplaces. This guest
ranch is different from others around the state, in that it doesn't offer horseback riding,
but there is a stable nearby that will bring its horses to the ranch. The beautiful little
dining hall/cafe here, built in classic Western-ranch style, serves some of the best food in
this corner of the state. The ranch has also made numerous changes in the past couple of
years to be more eco-friendly.
14066 S. Sunglow Rd., Pearce, AZ 85625. & 866/786-4569 or 520/824-3334. www.sunglowranch.com.
9 units. $270-$375 double. Rates include breakfast and dinner (B&B rates also available). Children 5 and
under stay free in parent's room. AE, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: Dining room; bikes; Wi-Fi. In room: Fridge,
no phone.
In Portal
Portal Peak Lodge, Portal Store & Cafe This motel-like lodge, located behind
the general store/cafe in the hamlet of Portal, has fairly modern guest rooms that face one
another across a wooden deck. Meals are available in the adjacent cafe. If you're seeking
predictable accommodations in a remote location, you'll find them here.
2358 Rock House Rd., Portal, AZ 85632. & 520/558-2223. Fax [phone]. www.portalpeaklodge.
com. 16 units. $75-$85 double. AE, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant. In room: A/C, TV, no phone.
Southwestern Research Station, The American Museum of Natural
History Finds Located in Cave Creek Canyon, this is a field research station that
takes guests when the accommodations are not filled by scientists doing research. As
such, it is the best place in the area for serious bird-watchers, who will find the company
of researchers a fascinating addition to a visit. Guests stay in simply furnished cabins
scattered around the research center. Spring and fall are the easiest times to get reserva-
tions and the best times for bird-watching.
P.O. Box 16553, Portal, AZ 85632. & 520/558-2396. Fax [phone]. www.research.amnh.org/swrs. 12
units. Mar-Oct $160 double (rate includes all meals); Nov-Feb $70-$80 double (no meals provided).
Children 3 and under stay free in parent's room. DISC, MC, V. Amenities: Dining room; outdoor pool. In
room: No phone.

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