The Reptiles & Amphibians of Arizona's Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts

Tour Code: USA19

A 13-day tour of the incredible Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts in south-eastern Arizona, searching for the reptiles and amphibians of this spectacular region.

We hope to run this tour in the future, but have not yet finalised dates and prices. To be added to a waiting list and be informed when details are confirmed, please click on the register interest button, or phone 01962 733051.
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

Gila Monster, Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, Sonoran Desert Tortoise and Western Coral Snake – these are just a few of the iconic reptiles we aim to see as we embark on an exciting exploration through the breathtaking landscapes of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts, on an itinerary expertly crafted by our Arizona based guides to encompass the best of the deserts, mountains and canyons in this spectacular area.

Herpetologists have long been intrigued by the unique and rich ensemble of reptiles and amphibians of the Sonoran Desert. This diversity is not surprising considering the remarkable and complex landscapes of the mountains and valleys with rocky to sandy soils, the diverse vegetation and the variable climate, with two distinct rainy seasons. But the diversity of reptiles and amphibians reflects evolutionary origins intertwined not only with the history of the Sonoran Desert itself, but also with other major biotic provinces such as the Rocky Mountains to the north, the grasslands of the mid-continent to the east and the New World tropics to the south. 

Using perfectly located accommodation, we’ll search this wonderful region for the iconic and the little-known reptile and amphibian species found here such as substrate mimicking Regal Horned Lizard, Sidewinder – famous for its remarkable locomotion, Canyon Tree Frog – a beautiful amphibian fantastically adapted for life in rocky arid scrub and mountains, and many other fascinating species.

We’ll survey Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Sabino Canyon and the Chiricahua Mountains, taking in the exhilarating landscapes and relishing the flora and fauna they have to offer. Join us on this special tour to discover the rich herpetofauna of south-east Arizona, covering unique, diverse and spectacular habitats with our expert guides in search of incredible reptiles and amphibians.

  • Truly iconic species including Gila Monster, Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, Sonoran Desert Tortoise and Western Coral Snake
  • Search the amazing Chiricahua Mountains for Mojave Rattlesnakes, Alligator Lizards, and more
  • Other wildlife species we find could include Mountain Lion, Elegant Trogon and up to seven hummingbird species
  • The amazing botany will include Cholla, Prickly Pear Cactus, Agave, Brittlebush, Mesquite, and Palo Verde

This exciting tour is part of our portfolio of herpetology holidays.

Amid the incredible landscapes of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, we’ll experience the rich herpetofauna, with several truly iconic species such as the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, Gila Monster – one of only two highly venomous lizard species in the world – Sonoran Desert Tortoise and Western Coral Snake.  En-route we'll search White Tank Mountain Regional Park for charismatic Chuckwallas and substrate-mimicking Horned Lizards.  Over two days we’ll explore Sweetwater Wetlands, Sabino Canyon, and Catalina State Park in search of Tiger Rattlesnake, Sonoran Coral Snake and a range of lizard species. Our next two days takes us to the Chiricahua Mountains – key habitat for Prairie and Mojave Rattlesnake, Alligator Lizards, and many more species. Circling back to Tucson through New Mexico, we’ll stop along the way to search for the amazing Arizona Black Rattlesnake, Patchnose Snake, and Great Plains Skink amongst many more lizards.

Stay in the heart of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts among the Sky Islands with the epic landscapes and Saguaro Cactus for which this region is world famous, using perfectly located accommodation.

Join us on this special tour to discover the herpetofauna of south-east Arizona, bio-rich & bio-abundant in this unique, diverse and spectacular habitat.

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
In flight. Arrive Phoenix
Day 2
White Tank Mountain Regional Park
Day 3/4
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Day 5/7
Catalina State Park and Sabino Canyon, Tucson
Day 8/10
Chiricahua Mountains and New Mexico Stateline Area
Day 11
Willcox and Tucson
Day 12
Saguaro National Park East and Depart Phoenix
Day 13
Arrive London
Reviews
Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

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