Round Valley in the Chiricahua Mountains

Round Valley in the Chiricahua Mountains is an isolated valley in the foothills just northeast of Paradise. Lying at a low elevation it is the perfect winter hiking area which is easily accessible from Foothills Road and was chosen for this weeks hike with the Portal Rodeo Hiking Club.  Round Valley is known primarily for the Arizona Game and Fish Departments 560 acre May Memorial Wildlife Area which was the site of the former "Round Valley Ranch".  But there is also Arizona State Land, BLM land, and some private land in the valley.  Access is across private land, either through a gate on the south end or up a wash on the north end.  Both routes lead west through short canyons which open into the valley.  The May family is buried in the wildlife area (father, mother, and son) near the monument commemorating the wildlife area and their story is recounted in the book A Portal to Paradise.  The hiking club traveled, ambled, walked about 8 miles wandering along some old roads visiting homesteads and old mines that are scattered throughout the valley.  The hiking map may be found in the side bar or here.  A 360 degree panorama of Round Valley is also available for viewing.

Round Valley hiking route with land ownership overlay.

Land Stewardship Key:
Blue - Arizona State Land Department
Yellow - Bureau of Land Management
Green - Coronado National Forest
Orange - Arizona Game and Fish (May Memorial Wildlife Area, 560 acres)
Clear - Private land

May Memorial Wildlife Area 

Looking into Round Valley