We are happy to provide access to this unique ecological habitat along the San Pedro River in the Freemont Gooding Cottonwood-Willow Gallery Forest located in southeast Arizona. These 100 acres are a part of what used to be a family ranch, however we wanted to keep this piece of land because it has great emotional and ecological value to us and the community. The land is part of a conservation easement, although it is not prohibited from being used and we would like to share the habitat with more outdoorsmen.

This property contains a very special ecological niche because there is perennial flowing water along the lower San Pedro River, which is a pretty significant drainage area in southern Arizona. There are few rivers in North America that run north to south, but the San Pedro starts in Mexico, runs up into AZ and then turns back to drain into the Gulf of Mexico. The area is ecologically unique because it’s in the upper Sonoran Desert with running water. It creates a gallery forest of Cottonwood and Willow Trees that acts as an ecological pull to local wildlife.

This property has impeccable birdwatching potential. It has been used by birders from around the world who come to see particular subsets of species that are only found here. For example, the Mississippi Kite is often seen on the property, for which the Audubon society recognizes the land as a very special area.

We are unable to provide lodging at this time, however, we are comfortable with guests pitching a tent if they wish to. Otherwise, the towns of Kearney and Mammuth are both nearby and offer reasonable options. There is no minimum or a maximum number of days when booking this property.

As a historical fact, the hill that is the crown jewel of the property that overlooks the gallery forest is the exact location of a standoff between Kit Carson and an Apache force dating back to the early 1800s. An original American frontiersman, Kit was a fur trapper and wilderness guide involved in much of the westward expansion of the United States.

We are looking forward to sharing with you this historically and ecologically significant piece of land and are excited to welcome more outdoor enthusiasts to the area!