Guadalupe Canyon facts for kids
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Guadalupe Canyon is a special valley found in the southern part of the Peloncillo Mountains. This canyon stretches across three areas: Hidalgo County in New Mexico, Cochise County in Arizona, and Agua Prieta in Sonora, Mexico. Water from Guadalupe Canyon flows into the San Bernardino River. The canyon starts high up on Guadalupe Mountain and then crosses into Mexico.
In the past, important events happened here. In 1864, a group called the Mormon Battalion marched through the canyon. Later, in 1881, a sad event known as the Guadalupe Canyon Massacre took place.
Animals and Plants of Guadalupe Canyon
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Guadalupe Canyon is like a natural highway for animals. It helps them move safely between different areas. Many amazing birds live here. You might see tiny violet-crowned hummingbirds or speedy aplomado falcons. Other birds include the broad-billed hummingbird, northern beardless tyrannulet, summer tanager, and thick-billed kingbird. You can also find the Elf Owl, black-tailed gnatcatcher, varied bunting, and wild turkey. Even the black-chinned hummingbird and Costa's hummingbird build their nests in this canyon.
The canyon is also a path for larger animals. Mexican gray wolves and endangered jaguars use it to travel between countries. Black bears, mountain lions, ocelots, and white-nosed coati also use the canyon. They travel and hunt here. This area is very important for endangered wild cats.
Along the canyon's streams, you can find different trees. These include oak trees, Arizona sycamores, willow trees, and Freemont Cottonwoods.
Warm Waters of the Canyon
Guadalupe Canyon has two areas with natural hot springs. These are called Guadalupe Canyon Hot Springs and the Guadalupe Canyon Oasis. Both places have pools made of rocks where you can soak in the warm water. They also have waterfalls. The Oasis area is more developed, with a campground, flush toilets, and hot showers.
Native Americans used these warm mineral springs for thousands of years. They were here long before early settlers arrived. Old pictures and carvings, called petroglyphs and ochre-colored rock art, can be found all over the canyon. These show that people have been using this special place for a very long time.
