The land at the Preserve is interesting from any angle. Looking up at the hills all around you from the creek, or viewing from one of the hill as in the picture above, the view is wonderful and natural.

The Preserve is in a valley at about 5,500 feet above sea level. In Arizona this is considered by many as the perfect elevation. Being at the base of the Mogollon Rim brings in some interesting clouds and a little more rain than usual in Arizona. On the contrary, the rain is wonderful for the vegetation, trees, and wildlife at the Preserve.

The land is considered high desert planes. There are tall grassy meadows, hill sides with a thick forest of tall Ponderosa pines, Alligator Junipers, and Oak shrubs. Yet, you might find a small cactus of one form or another on your land. Even the desert dwelling Horny Toad, called that because of the bumpy like spines on its back and head (Photo on right).

Do you like the four seasons? We hope so, because we have them all at the Preserve. But not to extremes.

Summer… the mornings and evenings are cool yet on rare occasions it can get to 100 degrees in the peak of the day. The clouds move in fast, sometimes bringing rain, usually not, but always bringing a cool shade. The breeze can be cool if it comes from the forest, or warm if it comes from a meadow. But, it’s always fresh.

Autumn… the trees lining the creek change colors. Large Oaks and other types of trees prepare for winter but probably more out of habit than need.

Winter… It’s usually cold in the mornings and evenings, but fairly nice during the day. Oh, it snows here, but usually just a dusting that makes everything wonderfully white. A foot of snow is rare, however a few years back there were four feet of snow on one rare occasion. The creek continues to flow, although there is ice from time to time on the surface. But the best part of winter is how quiet it gets. So quiet that every location on the Preserve comes with the faint and relaxing sound of the creek.

Spring… brings the fresh rain, however it usually doesn’t rain more than a few days in a row. The brush and meadows become green and the creeks flow varies a little from the rains. The mornings are cool but mid day is very comfortable.