Chiricahua Desert Museum

The Chiricahua Desert Museum sits just a few miles from the Arizona line. The museum focuses on the reptiles, wildlife, art, and history of the desert surrounding the Chiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains. Its living collection includes more than 60 species, with a focus on rattlesnakes and other reptiles of the Southwest.

What to Do

The live reptile exhibits are the main attraction. There’s rattlesnakes, lizards, tortoises, and other animals from the Chihuahuan Desert with exhibits explaining how they survive in the harsh desert environment. The museum also has an Apache history exhibit and a large collection of wildlife art, including the world’s largest collection of herpetological (zoology of reptiles and amphibians) art. Outside, the desert garden is planted with cactus, yucca, agave, native grasses, and trees.

How Much Time to Spend

Plan on about an hour for the museum itself. Give yourself closer to two hours if you want to take your time with the exhibits, walk through the gardens, and browse the art and gift shop.

Getting There

The museum is at 4 Rattlesnake Canyon Road in Rodeo, at the junction of NM-80 and the road toward Portal, Arizona. The roads are paved, but this is still a remote part of New Mexico with limited services.

If you’re already exploring Rodeo, the Peloncillo Mountains, or heading into Cave Creek Canyon across the Arizona line, this is an great stop to add!