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Cabin

Tiny Home with Observatory near Rodeo, New Mexico & Portal, AZ

Photo gallery for Tiny Home with Observatory near Rodeo, New Mexico & Portal, AZ

A wooden cabin with a large window, under a starry night sky.
A remote cabin with a wooden deck and a car parked in front.
A cozy living room with a brown sofa, wooden flooring, a fireplace, and a ceiling fan.
A wooden observatory with two telescopes, a computer, and various astronomical equipment.
A rugged mountain landscape with rocky cliffs and sparse vegetation.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 1% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • Laundry made easy
    One of the few properties with an in-unit washing machine and dryer.
  • A quiet escape
    Guests like the location for the peace and quiet.
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washer/dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View map
Animas, NM
  • Place, Chiricahua Desert Museum
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Place, Chiricahua Gallery
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Place, Geronimo Surrender Monument
    ‪28 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Tiny Home with Observatory near Rodeo, New Mexico & Portal, AZ

Escape to a peaceful high-desert retreat in southern New Mexico, just:

• 15 miles from Portal, Arizona
• 17 miles from Cave Creek Canyon
• 8.6 miles from the Chiricahua Desert Museum

Valley Vista Getaway is an award-winning tiny home with panoramic desert and mountain views, located under true Bortle 1 dark skies.

Spend your days exploring the incredible birding, hiking, and wildlife of the Portal–Chiricahua region, then return each night to quiet desert skies filled with stars.


Perfect for astronomers, birders, hikers, herpers, photographers, and nature lovers. Just minutes from Rodeo and Animas, NM and Portal and Cave Creek Canyon, AZ.

• Highlights

• Private roll-off roof observatory under Bortle 1 dark skies

• 360° desert & mountain views

• Minutes from Cave Creek Canyon birding

• Quiet location near the Peloncillo Mountains

• 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | Sleeps 2

• Full kitchen + washer & dryer

• WiFi (107 mbps), A/C & heat, Smart Roku TV

• Free hosted 2 hour star party with your stay

• Free hosted solar viewing with special telescope with your stay

• No fire pit or grill (regional burn restrictions)


• Observatory & Stargazing Experience

Bring your telescope or enjoy the night sky from our private roll-off roof observatory.

Observatory features:
• 10' × 12' observing space
• Electricity + WiFi + Ethernet
• Monitor hookup
• Adjustable wind guards
• Storage shelf

Guests without telescopes are also invited to join host John for a personal 2 hour star party under pristine desert skies.

View:
• The moon’s craters
• Planets
• Nebulae and star clusters
• The Milky Way stretching horizon to horizon

• Daytime solar viewing through a dedicated solar telescope is also available.


• Perfect Base for Nature Exploration

Valley Vista Getaway sits in a unique location where New Mexico desert meets the Chiricahua Mountains ecosystem.

Nearby highlights include:
• Cave Creek Canyon — internationally known birding destination
• Portal, Arizona — gateway to the Chiricahua Mountains
• Chiricahua Desert Museum — natural history & herpetology center
• Peloncillo Mountains — quiet desert hiking and wildlife habitat

This region attracts:
• Birders
• Herpers
• Hikers
• Wildlife photographers
• Perfect Base for Nature Exploration

Valley Vista Getaway sits in a unique location where New Mexico desert meets the Chiricahua Mountains ecosystem.

Nearby highlights include:
• Cave Creek Canyon — internationally known birding destination
• Portal, Arizona — gateway to the Chiricahua Mountains
• Chiricahua Desert Museum — natural history & herpetology center
• Chiricahua National Monument — spectacular hoodoo formations
• Peloncillo Mountains — quiet desert hiking and wildlife habitat

This region attracts:
• Birders
• Herpers
• Hikers
• Wildlife photographers
• Astrophotographers


Inside the Tiny Home

Designed for comfort, simplicity, and quiet desert living.

Living Area
• Smart Roku TV (ABC, NBC, CBS & streaming)
• Electric fireplace
• Large windows with desert views

Kitchen
Fully equipped with:
• Stove & oven
• Microwave
• Dishwasher
• Refrigerator
• Coffee maker, toaster & blender
• Crockpot & cookware

Bedroom
• Queen bed with soft linens
• USB charging ports in alarm clocks
• Storage space

Bathroom
• Step-in shower
• Grab bar
• Hair dryer
• Taller toilet

Comfort & Utilities
• Washer & dryer
• Air conditioning & heat
• Ceiling fans
• 15 Mbps WiFi


• What Guests Love Most
Guests consistently mention:
• The incredible dark skies
• The peaceful desert setting
• The observatory experience with host John
• Easy access to Cave Creek Canyon birding


• A Rare Southwest Experience

Spend your days exploring desert mountains, wildlife, and world-class birding.

Spend your nights under some of the darkest skies in North America.

Valley Vista Getaway offers a rare combination of:
✔ Observatory stargazing
✔ Quiet desert seclusion
✔ Proximity to Cave Creek Canyon
✔ Comfortable modern accommodations


• Book your stay and experience the stars above the Southwest.

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Property grounds
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  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
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House Rules

Check in after 1:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 20
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Adults only
default

Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 7997991
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Animas

Located in Animas, this cabin is in a rural area and in the mountains. Chiricahua Desert Museum and Chiricahua Gallery are cultural highlights, while Geronimo Surrender Monument is a local landmark. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including hiking, wildlife walks and birdwatching.
View more Cabin rentals in AnimasOpens in a new window
Map
Animas, NM

What's nearby

  • Chiricahua Desert Museum - 13 min drive - 16.3 km
  • Chiricahua Gallery - 17 min drive - 21.6 km
  • Geronimo Surrender Monument - 28 min drive - 43.6 km
  • Myrtle Kraft Library - 28 min drive - 31.8 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Sky Island Grill & Grocery - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪The Armbrewster - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Lunch - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪pj's - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Lunch - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Tiny Home with Observatory near Rodeo, New Mexico & Portal, AZ pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Tiny Home with Observatory near Rodeo, New Mexico & Portal, AZ?

As of 2 July 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Tiny Home with Observatory near Rodeo, New Mexico & Portal, AZ on 14 July 2026 start from AU$168, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Tiny Home with Observatory near Rodeo, New Mexico & Portal, AZ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Tiny Home with Observatory near Rodeo, New Mexico & Portal, AZ?

Check-in begins at 1:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Tiny Home with Observatory near Rodeo, New Mexico & Portal, AZ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Tiny Home with Observatory near Rodeo, New Mexico & Portal, AZ located?

Situated in the mountains, this cabin is 8.2 mi (13.1 km) from Chiricahua Desert Museum and 10.8 mi (17.3 km) from Chiricahua Gallery. Myrtle Kraft Library and Granite Peak are also within 25 miles (40 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 44 out of 44 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 44 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 44 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 44 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 44 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

mark w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very comfortable, well stocked, great star viewing with John. Quiet and welcoming.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The kitchen was well planned and stocked. Location was very quiet. Our host was there to answer questions and concerns, which were minor. The openess to include us in his astronomy pursuits was a very special and memorable experience. All in all, it was well planned and executed. We plan on returning next year.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donald P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The little house was cute and comfortable and had everything we needed. The observatory was a pleasure to use and we got several nights of clear skies so was a perfect trip for us. Would recommend to anyone who wants to see some truly dark skies with all the comforts of home.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Drew C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
House is in an amazing location. The sky at night is unbeatable. Portal is about a half hour away and provides great hiking and sight seeing. Met John, he was very nice and ready to make any reasonable accommodations. Great stay for 2 people.
Chiricahuas at sunset
Orion Constellation
The Milky Way
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Always a nice place to stay

Perfect place to stay when in the area
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chinmay K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay in the desert

Wonderful place, clean and well maintained, has everything you need and more!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beth J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This area is absolutely gorgeous. And this home is so cute and fun to stay at. John and Cathy are great hosts!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jack H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place and Great People

The location was perfect for our needs and the owners were awesome!! Highly recommend!!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Valley View Getaway and Observatory is a wonderful place to stay for a variety of reasons. If you're an amateur (or even a professional) astronomer, you will love the opportunity to practice your hobby under the darkest skies in the United States. If you like the stars, but you're not really an astronomer your host, John, will open up his observatory and give you a couple of hours worth of observation time coupled with his excellent knowledge of the Night Sky.If you're not interested in the sky, but you're just looking for a quiet place to get away for a while then this is the place! The cabin is so cozy, clean, and well managed that you can truly enjoy some quiet time communing with nature. (I loved the visits every evening from the local flock of quail.) Even though the place is remote (quite!) and you'd be well advised to bring food and beverage with you for your stay, the cabinet itself is well stocked with all of the other things you might need.To top things off, Valley View Getaway is one of the most affordable options you could possibly ask for. It's an extremely enjoyable place for a couple or a solo traveler.So, what's the downside? Well, you're probably gonna need to wash the dust off of your car when you return home. Personally, I am already looking forward to my next visit!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sean L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice remote location

We stayed three night. Clean, comfortable, and if you have any interest in astronomy contact the host.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

LuAnn Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home away from home

A+ hospitality, star party was excellent and very peaceful location.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

thomas h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Star trip

Great host would stay again
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Dec 2021
Tom & Jane were great guests. Enjoyed sharing the night sky with them. Would definitely welcome them back.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joel

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Had a great stay here. Very clean and quiet. Saw lots of wildlife around the property. Would book again
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good site for biologists

Very comfortable and well organized. Has local sagebrush habitat and is 20 minutes from extensive hikes in Portal region.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Unique little house. Owners were great and helpful.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Geoff M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our stay

The place is very clean, has everything organized efficiently. Comfortable, quiet, easy access to Cave Creek and nice hosts. We will be back
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house had everything we needed for a very pleasant stay. A/C. Well fitted out kitchen. We brought our own food because grocery stores are limited in this area. It is located 15-30 minutes from all the excellent birding across the border in Arizona (Portal and Paradise).
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Astronomers Delight

We chose Valley Vista Getaway because of the observatory and it did not disappoint. The hosts were extremely welcoming and happy tp answer questions about the area. The house was well equipped, clean and confortable. Happy to recommend this rental.
Stayed 28 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Nov 2024
Thank you! It was a joy meeting you both.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sonder S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Valley Vista Getaway

My friend and I came to the area for birding in the Chiricahuas. We stayed at valley vista and it was a perfect spot for everything we wanted to do during our stay. Would definitely recommend it.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 June 2024
We enjoyed meeting Sonder and Patrick. They were great guests and we would welcome them back anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gina

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This is a FANTASTIC little cottage with all the amenities one could need and a hidden gem for star gazers, astro photographers and birders. Wonderful hosts, beautiful wide open location, a roll off roof observatory to put your telescope in, lovely, cozy, tastefully decorated cottage. We highly recommend it!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful cabin

Cozy cabin convenient for exploring the Portal and Cave Creek Canyon area. Very well-equipped and comfortable. Friendly, helpful hosts. Quiet and peaceful. Perfect!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

mary ann p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Refuge

I felt so at ease in this home surrounded by distant mountains. Everything I needed was provided. Loved the quiet on the sunny porch. Then there was the bonus of John sharing the night sky with his telescope and vast knowledge. Wish I could have stayed longer.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rodeo, New Mexivo

It is great!!!!
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enjoyable Stay For Birding

We enjoyed the Gambel and Scaled Quail right outside the bedroom window as well as rabbit, jack rabbit, coyote, and the stargazing. About 20 minutes easy drive to Cave Creek Canyon for more birding where we had a good look at the Elegant Trogon. Hosts were right next door and very helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 31 May 2022
Thank you for your review. We are happy you got to see an Elegant Trogon during your stay, something that we haven't seen yet. We invite you to stay with us again sometime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jed D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A stary stay in a sweet spot

It's a great tiny getaway! Perfect size for two people who want some dark sky's and quiet time. John, the host, is very kind and caring. The star party was fun. If you stay on a clear night, definitely don't skip the telescope time.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Feb 2023
Thank you Jed and Natasha. Come back any time!

About the host

Hosted by Cathy and John Adler

Host profile image
We're John and Cathy, your hosts at Valley Vista Getaway. We're passionate about nature and the wonders of the night sky. We discovered this hidden gem in southwestern New Mexico while searching for the perfect dark sky location. With years of experience owning a campground in the Black Hills of South Dakota, exploring the country in our Motorhome, volunteering at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and John having a background in civil engineering and Cathy with non-profit organizations, we're excited to share this special place with you. Whether you're an avid stargazer, birder, hiker, herper or simply seeking peace and quiet, we're here to ensure your stay is unforgettable.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

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