Sierra Vista, Arizona

The City of Sierra Vista is the youngest of the major communities of Cochise County, but its history is rooted in the early settlement of Arizona by its connection with Fort Huachuca. Sierra Vista has grown from a satellite community dependent on the fort to one which has a vigorous life of its own. Constantly expanding modern shopping and recreational opportunities attract shoppers, birders and nature lovers.

Sierra Vista Chamber of Commerce
21 E. Wilcox Dr.
(520) 458-6940

History and Folklore--Tall Tales and True
Arizona Folklore Preserve
(520) 378-6165
Located in beautiful Ramsey Canyon, the Arizona Folklore Preserve features entertaining and informative performances by celebrated folk artists including Arizona's Official State Balladeer, Dolan Ellis. Call for reservations. Plan to carpool if possible since parking is limited.

Henry F. Hauser Museum
"Father Eusebio Kino, Padre on Horseback"
March 2011 marks the 300th anniversary of the death of Father Eusebio Kino, missionary to Pimeria Alta. Father Gregory Adolf of Sierra Vista has curated an exhibit for the Henry Hauser Museum that presents material from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson Archives and Library and the Kino Heritage Society. The exhibit will remain in place until April 30, 2011.

This museum, located in the Ethel Berger Center in Sierra Vista, is dedicated to preserving and displaying items of interest pertaining to history of human culture in the greater Sierra Vista area. The Ethel Berger Center is at 2950 E. Tacoma St, Sierra Vista, (520) 417-6980, ext. 560. The museum is open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm; closed on Sundays and federal holidays. The museum is frequently closed when new exhibits are being mounted, so it is wise to phone ahead before you make your visit.

Recreation
The numerous canyons of the Huachuca mountains provide recreational opportunities for hikers, campers, birders and photographers.

Carr Canyon
(520) 378-0311
Coronado National Forest.
Excellent birding in a lush canyon setting. Carr House nature trail is an easy hike that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Take Fry Blvd. to Rt. 92, south 8 miles, then Carr Canyon Rd. Free

Coronado National Memorial (520) 366-5515
Situated in oak woodlands on the southern edge of the Huachuca Mountains, the 4,750-acre park offers a scenic drive and overlook, hiking trails, and Coronado Cave. Scenic Montezuma Pass offers breathtaking views into Mexico and overlooks the San Pedro and San Rafael Valleys. 15 miles south of Sierra Vista on Route 92, take Coronado Memorial Rd. Free

Garden Canyon
This scenic area within Fort Huachuca contains some of the most diverse plant and animal life in the Huachuca Mountains. A variety of wildflowers, birds, mammals and butterflies can be seen here. Free.

Ramsey Canyon Preserve
Ramsey canyon is renowned for its outstanding scenic beauty and the diversity of its plant and animal life, especially the numerous hummingbirds. The Ramsey Canyon Preserve is owned and operated by The Nature Conservancy. Beginning in March and running through to October, guided nature walks are offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 9 am. The preserve opens at 8 am. Call ahead to confirm walk dates: (520) 378-2785.

From February through October, the preserve is open from 8 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week. From November through January hours are from 9 am to 4 pm on Thursday through Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday). The preserve is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's days.

Fees are $5.00 per adult, $3.00 for Nature Conservancy members and Cochise County residents. This fee entitles you to unlimited admission for the following seven days provided you present your receipt on returning. Children under 16 years of age are free. The first Saturday of each month is free at Ramsey Canyon Preserve. Annual passes, and passes that allow entry into both Ramsey Canyon Preserve and Patagonia/Sonoita Creek Preserve are also available.

To reach Ramsey Canyon Preserve go 6 miles south of Sierra Vista on Hwy 92 to Ramsey Canyon Road, then turn left. Parking is limited. A bookstore, open 9-4, sells books, tee shirts and other birding-related items.

Hastings Books, Music & Video
3758 E. Fry Blvd., Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
(520) 459-8130
Carries a full line of books by local authors and books, guidebooks and maps about the local area as well as games, music, and DVDs.

The Mall at Sierra Vista
2200 El Mercado Loop (South Hwy 92)
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

Spur Western Wear
authentic western shirts, hats, boots and accessories
2217 E. Fry Blvd, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
(520) 458-2262

This map shows the relationship of the five major towns of southwest Cochise County. The red road passing through Benson is Interstate Hwy 10. See the Willcox page for a map of the northeast area of the county.