As is tradition, you likely reflected on 2023 back in January and made resolutions for the year ahead. But by February, more than 80 percent of resolution-makers had already broken them. If you are one of those souls lost among sodas, social media, and comfy sofa pillows, set your fear of failure aside. Here is how Cochise County, Arizona can help you re-set and GET REAL in 2024.
GET HEALTHIER
Whether hiking, biking, or climbing, Cochise County offers plenty of ways to get your heart pumping. Hike some of Bisbee’s thousands of stairs, where staircases stand in for sidewalks on the hills of this old mining town. Borrow a bike from the Sierra Vista public library and ride a piece of bike-friendly America. Or climb the rugged rocks at Cochise Stronghold that served as a refuge for the famous Apache Indian leader: Cochise. Then give your taste buds a workout, as you savor a flight of wines at one of the many tasting rooms in Willcox — home to 75 percent of Arizona’s wine grapes.
TAKE IN SURROUNDING BEAUTY
Cochise County offers some of the most awe-inspiring natural landscapes in the southwestern United State. Cochise Stronghold not only boasts incredible rock-climbing experiences but is rumored to be where Chief Cochise was buried. Chiricahua National Monument provides an extensive 12 miles of hiking trails that will take you through balancing rocks and spires created by a cataclysmic volcanic eruption, roughly 27 million years ago. The riparian forest of San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area is one of the rarest forest types in the world and provides an essential habitat for a variety of wildlife, including over 350 bird species.
BE IN THE MOMENT
Shift your focus from Twitter to “Tweety.” Birdwatching is one of the many reasons people come to Cochise County. Known as the Hummingbird Capital of the U.S., Sierra Vista boasts up to 14 varieties of hummingbirds. Willcox welcomes more than 50,000 migrating Sandhill Cranes between October and February each year. Both communities offer events and tours showcasing the County’s birding hot spots. At night, comfortable temperatures and clear skies across Cochise County make the area ideal for stargazing. Visit an observatory or take your telescope off-the-beaten path and soak up star-studded skies.
FOCUS ON RELATIONSHIPS
Gather the fam, pull on some hiking shoes, and point your compass toward Carr Canyon. There are nature trails for strolling, plus more adventurous hikes leading to scenic overlooks and a breathtaking seasonal waterfall. History and nature presentations and exhibits provide interactive opportunities for the whole family at Carr House Visitor Center. In Willcox, hold hands with your “hunny” as you wander fragrant lavender fields. Kick back with an award-wining local wine or cool brew and relish the tranquil beauty and stunning views.
GET MORE CULTURED
Embrace Willcox’s western lifestyle at the Rex Allen Museum — which shares the story of singer, actor, and “Arizona’s Cowboy,” Rex Allen. Join in one of the town’s Wild West celebrations and dive into chuck wagon deliciousness, while you watch real cowboys tackle daily ranch tasks. From cowboy fare to Mexican, German to Japanese, Italian to Vietnamese, savor the culinary rainbow of Cochise County. Authentic Mexican cuisine is just the beginning of your Douglas adventure. The sister town to Agua Prieta, Sonora shares the beauty and heritage of Northern Mexico. Discover unique curios, woven blankets, pottery, and more… on both sides of the border.
LESS TIME ONLINE
Turn off your laptop and turn on your headlamp as you go underground and back in time. Bisbee’s Queen Mine Tour provides a glimpse into the community’s 1800s hey-day. Ride the train deep into the mountain, search for remaining veins of copper and gold, and experience the lives of miners as they toiled in the subterranean tunnels. Pop into the many unique museums in Douglas, which feature — among other specialties — cars turned into art and the aeronautical history of Douglas (home to the first international airport in the Americas!).
GET STARTED
Whether you resolve to drop pounds, establish new traditions, enjoy exploration, spend time with your loved ones, or just relax, Cochise County is THE place to get started and GET REAL about your NEW resolutions for 2024.
Wide-open spaces. Awesome adventures. Real results. This year, GET REAL in Cochise County, Arizona!
