GET REAL in Cochise County, Arizona. Sunsets flame over the horizon, majestic lavender mountains embrace the region, and national forests undulate in ever-changing hues under vast blue skies—while high mountain ranges provide a welcoming climate year-round.
SIERRA VISTA
Whether hiking, biking, birding, or climbing, enjoy the majestic mountain views. Known as the Hummingbird Capital of the United States, the area hosts hundreds bird species, including 13 hummingbird varieties. The city is rich with culinary selections, including Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese, Italian, German, Asian-fusion, and Thai cuisine. Annual events allow the city to share its cuisine, heritage, and outdoor adventures. The Tour de Zona bike tour and Sky Island Summit Challenge test bikers and hikers, while the two-day Oktoberfest celebrates with a carnival, food, and music.
BISBEE
Once a booming mining town, Bisbee has transformed into a vibrant artist community with over 10 galleries. Be delighted by adorned historic homes, colorful murals throughout town, and imaginative designs on its Heritage Stairs, which beckon visitors to climb their steps. Bisbee holds events embracing its diverse heritage, like the Copper City Classic Vintage Base Ball Tournament, Return of the Turkey Vultures, and a Mariachi Festival.
WILLCOX
Delve into the ranching traditions of Willcox, home to “Arizona’s Cowboy” Rex Allen and once Cattle Capital of the World. Discover vineyards that cultivate 80% of Arizona’s wine grapes and U-Pick locations abundant with fruit and vegetables. Delight in the bi-annual wine festivals (May and October), recognized by Fodor’s Travel as a “Top 10 wine festival in North America.” An event you—and your wine glass—won’t want to miss.
DOUGLAS
Captivating stories await in this charming town. Linger in the famous Hotel Gadsden, adorned with a marble staircase, gold-leaf ceilings, and a stunning 40-foot Tiffany-inspired stained-glass window. Visit local museums full of history and artistic creations. The Douglas Days celebration delivers enchanting music and charismatic community.
Point-and-click your camera to capture some of America’s most breathtaking landscapes, from fascinating National Park Sites and State Parks to majestic canyons and mountains with awe-inspiring vistas.
CHIRICAHUA NATIONAL MONUMENT
By far the most noticeable natural features of the Monument are rhyolite rock pinnacles—for which the park was created to protect. The “Wonderland of Rocks” provides a unique opportunity to experience birds, wildlife, plant life, and fauna of four major ecosystems. Located outside Willcox, the Monument is being considered for National Park status.
CORONADO NATIONAL MEMORIAL
Commemorating the expedition of conquistador Francisco Vásquez de Coronado in 1540, the Memorial features eight miles of hiking trails, plus the beginning of the 800-mile Arizona Trail running from the Mexican border to Utah, and Coronado Cave. The 600-foot-long cavern was a shelter and hideout for middle archaic people (up to 8,000 years ago) and more recently the Chiricahua Apache, and Mexican and European miners.
KARTCHNER CAVERNS STATE PARK
Just northwest of Sierra Vista, the Caverns lay claim to one of the world’s longest soda straw stalactites; “Kubla Khan”—the tallest column in Arizona; and the world’s most extensive formation of brushite moonmilk. It is an International Dark Skies Park and has three hiking trails, an extensive discovery center, and a hummingbird and butterfly garden.
NATURE CONSERVANCY RAMSEY CANYON PRESERVE
The Canyon is at an ecological crossroads between the Rocky Mountains to the north, Sierra Madre of Mexico to the south and the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts—resulting in diverse and abundant bird, animal, and plant life. Historic structures of western settlers from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are also found in the Canyon.
SAN PEDRO NATIONAL RIPARIAN CONSERVATION AREA
The Conservation Area contains 40 miles of the upper San Pedro River and hosts more than 80 species of mammals and over 40 species of amphibians and reptiles. It also provides an invaluable habitat for 250 species of migrant and wintering birds and contains archaeological sites denoting human occupation from 13,000 years ago.
DRAGOON MOUNTAINS, TEXAS CANYON
The Canyon has a vast and complex geologic history, with rocks ranging from 1.4 billion years to just a few million years old. Hidden among the dells of Texas Canyon is Amerind Museum—an archaeological treasure trove with exhibitions stretching from the Ice Age to modern times.
Get Real in Cochise County, and prepare to fill up on fresh air, brilliant stars, and clear blue skies in southeast Arizona.
