Sierra Vista

Sierra Vista means “mountain view” in Spanish. The name fits. Southeastern Arizona is known for its sky island mountain ranges — high-desert landscapes with towering peaks rising from the vast desert floor. With clear skies and four temperate seasons, Sierra Vista offers a gateway to outdoor recreation in Cochise County while neighboring towns Bisbee and Tombstone preserve the Wild West heritage of this corner of Arizona.

Hiking and Biking

Many visitors come to Sierra Vista to hike to the southern terminus of the Arizona National Scenic Trail — a rugged 800-mile trek through the state’s deserts, canyons and mountain forests. Hike through Ramsey Canyon Preserve to reach the Arizona Trail, then head south to Coronado National Memorial to peek into Mexico. Other trails in the high desert flow miles into the backcountry and are popular with mountain bikers and equestrians. Try the 13-mile Brown Canyon and Hamburg trail for a mostly flat and flowy introduction to the Huachuca Mountains. For a tougher ride, Cooper Loop Trail has steeper inclines and precarious ridgeline riding that drops into a canyon.

Birdwatching

Southeastern Arizona is on a major flyway for hundreds of species of migrating birds. Sierra Vista is known as The Hummingbird Capital of the U.S. with some 15 species of hummers passing through the area. Stroll through Ramsey Canyon Preserve, where hummingbirds spend the summer months. Nearby Willcox Playa attracts sandhill cranes and raptors that spend winters in Arizona. At San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, a 40-mile swath of riparian habitat flutters with activity year-round as resident and migrating birds fill the trees and skies.

Dark Skies and Caves

Sierra Vista visitors pass by Kartchner Caverns State Park on the way into town. The living cave attracts international visitors to an immense underground spectacle. Above ground, the state park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park for its dedication to eliminating light pollution and hosting star-gazing parties for visitors. In Sierra Vista, one of Arizona’s 20 sites certified by DarkSky International, Patterson Observatory invites visitors to explore galaxies through high-powered telescopes. Professional astronomers are on-hand to point out the marvels above.

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