SIERRA VISTA - COCHISE COUNTY, ARIZONA
FORT HUACHUCA - HUACHUCA CITY - HEREFORD

SIERRA VISTA, ARIZONA is just over 50 years old. It began as a support town to US Army base, FORT HUACHUCA, which opened in 1954. However, the original Historic Fort Huachuca, was established in 1877. "Huachuca" is a Pima Indian word which means "thunder". One of the missions of Historic Fort Huachuca was to protect settlers from Apache Indian raids. Fort Huachuca was also the original home of the Buffalo Soldiers for two decades, and the Fort was used strategically in the military operation against Francisco "Pancho" Villa in the early 1900's. Today, Fort Huachuca is a National Historic Landmark, and operates the Fort Huachuca Historical Museum.

SLIDESHOWS

Sierra Vista - FORT HUACHUCA| HISTORY | NATURE

Sierra Vista is home to retirees, military personnel, and those that work in support businesses or organizations. The surrounding mountains rise to nearly 9000 feet, and Sierra Vista's elevation of 4633 feet above sea level, which makes it cooler than Tucson. Tourism is an important part of Sierra Vista's economy, and the tourist towns of Tombstone and Bisbee are in close proximity. Also nearby is Santa Cruz County , Arizona's other wine country, where you will find Elgin, Sonoita, and Patagonia. Before you head to Tombstone, you may want to be inspired by Dolan Ellis, Arizona’s Official State Balladeer, or the Annual Cochise Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering.

Sierra Vista has hiking, camping, mountain biking, hunting, star gazing, bird watching, golfing, and more. There are over 1050 hotel rooms and nearly 80 restaurants in the Sierra Vista area. For things to do and enjoy on the base, visit the Fort Huachuca MWR site.

Coronado National Memorial and Montezuma Pass, within the Memorial, are two historic places to visit. The Memorial commemorates the first organized expedition into the Southwest by Conquistador Francisco Vásquez de Coronado.

The San Pedro Valley offers wonderful opportunities for bird watching. You can find good viewing at Sawmill Huachuca, The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, Ramsey Canyon and other canyons including Ash, Carr and Miller Canyons. The Huachuca Audubon Society offer excellent information on birding. Also, each August, there is an annual Southwest Wing's Birding and Nature Festival in Sierra Vista.

Some of the unique places to stay while bird watching or hiking, include Ramsey Canyon Cabins, Birders Vista Bed & Breakfast, Gasthaus Mountain View, and Casa de San Pedro B&B Inn.

HUACHUCA CITY is located at the northern end of Fort Huachuca. Huachuca City started out as a a rail stop, along the Southern Pacific Railroad. The rail stretched between Tombstone and Patagonia and is no longer in operation today. Today, Huachuca City is a stop on the Recreational Vehicle Circuit where you can stay and explore. Nearby parks include Tombstone Territories and Mountain View RV Park. RV City offers complete RV service near these parks. Like the rest of Cochise County, Huachuca City is growing and has many new developments.

The University of Arizona has a annex in Sierra Vista. The University of Arizona Football Team will be conducting summer practice in Sierra Vista.

Just south of Sierra Vista, is HEREFORD, where you can visit Our Lady of the Sierras Shrine.

For more information on Sierra Vista, visit Sierra Vista Convention and Visitor's Bureau, City of Sierra Vista, and Sierra Vista Hearld.

DiscoverArizona.org

Thanks for Visiting
Pictures/Photos of Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca, Arizona
A Visitors Guide to ARIZONA's COCHISE COUNTY