Day Trips to Consider from Your Sierra Vista Home

Although your new Castle & Cooke house in Sierra Vista may make you want to stay at home more often, you’ll want to take advantage by planning some day trips in the area. There is so much to see within just a few hours of Sierra Vista that the hardest part will be deciding which adventure to have today. As you’re weighing your options, here are some trips that should be on your to-do list.

Coronado National Memorial

Drive on Highway 92 heading south to reach the Coronado National Memorial. The park is the beginning of the Arizona Trail and marks the location where Francisco Vasquez de Coronado and his troops marched into from Mexico in search of gold. There are amazing views of the San Pedro and San Rafael Valleys as you climb along the National Memorial Road, and when you reach the top of the road, you can see into Mexico. 

Consider exploring one of the many hiking trails in the area. Maps are available at the Visitor Center. A popular activity at the Coronado National Memorial is exploring the Coronado Cave, which Geronimo is believed to have used as a hiding space. Although the cave is tight, it is easily explorable by foot with a flashlight. If you want to climb even higher, go up Montezuma Pass. This short road is unpaved and has multiple switchbacks but is still accessible to all types of vehicles. 

Birdwatching at the San Pedro River

Arizona is home to a large and varied population of birds, and even first-time bird watchers are sure to spot some unique fliers. You can make a day of birdwatching by starting at the Sierra Vista Environmental Operations Park (EOP) by the San Pedro River. If you arrive at the EOP by 7 AM in April through September and 8 AM in October through March, you can take advantage of a guided tour, but you can also explore on your own at any time. 

Following along the San Pedro River, drive south to the San Pedro House. From there, you can enjoy more guided tours or explore the multiple riverside pathways on your own. Information about the area is available at the San Pedro House, where you’ll also find picnic areas and a gift shop. 

Consider rounding out your trip by visiting one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the state. Fairbank is just a little further away on Highway 90 North. There are multiple preserved structures you can explore, as well as an Old West burial ground just a quick walk away. 

Fort Huachuca 

This active military base was central to the Apache Wars and is also known for being the home of the Buffalo Soldiers. The base was also significant during Pacific theater battles in World War II, and it plays a major role in national security operations today. 

When you visit Fort Huachuca, you will find memorials to the Buffalo Soldiers and tributes to important battles and leaders during the Apache Wars. You can explore on foot and climb to the Reservoir Hill Observation Point to enjoy expansive views while learning about heliographic messages sent from that location in the early 20th century. Also on site is the Military Intelligence and Soldier Heritage Learning Centers, where you get to view surveillance equipment used throughout the years, including some of today’s most advanced technologies. If you have a bit more time to spend at Fort Huachuca, play a round of golf at the Mountain View Golf Course. This 72-par course boasts 18 championship-level holes. 

Keep in mind that, because Fort Huachuca is an active military base, you will need a permit to enter. You can apply for a permit at the Van Deman Gate on the day of your visit. It will take about 30 minutes to perform a background check and process your application, after which time you will be allowed to the enter the base. If you are traveling to Fort Huachuca with any international visitors, they will need to apply to visit through the City of Sierra Vista Public Affairs Office, who must verify an approved escort. After this step, international visitors must also go through the application process at the Van Deman Gate. 

These are just a few of the exciting day trips you can make you call Sierra Vista home, and with a Castle & Cooke property, you’ll have everything you need to live life to the fullest at home and on the road. We offer custom-build homes and move-in ready properties in our planned communities that are packed with amenities. Find out more by calling us at (520) 378-5110.

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