Nestled in the mountains of southern Arizona, travelers can stumble upon scenic secret canyons and a hummingbird capital brimming with southwestern beauty. Tourists from all over the world come to this beautiful outdoor playground because of its natural wonders, rich history, and amazing birdwatching opportunities. A birder's paradise, Sierra Vista is home to over 300 bird species and hosts 15 types of hummingbirds . Birders will be happy to know that this region is one of the best places to see
hummingbirds in the U.S. While the area has its own Sierra Vista Municipal Airport, the closest large airport is Tucson International Airport just 69 miles away.
Sierra Vista serves as a crucial migratory corridor for transitory flocks passing through Arizona each year. Visitors can spot traveling flocks at the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area during peak migration times when birdwatchers come to view and photograph this phenomenon. You'll be sure to get a lovely bird's-eye view of the scenery below while enjoying an exotic avian paradise full of hummingbirds, tanagers, waterfowl, and raptors when visiting the "Sky Islands" of the Coronado National Forest.
Visit in the spring to hear the songbirds in full chorus, or in August during monsoon season, to see some terrific thunderstorms over the valleys below. At an elevation of 4,600 feet, Sierra Vista gives quite the view. Besides being a gorgeous mountain haven for wildlife, the area also has a fascinating military history, stunning archaeological features, and impressive rock formations. Visitors can discover pictographs and ancient artifacts at Fort Huachuca's Garden Canyon, or find mammoth remains and ancient tools preserved around prehistoric kill sites dating back 13,000 years.
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A Scenic Town With Rich Military History
Fort Huachuca is a 77,000-acre military installation formed in 1877, marking the place where Buffalo Soldiers fought against Apache warriors in one of the last battles fought to win the American West. The surrounding mountains offered a bird's eye view of the valley and protection from any potentially dangerous attacks from nearby enemies. The fort has a military population of 15,000 residents, with 17,000 soldiers passing through for training each year. Military buffs can visit the Fort Huachuca History Museum to learn more about the area's military history and communications technology of that era.
For fans of military intelligence, there is an Army Intelligence Museum located right in Fort Huachuca that dives into the history of espionage, World War II ciphers, and intelligence equipment. This is an active military base, so be prepared to show identification before entering. Travelers looking for a more kid-friendly adventure can visit the Henry F. Hauser Museum to learn more about Arizona's native culture and natural history. The Children's Discovery Room provides a hands-on educational journey through time where kids can learn about fossils and other geographical features of the area.
Before you leave the fort, stop by the Old Post Cemetery to pay your respects to the fallen soldiers who rest eternally within its gates. You can also celebrate the brave African-American troops with a visit to the Buffalo Soldier Legacy Plaza, located by the Old Post traffic circle. Visitors of Sierra Vista can stay at the usual accommodations like Best Western and Comfort Inn, or opt for a more quaint and rustic experience at places like Casa Antigua or Lazy Dog Ranch.
Explore The Area's Diverse Caves And Canyons
Tourists come to Arizona expecting to see cozy mountain communities amidst the pines and stunning state park scenic trails, and Sierra Vista does not disappoint. Just south of Fort Huachuca, travelers will find the Ramsey Canyon Preserve, a biodiverse habitat where you can see deer, bats, birds, and hike through pine forests overlooking lush valleys. The land is owned by the Nature Conservancy and was donated to the public in an effort to educate others about the various ecosystems and animals that dwell in this preserved space. The best time to visit this secret Arizona canyon brimming with Southwestern beauty is during the warmer months of April through September, when weather is more favorable for hiking and birds are more abundant for birdwatchers to enjoy.
If you are looking to explore caverns and caves, head 21 miles north from Sierra Vista to Kartchner Caverns State Park to visit a living cave and wander through stalactite-filled corridors. Cave tours range in prices from $30 to $50 for adults, and $15 for ages 7 to 13 at the time of writing. Tours seem to fill up quick, so reservations are strongly recommended. No video or photography is allowed inside the caves except for one tour each month, which allows visitors to take pictures for $175. Pets are not welcome on the tours, and no minors are allowed without supervision, due to the fragile nature of these caves. Tourists are asked to be mindful when visiting different caves in the area, and to change clothes between cave visits to avoid the spread of bat fungus from cave to cave.
After spelunking, see if you can spot the elusive Plain-capped Star Throat hummingbirds in nearby Ash Canyon, or enjoy a peaceful picnic surrounded by butterflies at Carr Canyon. Whatever your activity of choice, Sierra Vista delivers some gorgeous views.
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