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City in Arizona, United States
Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/alohateam/, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Sierra Vista (Spanish: Mountain View) is a city in Southeast Arizona and the commercial hub of the region, making it a convenient base from which to explore the area. It is perhaps best known for historic Fort Huachuca, established in 1877 during the Apache Wars. Although still an active U.S. Army military base, its two military museums and historic cemetery are open to the general public.
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An active military installation, the fort was established in 1877 and played a pivotal role in the Apache Wars of the late 19th century. All visitors who do not have a DoD (Department of Defense) ID, CAC (Common Access Card), Military ID, Military Dependent ID, or Gold Star ID must make a formal application and submit to a background check at the Visitor Control Center (VCC, +1 520-533-3269, open daily 24 hr) by the Van Deman Gate (East Gate). The process takes about 30 minutes; details and instructions are outlined here. International visitors are required to arrange for an official escort prior to their visit, and in addition to formally applying at the VCC should contact the Sierra Vista public information office (Sierra Vista City Hall, +1 520-458-3315, ) at least three weeks in advance.
Has a small gift shop.
Has the graves of US Army Cavalry and Buffalo Soldiers, who fought in the Apache Wars, as well as several Apache scouts and their wives. Gravestones marked 'Unknown' are for victims of Apache attacks who were too badly mutilated to identify.
Has good views over the Fort and the neighboring Whetstone Mountains.
A lovely place for hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching. Follow the road up the canyon to see Apache (ca. 1700 CE) and Hohokam (ca. 400-1250 CE) pictographs in two different sites. The pictographs are protected behind fences, so they're easy to find.
This small museum exhibits historic artifacts and photographs from the region, and also has a small gift shop.
The Arizona Folklore Preserve features outstanding musicians in concert every Saturday and Sunday.
One of the oldest archeological sites in North America, used by nomadic hunters 12,000-13,000 years ago to pursue large game, including woolly mammoth. The site is managed as part of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, and has several trails, including a .3-mile long interpretative trail with exhibits and shade.
Various locations in the Huachuca Mountains offer excellent opportunities for seeing birds as well as wildlife. SABO (Southeast Arizona Bird Observatory) and the Huachuca Audubon Society (+1 520-803-1160) offer guided walks and tours throughout the area.
Enjoy sharing the boundless dark skies of Sierra Vista. The Huachuca Astronomy Club hosts public events, both at the Patterson Observatory (operated by the University of Arizona) and at other outdoor locations.
The Huachuca Mountains are part of the Coronado National Forest, and have many great trails to challenge both the novice and expert hiker. The guide book Trails of the Huachucas by Leonard Taylor is an excellent resource, available from Amazon and the public library. The Monday Hikers and Tuesday Hikers clubs (+1 520-458-2008, +1 520-417-6960) meet weekly, hiking locations vary.
Sells hiking maps for $10, and has updated trail and camping information.
More than 170 species of birds have been found here, including 14 species of hummingbirds. There is also a small bookshop and a mile or so of easy hiking trails, one of which continues on to the Hamburg Trail on National Forest land. The best time to visit is between April and September. Parking is limited to 27 spaces, and it is not permitted to park along the roadside. If the parking lot is full you will have to return some other time, or better yet arrange for someone to drop you off and pick you up.
A historic century-old ranch in the foothills of the Huachuca Mountains, with a few easy hiking trails connecting to the trail network in the National Forest.
The area provides opportunities for birdwatching, camping, hunting, hiking, fishing, biking and horseback riding.
The region has many excellent routes and trails for both road and mountain bikes. Bicycles can be rented from M&M Cycling (+1 520-458-1316) and from Sun N Spokes (+1 520-458-0685).
Has horses to rent to individuals or groups by the hour. Also offers guided horseback riding excursions as well as riding lessons. Note: as this facility is located on Fort Huachuca, visitors must comply with admission requirements as outlined above under 'See'.
Carr Reef, the large cliff face overlooking Carr Canyon, is a popular jumpoff point for hang gliders.
'The Cove' is a 36,500 sq-ft facility hosting a wave pool, water therapy pool, diving pool, and water slides. Good for hot summer days.
This memorial commemorates the expedition by conquistador Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, and has several scenic hiking trails of different levels of difficulty. Coronado Peak offers great views into Mexico, and is accessible via a short trail from the graded dirt road of Montezuma Pass.
A three-day event held every February, featuring local and nationally-recognized poets and musicians. Tickets can be purchased at the Sierra Vista Visitor Center, Spur Western Wear, Safeway, and online.
An annual two-day event showcasing bronc and bull riding, steer wrestling and roping, and barrel racing.
Has a good deli counter, with great potato salad. Also has a good selection of imported German groceries and other products.
This well-established family restaurant is especially known for large breakfasts.
Cheap, fast, authentic Mexican food, featuring tacos, burritos, and carne asada.
A busy place known for excellent margaritas and Mexican food.
Offers reliable American classic diner food.
Excellent, authentic German food. Reservations recommended.
Peacock Vietnamese Cuisine
The long-established, family-run restaurant specializes in traditional Vietnamese cuisine, and even offers a few vegetarian dishes. Their spring rolls and pho are especially recommended.
Offers Neapolitan pizzas fired in a traditional wood oven.
A long-established restaurant which was rebuilt in 2012 after burning down in a wildfire the previous year. They offer Sonoran style Mexican food with good margaritas.
For being in a spot a long distance from the sea, they offer some surprisingly excellent sushi. Very popular, and rated 'Best sushi in AZ' by Arizona Highways. Take out available.
A national chain which offers steaks and fall-off-the-bone ribs.
The most popular pizza place in Sierra Vista.
Carries Mexican food items and produce, with a take-away deli.
Has a deli section with take-out options, including soups and salads.
Has a deli with take-out options.
Has a number of take-out options, including salads.
Along with a variety of coffee options, Jo 2 Go also features such “Grab N’ Go” eats as muffins and protein bars, those ever-popular frappuccinos, smoothies made with 100 percent crushed fruit, a selection of black teas, lemonade, and flavored water refreshers.
Local Coffee Shop serving coffee, espresso, macchiato, cold brew, cappuccino, latte, mocha, americano, chai tea, frozen drinks, Red Bull or Monster blends, specialty drinks, and sugar free options.
Serving unique coffee blends like Wanderlust, Gypsy Blend, Gypsy Vine, Tambourine and specialty drinks.
Wanderlust Kaffee was opened to provide jobs and support the Jennifer house women’s transitional home here in Sierra Vista. All profits go to the Jennifer house! They serve coffee, specialty drinks, tea, smoothies, and non-coffee options.
8 dry tent campsites, with water and toilets available. Trailers under 12' permitted. Reservations can be made online.
Located on the site of the old mining town of Reef, with many relics of the old town still visible. Great views, toilets available, no water. Trailers under 12' permitted; longer trailers cannot navigate the steep switchbacks up the mountain. Reservations can be made online.
Located by Parker Canyon Lake on the west side of the Huachuca Mountains, this campground is managed by the Forest Service. There is a small general store on the site, and boats are available for rent. RVs 32' and less, no hookups. Drinking water, toilets.
Swimming pool, pets permitted. Includes one free happy hour drink at the onsite bar, as well as continental breakfast. Free wi-fi. While earlier online reviews of this hotel have in general been positive, reviews from 2014 are for the most part negative describing the hotel as run-down and filthy.
Popular with naturalists and birdwatchers, this lodging is surrounded by National Forest and offers six units with breakfast.
Located within the San Pedro National Riparian Conservation Area. Two suites available, with pool. No smoking indoors, pets accepted.
Chef Lark Beaugureau also offers cooking classes.
Besides Walmart, this is the only place in town which carries outdoor equipment.
Southeast Arizona's only mall, anchored by Dillards and Sears, with a Cinemark Cinema.
By plane
By shuttle bus
The following shuttle bus companies offer transportation to and from Tucson International Airport, as well as to nearby communities.
By car
Take I-10 heading south of Tucson or west from Silver City, NM, then head south on Hwy 90.
By bus
By bicycle
The city is very bicycle-friendly with a well-developed network of bike paths and bike lanes. Maps of bike and multi-use paths can be downloaded here.
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