Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/alohateam/, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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.
Fort Huachuca is a United States Army installation in Cochise County in southeast Arizona, about 15 miles (24 km) north of the border with Mexico and at the northern end of the Huachuca Mountains, adjacent to the town of Sierra Vista. Established on 3 March 1877 as Camp Huachuca, the garrison is under the command of the United States Army Installation Management Command. From 1913 to 1933, the fort was the base for the "Buffalo Soldiers" of the 10th Cavalry Regiment. During the build-up of World War II, the fort had quarters for more than 25,000 male soldiers and hundreds of WACs. In the 2010 census, Fort Huachuca had a population of about 6,500 active-duty soldiers, 7,400 military family members, and 5,000 civilian employees; over 18,000 people are on post during weekday work hours.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Has a small gift shop.
Has good views over the Fort and the neighboring Whetstone Mountains.
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 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'.
An annual two-day event showcasing bronc and bull riding, steer wrestling and roping, and barrel racing.