As Part II, below are additional opportunities to hike within Southeast Arizona. It’s cool, beautiful and offers ample places to enjoy the outdoors. In the summer, take plenty of water and at other times, the weather can change very quickly. Dress appropriately.
Chiricahua National Monument
For a weekend or longer get away, the Chiricahua National Monument offers hiking, camping and star gazing. From Sierra Vista, it’s almost a two hour drive as the Monument runs close to the New Mexico border and is totally worth it. The park is less busy than those in Northern Arizona. We stayed in Bonita Canyon Campground but put our blow up mattress in the truck bed and at midnight headed up to the peak to look at the stars. We were the only people in the parking lot and were rewarded with one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever experienced. There are also plenty of hiking trails in the area. If you’re planning on camping, make reservations ahead of time.
Fairbank
Fairbank, Arizona is a preserved ghost town. Built in the 1880’s as a mining town, there is an old outhouse, post office and some other buildings. If you take the 5-mile loop walk, you’ll be rewarded with views from the small hilltop graveyard, old mill ruins. On the way back, the San Pedro River and old railroad tracks used to transport the ore out of the mine. It’s a flat walk but can get quite warm so make sure to take plenty of water.
San Pedro House and River
The San Pedro House offers a two-mile, flat loop walk along the San Pedro River. There is a picnic area and large trees to sit under. When we went to hike the mosquitoes were out and impossible next to the river. At non- summer times, it can be beautiful.
Dragoon
If you’re in the area, you must at least drive through the Dragoon Mountains. They look like something out of Star Wars. The rock formations are round rocks piled on top of each other. They offer hiking, camping in the area along with the scenic drive.
Our Lady of the Sierras
Built in the 1990’s, Our Lady of the Sierras has a huge cross and statue of the Virgin Mary. It’s not really a hike but worth a stop. You can drive up almost to the top where you will see amazing views. The shrine is located in Hereford, south of Sierra Vista. There are two small parking lots. The pavement is very steep when driving to o the upper one, so you might just want to park in the lower area and walk up the stairs.