Sierra Vista
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.
The landscape around the city is typical for the Southwestern United States, and the nearby mountains and canyons can be explored on foot, by bike, or on horseback. Because it is a major stopover point on avian migration routes, the area is popular with avid birdwatchers and naturalists, and is known as the "Hummingbird Capital of America".
Understand
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phone: +1 520-417-6960address: 3020 E Tacoma St
Get in
Sierra Vista is 75 miles (121 km) from Tucson, the nearest major transport hub.
By plane
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phone: +1 520-573-8100address: 250 S Tucson BlvdServed by a number of airlines, this is the closest airport with commercial service.
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Sierra Vista Municipal Airport
phone: +1 520-458-5775address: 2100 Airport AveIt does not serve commercial flights.
By shuttle bus
The following shuttle bus companies offer transportation to and from Tucson International Airport, as well as to nearby communities.-
phone: +1 520-803-6713Offers shuttle service to/from the Tucson airport, as well as to/from Benson, Whetstone, Sonoita, Patagonia, Tombstone, and Bisbee, and even to hiking areas. Reservations are best made by phone, not email, at least 24 hours in advance. The same company also offer guided bus tours of the region.
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phone: +1 520-439-0439Provides shuttle service to/from the airport; reservations made less than 24 hours in advance have a $7 surcharge. Also provides transportation service within the Sierra Vista area, with no prior reservation required.
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Arizona World Shuttle Express
phone: +1 520-458-3330address: 51 N Garden Canyon AveReservations should be made 24 hours in advance.
By car
Take I-10 heading south of Tucson or west from Silver City, NM, then head south on Hwy 90.Get around
By rental car
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phone: +1 520-458-2425address: 743 E Fry Blvd
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phone: +1 520-335-6065address: 247 S 7th St
By bus
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phone: +1 520-417-4888address: 2050 E Wilcox DrThe public bus operates normal routes Monday-Friday, with limited service on Saturdays. Route maps and schedules are available for download.
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.See
Fort HuachucaAn active military installation, the fort was established in 1877 and played a pivotal role in the Apache Wars of the late 19th century.
Note: 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 (VCC, , open daily 24 hrs) 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 City Hall, , ) at least three weeks in advance.
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phone: +1 520-533-4946address: 41401 Grierson AveHas a small gift shop.
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phone: +1 520-533-1127address: Bldg 41411
Old Post CemeteryHas 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.
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Reservoir Hill Overlook
address: Reservoir Hill RdHas good views over the Fort and the neighboring Whetstone Mountains. -
Garden Canyon
address: Garden Canyon RdA 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.
Do
Outdoor activities
Bird watchingVarious 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 () offer guided walks and tours throughout the area.
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phone: +1 520-366-0049address: 1140 N Colombo AveEnjoy 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.
Huachuca MountainsThe 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 (, ) meet weekly, hiking locations vary.
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Sierra Vista Ranger District
phone: +1 520-378-0311address: 4070 S Ave Saracino, HerefordSells hiking maps for $10, and has updated trail and camping information. -
phone: +1 520-378-2785address: 27 E Ramsey Canyon RdMore 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.
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Brown Canyon RanchA 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.
San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area
CyclingThe region has many excellent routes and trails for both road and mountain bikes. Bicycles can be rented from () and from ().
Hang gliding
Festivals and events
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Cochise Cowboy Poetry & Music Gathering
phone: +1 520-417-6960, +1 520-508-9359address: 5225 E Buena School BlvdA three-day event held every February, featuring local and nationally-recognized poets and musicians. Tickets can be purchased at the Sierra Vista Visitor Center, , Safeway, and online. -
Cochise College Rodeo
phone: +1 520-417-6960address: Wren ArenaAn annual two-day event showcasing bronc and bull riding, steer wrestling and roping, and barrel racing.
Buy
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phone: +1 520-459-1801address: 135 S Hwy 92Besides Walmart, this is the only place in town which carries outdoor equipment.
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Crafted Luxuries
phone: +1 520-439-4487address: 108 El Camino RealCustom made jewelry, candles, artwork and special order gift items. -
phone: +1 520-452-0011address: 2200 El Mercado LoopSoutheast Arizona's only mall, anchored by Dillards and Sears, with a Cinemark Cinema.
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La Salida del Sol Lions Club Swap Meet
phone: +1 520-456-7816address: 5801 E Hwy 90A good place to find curiosities and collectibles, with food vendors as well. The best time to come is Saturday morning.
Eat
Budget
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phone: +1 520-458-5150address: 1630 E Fry BlvdHas a good deli counter, with great potato salad. Also has a good selection of imported German groceries and other products.
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Bread Basket
phone: +1 520-458-8580address: 355 West Wilcox DrGerman bakery with great soups and salads, sandwiches, schnitzels, breads, and pastries. Eat in or take away; very popular for lunch. -
phone: +1 520-459-4624address: 400 W Fry BlvdThis well-established family restaurant is especially known for large breakfasts.
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Rodolfo's Taco Shop
phone: +1 520-439-4000address: 862 E Fry BlvdCheap, fast, authentic Mexican food, featuring tacos, burritos, and carne asada.
Mid-range
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phone: +1 520-458-2376address: 465 E Fry BlvdA busy place known for excellent margaritas and Mexican food.
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Country House Restaurant
phone: +1 520-378-4400address: 4373 S Hwy 92Offers reliable American classic diner food. -
phone: +1 520-456-1705address: 1232 E Fry BlvdExcellent, authentic German food. Reservations recommended.
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phone: +1 520-459-0095address: 386 W Fry BlvdThe 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.
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phone: +1 520-378-0022address: 4755 E Neapolitan Way, HerefordOffers Neapolitan pizzas fired in a traditional wood oven.
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phone: +1 520-378-3220address: 7196 S Hwy 92, HerefordA 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.
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phone: +1 520-459-6853address: 1221 E Fry BlvdFor 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.
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phone: +1 520-459-7400address: 2075 El Mercado LoopA national chain which offers steaks and fall-off-the-bone ribs.
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phone: +1 520-459-2315address: 1977 S Frontage RdThe most popular pizza place in Sierra Vista.
Grocery stores
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phone: +1 520-439-6080address: 85 S Hwy 92Carries Mexican food items and produce, with a take-away deli.
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phone: +1 520-458-0989address: 4351 E Hwy 90Has a deli section with take-out options, including soups and salads.
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phone: +1 520-459-4204address: 2190 E Fry BlvdHas a deli with take-out options.
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phone: +1 520-458-8790address: 500 N Hwy 90 BypHas a number of take-out options, including salads.
Drink
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phone: +1 520-508-8047address: 920 E Fry BlvdThis friendly place serves great coffee along with baked goods and even breakfast burritos.
Sleep
Budget
Camping
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phone: +1 520-378-0311address: 4070 South Avenida Saracino, Hereford8 dry tent campsites, with water and toilets available. Trailers under 12' permitted. Reservations can be made online.
Reef Townsite CampgroundLocated 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.
Hotels
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phone: +1 520-458-0540address: 1850 E Wilcox DrThis hotel offers free high-speed internet access, free coffee and an exercise room. Fully equipped kitchens in every room. Pet friendly. Special entertainment packages available for guests: golf, swimming, date nights, movie nights, etc.
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Windemere Hotel & Conference Center
phone: +1 520-459-5900address: 2047 S Hwy 92Swimming 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.
Mid-range
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Beatty's Guest Ranch and Orchard
phone: +1 520-378-2728address: 2173 E Miller Canyon Rd, HerefordPopular with naturalists and birdwatchers, this lodging is surrounded by National Forest and offers six units with breakfast. -
phone: +1 520-458-5583address: 3123 N Thistle RdLocated within the San Pedro National Riparian Conservation Area. Two suites available, with pool. No smoking indoors, pets accepted.
Splurge
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Casa de San Pedro Bed and Breakfast
phone: +1 520-366-1300address: 8933 S Yell Ln, HerefordChef Lark Beaugureau also offers cooking classes. -
phone: +1 520-439-8800address: 1902 S Hwy 92
Connect
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phone: +1 520-458-4225address: 2600 E Tacoma StComputers available, free wi-fi access everywhere in the building during opening hours (no library membership required).
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phone: +1 520-452-0011address: 2200 El Mercado LoopFree wi-fi is available throughout the mall (see listing above under 'Buy').
Cope
News
Sierra Vista HeraldAlso available in print.
Healthcare
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phone: +1 520-263-2000address: 5700 E Hwy 90
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High Desert Clinic Urgent Care
phone: +1 520-459-8915address: 77 E Fry Blvd