Cochise County: Room To Roam
Tucked into Arizona’s lower right corner, Cochise County invites you to disconnect and recharge.
The expanse of mountain and sky, from sunrise to sunset, makes flipping your phone from selfie to scenic simple. Discover a just-right climate, with short-sleeve temperatures, sunny days, and starry nights. Prepare to fill up on fresh air, brilliant stars, and clear blue skies.
Cochise County has so many amazing communities, small towns, and rural areas that you could endlessly explore the county and still never see everything.
BENSON
Benson is the Gateway to the San Pedro Valley. It was founded in 1880 when the Southern Pacific Railroad came through Southern Arizona. The town is named for Judge William Benson, a supporter of the railroad’s president. Grab a bite to eat at the historic Horseshoe Café. Since 1936, this quaint restaurant has greeted visitors along the main Benson drag. Enjoy stories of mysterious shadows and voices inside the cafe, friendly service, and hearty meals. Tour the town by walking mural tour. With 42 murals throughout, and eight more in the works, Benson Clean and Beautiful has helped capture the essence of Benson’s history, wildlife, and community. The town’s top attraction is Kartchner Caverns State Park. This living cave’s incredible formations continue to grow thanks to water seepage from the surface. The underground landscape has an average temperature of 72° Fahrenheit year-round. Reservations are necessary to tour the cave.
TOMBSTONE
The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral was a 30-second skirmish between outlaw Cowboys and lawmen. It is known as the most famous gunfight in the history of the American Wild West. Many graveyards in the West are called Boot Hill, but Tombstone’s is the most notable. It is the resting place of Billy Clanton, and Frank and Tom McLaury – involved in that infamous shootout. Glimpse more of the Old West at Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park. Today, the 12,000 sq.ft. courthouse is filled with glitter and guns of those who tamed the territory. And discover the crown jewel of the Tombstone Mining District, The Good Enough Mine Tour is a half-mile hike underground.
Photo Credit: Arizona State Parks
Photo Credit: Cathy Murphy
DRAGOON
The town of Dragoon and the rugged Dragoon Mountains, located off Interstate 10 between Benson and Willcox, are named after a United States cavalry unit.
Today, Dragoon is home to Texas Canyon, the Amerind Museum, a one-of-a-kind anthropological and archaeological collection, and one of the most eye-popping rest areas in the region.
The local Triangle T Historic Ranch is a great place to enjoy some Old West hospitality. It was once the film location for such movies as 3:10 to Yuma and Tombstone.
FORT HUACHUCA
Used by the U.S. Army since 1877, this fort is 15 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border and has a long history as a military base.
Located outside of Sierra Vista, Fort Huachuca was originally a camp built to guard settlers and travel routes in southeastern Arizona from the local Apaches. It was later designated as a fort in 1882. African-American troops, known as Buffalo Soldiers, of the 10th Cavalry arrived in 1913 and occupied the base for nearly 20 years.
Today, Fort Huachuca remains a major military installation in Arizona, and is proud to be one of the most prominent in the Southwest.
Photo Credit: Amanda Baillie
PEARCE / SUNSITES
Pearce and Sunsites are adjacent unincorporated communities in the Sulphur Springs Valley.
Located between the Cochise Stronghold, Chiricahua National Monument, and the winter Sandhill Crane refuge of Whitewater Draw the area is popular with birders, history buffs, hikers, and climbers.
Pearce is best known as a historic ghost town. The region is also known for its milder summers, with an elevation of 4,400 feet, which makes it ideal for quality grapes and vineyards.
ST. DAVID
A popular choice for birders, wildlife watchers, and those seeking reflection, the town of St. David is a peaceful location to bed down while exploring surrounding Cochise County.
Today, it is home to the Holy Trinity Monastery, a Benedictine monastery that welcomes visitors seeking quiet time. Peacocks stroll the grounds, which also host a museum and multiple gardens for contemplation. More than 400 species of birds migrate through the region, bringing avid birders to town, life bird lists in hand.
Others stay in St. David as it is close to Southern Arizona’s exceptional wineries.
COCHISE COUNTY
Thanks to year-round temperate climate, affordable housing, low cost of living, access to healthcare and education facilities, not to mention spectacular scenery and outdoor activities, Cochise County residents enjoy an excellent quality of life. Head southeast to Arizona’s lower right corner where expanse of mountain and sky makes flipping your phone from selfie to scenic simple. Discover a cool, high-desert climate with sunny days and starry nights. Settle into world-class birding hotspots that offer sightings of more than 400 bird species. Shop galleries and farmers markets. Fill up on authentic international cuisine, fiery Mexican, and hearty cowboy fare served from food trucks, diners, and white tablecloth restaurants. Sip award-winning wines at Willcox vineyards or a cool microbrew in Bisbee. Walk, hike, bike, or climb wide-open spaces of endless exploration and enjoy plenty of brag-worthy outdoor adventures.
Photo Credit: Sean Yeterian
RESOURCES
Looking for more information on Cochise County? Check out the resources below.
| 1 | The Arizona Visitor Center is a great source of information on Cochise County, in addition to what you find on this website. | Visit |
| 2 | Visit the County of Cochise website for information on city services, departments, economic development opportunities, and more. | Visit |
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