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Chiricahua Mountains

The Chiricahua Mountains are the largest of Arizona’s Sky Island mountain ranges and the second highest. The main crest of the mountain range resembles rolling hills atop a narrow high plateau rather than distinct mountain peaks. This relatively flat area is bounded on the east and west by steep slopes and sharply dissected canyons. Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmanii)reaches its southernmost limit in North America in this mountain range. The vegetation at upper elevations is dominated by ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and white fir, with the ponderosa pine evenly distributed and the other two conifers confined mostly to north-facing slopes. Small dense stands of Engelmann spruce are found on several north-facing slopes.

• Chiricahua National Monument: This National Monument features a wonderland of rock spires eroded from layers of ash deposited by the Turkey Creek Volcanic eruption 27 million years ago.
• Chiricahua Wilderness: The Chiricahua Wilderness is home to a fascinating diversity of both plant and animal life, as well as some of the Southwest’s most spectacular geology. This 87,700-acre wilderness covers much of the upper slopes and inner canyons of the mountain range.

Southwestern Research Station: The Southwestern Research Station is a year-round field station owned and operated by the American Museum of Natural History. Since 1955, it has served biologists, geologists, and anthropologists interested in studying the diverse environments and biotas of the Chiricahua Mountains.

Dos Cabezas Peaks

The Dos Cabezas (“Two Heads”) Peaks are two dramatic rock outcrops that top the Dos Cabezas Mountains in southeast Arizona, between the city of Willcox and the Chiricahua Mountains. The notable summit is easily visible from Interstate-10 in southeast Arizona, with the best access coming from the north and west via the city of Willcox. The USGS topographical map lists an elevation of 8,354 feet, but this is for the benchmark which is located on the northern summit. The southern summit is higher by a few feet, and this has been conclusively demonstrated by various climbers over the years. Many people will seek both summits during the outing, but range highpointers can be satisfied with the southern summit only.

Despite the imposing appearance, there is a convenient ledge and ramp system on the south face of the south summit that allows for reasonably easy access to the top. Parts of the ledge are exposed, but never too bad. There are a couple chutes higher up that are class 3 with some exposure and some awkward positioning, but most fit hikers with some bravery can easily handle these impediments. The north summit is usually achieved by dropping into the notch and up more chutes. I personally did not climb this, but others said the rock and exposure was about the same as the south face, perhaps a shade under class 4.

Most of the range is public/BLM, with a large segment of it protected as wilderness. However, the summit lies outside the wilderness boundaries. Unfortunately, most of the lower slopes and surrounding valleys are privately owned, and the landowners have little interest in allowing public access into the range. In previous years, hikers could start walking along Mascot Mine Road in the village of Dos Cabezas through an easement, but this has been shut, effectively barring access. This issue has become a point of contention, and some lawsuits have compelled at least one landowner to grudgingly allow access through organized hikes with the Southern Arizona Hiking Club, or through people with connections. Otherwise, you are out of luck, or may need to scamper on your own across these posted lands.

Tombstone, AZ

Fan of Western movies? Then there’s no doubt you’re already familiar with Tombstone and the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

But instead of walking in the footsteps of Kurt Russell on some Hollywood set, walk the wooden boardwalks along the dusty main drag in the real mining town of Tombstone.

After getting its start as a silver mining claim in the late-1870s, the settlement grew along with its Tough Nut Mine, becoming a bustling boomtown of the Wild West. From opera and theater to dance halls and brothels, Tombstone offered much-needed entertainment to the miners after a long shift underground. In 1886, the mines flooded and hit rock bottom, and the miners moved on to the next claim.

But the “Town Too Tough to Die” didn’t earn its nickname name for nothing.

Now a tourist hotspot, you can still hang up your cowboy hat and dust off your chaps in the numerous saloons, restaurants, and shops that line Allen Street – each building with its own story to tell. Begin your tour at the old Tombstone Courthouse, now a museum, and be a part of the action with live reenactments of the shootouts that made the town famous held on every corner – the most notable at the iconic O.K. Corral

Willcox Vineyards and Wineries

Located just one hour east of Tucson, the Willcox wine region produces 74% of the wine grapes grown in the state of Arizona. Whatever your tastes may be – Serious & Bold Reds, Vibrant & Crisp Whites, Dry, Spicy, Subtle & Food Friendly, Sweet Wines and Dessert Wines – Willcox has something for you! Explore the wines, vineyards, and tasting rooms of Willcox, along with the friendly local restaurants, hotels & RV parks, art galleries, shops, museums, & picturesque natural beauty of the Sulphur Springs Valley.