SIERRA VISTA, AZ
At the base of
the 9,500-foot
Huachuca
Mountains,
Sierra Vista,
Arizona en-
joys bright
sunny days and
star-studded nights. Sierra Vista’s
4,600-foot elevation means the average day-
time temperature is about 74 degrees, offering a
cool respite from summer’s heat and a delightful es-
cape from winter’s chill.
Long before Arizona was a state, Sierra Vista was a
hunting ground for early nomads. Fossilized artifacts
date Sierra Vista’s first tourists to around 13,000 BC.
As the eras melted into history, Arizona’s jungle en-
vironment gave way to today’s warm, dry climate.
Today, Sierra Vista’s sky islands, high canyons, and
riparian areas are reminiscent of the ancient tropics
and are welcome habitat for the 250 species of mi-
grating and nesting birds.
A hike into the Huachucas—passing through as
many as five climate zones, discovering petro-
glyphs and pictographs, and hearing a symphony
of bird calls—makes for an almost other-worldly
trek.
Since 1877, the U.S. Army’s adjacent Fort Huachuca
has brought soldiers from all walks of life to Sierra
Vista, and with them came a penchant for world cui-
sine. Have a hankering for spicy kimchee, authentic
Italian, or ocean-fresh sushi? You’ll find it in Sierra
Vista. German fare—called the best in the state—
tempts your taste buds, along with hand-crafted
breads and pastries baked in Old World traditions.
At day’s end, the skies come alive with light, first
blasting jaw-dropping colors across the horizon,
then giving way to a starry, velvet blanket. Plan your
visit during the monthly “star party” at University of
Arizona Sierra Vista when the Huachuca Astron-
omy Club opens the observatory to the public, giv-
ing visitors a peek through the 20” Patterson
telescope.