Cochise City Guide

In 1861, a decade long war was ignited when Cochise was falsely charged with a crime. His intelligence and tenacity eventually won the respect of settler and soldier alike. He made peace with the army in 1872. After his death, two years later, the peace was again broken when the infamous Geronimo took his turn in the spotlight. It took another decade of fighting to finally close this last chapter of the Indian wars.

On a map, Cochise County is bounded roughly by Hwy 90 on the west, the New Mexico and Mexico borders on the east and south, and I-10 to the north. Most of the county is in the Chihuahuan Desert but is dotted with the cool, forested "sky islands" of the Coronado National Forest. Called the "Land of the Standing-Up Rocks" by the Apaches, the Chiricahua Mountains are distinguished by amazing rock columns and towering spires, many of which are delicately perched on small pedestals.

The larger towns in the county include Benson, Bisbee (the county seat), Douglas, Huachuca City, Sierra Vista, Tombstone and Willcox. Generally beginning as rowdy mining camps, these towns all have their own unique and colorful histories.

ATTRACTIONS

• Chiricahua National Monument, a mecca for hikers and birders. Faraway Ranch (an original homestead), interpretive & guided tours. (928) 824-3560.
• Cochise Stronghold, a former granite hideout of the famous Apache Indian Chieftain. (928) 826-3593.
• Coronado National Monument commemorates the exploration of Don Francisco Vasquez de Coronado and the Spanish Conquistadors in 1540. (928) 366-5515.
• Fort Bowie National Historic Site, part of the historic Butterfield Stage route, contains the ruins of this military outpost. (928) 847-2500.
• Kartchner Caverns State Park, located in the Whetstone Mountains west of Benson and Arizona's newest attraction. (928) 542-4174.

The variety of accommodations in the County will suit a wide range of needs and interests. Major hotel chains are well represented, as are a unique collection of historic lodgings and Bed and Breakfast Inns. RV parks, with a range of amenities, are found throughout the County. Campgrounds are located in the Coronado National Forest, Chiricahua National Forest, Muleshoe Ranch Preserve, as well as privately operated facilities. Dude ranches and operating cattle ranches offer the adventurous ample opportunity to enjoy the temperate climate and breathtaking scenic views found throughout the region.

• Bed & Breakfast Inns

From stately Spanish mission style homes, to working cattle ranch lodges, to elegant turn-of-the century Victorians, Bed & Breakfast Inns are located througout the region. As of January 1997, there are 33 B&B establishments in Cochise County, ranging in size from 3 rooms to 14. For a current copy of the Cochise County Bed & Breakfast brochure, contact the Cochise County Office of Economic & Community Development or a local Chamber of Commerce.

• Hotels/Motels

There are approximately 42 hotels/motels in Cochise County with a total of over 1,700 rooms. Facilities include internationally recognized accommodations, historical lodgings, and properties unique to Cochise County.

For specific information on lodging in the region or a particular community, contact the local Chamber of Commerce for their listing.

• RV & Trailer Parks

RV Parks & Resorts, as well as trailer parks, including full-service and rustic facilities are located throughout Cochise County. Golf courses, horse boarding, national register historic districts, and other amenities may be found at various sites. Nationally recognized accommodations are located in the region. For a complete listing and description, contact the local Chamber of Commerce.

• Working Cattle Ranches/Guest Ranches

Cochise County is home to a dozen guest ranches and/or working cattle ranches. A brochure listing each ranch is available from the Cochise County Office of Economic & Community Development, or from a local Chamber of Commerce.

Cave Creek Ranch, Portal (928) 558-2334

Grapevine Canyon Guest Ranch, Pearce (928) 826-3185

IronHorse Ranch, Tombstone (928) 457-9361

Lucky (Cuss) Hills Guest Ranch, Tombstone (928) 457-3246

Price Canyon Guest Ranch, Douglas (928) 558-2383

Redington Land & Cattle Co., Benson (928) 212-5555

River's Edge Sporting Retreat, Benson (928) 212-4868

Slaughter Ranch Museum, Douglas (928) 558-2474

Sunglow Mission Ranch, Pearce (928) 824-3334

The Muleshoe Ranch/CMA, Willcox (928) 586-7072

Triangle T Guest Ranch, Dragoon (928) 586-7533

ZR Hereford Ranch, Benson (928) 586-3509