The Grand Canyon State offers a variety of terrain and climate, from the vast desert stretches of Yuma, the San Francisco Mountains, aspen forests of northern Arizona, to the wonder of man-made Lake Meade.

The wealth of beauty in Arizona is something to be experienced. The narratives that follow describe some of the nearby areas of the state that personnel assigned to Fort Huachuca are likely to visit during their stay. By no means is the list complete.

SIERRA VISTA

Adjacent to the post, Sierra Vista, at an elevation of 4,625 feet, boasts a spectacular view of the surrounding mountain ranges. The town is known for its ideal weather with an average maximum of 75 and minimum of 50 degrees. With a population of more than 37,000, it is one of the fastest growing communities in Arizona and is the business and cultural center of Cochise County.

Sierra Vista was incorporated in 1956 so, being fairly new, it is one of the most modern and vibrant cities in the Southwest. Fort Huachuca was annexed by Sierra Vista in 1972, and the military and civilian communities enjoy one of the most cordial relationships of this kind in the entire United States.

The city's school district enjoys an excellent reputation in the education community, and the new Buena High School is a state-of-the-art facility. Higher education is available through Cochise Community College and the University of Arizona Sierra Vista Campus. Chapman University also offers courses in a variety of fields.

Sierra Vista is the shopping center for Cochise County and parts of northern Mexico. Several shopping plazas thrive and most major retailers are represented. Large, well stocked super markets and pharmacies along with dozens of smaller specialty shops abound. The food service industry is well represented and fine dining is available throughout the area. Entertainment and information are also in evidence with first run movies, cable television, local AM and FM radio broadcasts and a daily newspaper.

A wide variety of cultural and family oriented activities are offered during the year. The Winter Arts Festival and Art Discovery Series present a continuing program of plays, concerts, musicals, dances, recitals and readings. Other events throughout the year include the Arizona Junior Rodeo, Thunder Mountain Marathon, Huachuca Stampede Rodeo, Miss Sierra Vista Pageant, Art in the Park arts and crafts sale, Festival of Color hot air balloon rally, Family Festival and the largest Christmas parade in the state of Arizona.

"Hummingbird Capital of the United States" is another name for Sierra Vista. In nearby Ramsey Canyon, fourteen species of hummingbirds and hundreds of other birds, mammals, reptiles and plants may be observed and photographed. Within an easy drive are the hiking trails and breathtaking scenery of the Cochise Stronghold in the Dragoon Mountains, Chiricahua National Monument and beautiful Madera Canyon in Santa Cruz County.

Just 25 miles south of the entrance to Fort Huachuca lies your local National Park—Coronado National Memorial. Established by Congress in 1952 to commemorate the exploration of Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, the first European explorer into the southwestern United States, the Memorial offers outdoor recreational activities for all ages. With eight miles of trails, hikers can enjoy treks through canyons and over mountains, taking in vistas of the San Pedro and San Raphael Valleys. The Memorial also has a large, dry, limestone cave that is open to unguided exploration and is suitable for most ages.