Southeast Arizona Travel Guide

Plan your adventure to Southeast Arizona with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring top attractions, hiking and biking routes, local food and drinks, accommodation options, cultural insights, safety and health tips, and transportation logistics.


Welcome to Southeast Arizona, a region in the eastern part of the state that boasts a wealth of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you are an adventure seeker looking for exciting outdoor activities or a curious traveler seeking new experiences, Southeast Arizona has something to offer for everyone. Our comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your next trip to this enchanting part of the United States.

Introduction to Southeast Arizona

Southeast Arizona is located in the southwestern part of the United States and is bordered by New Mexico to the east and Mexico to the south. This region is known for its rugged landscapes, scenic drives, and fascinating history. The diverse terrain ranges from high mountains and deep canyons to rolling deserts and grasslands. Southeast Arizona is also home to several national parks and monuments, as well as indigenous tribes and a rich cultural heritage.

List of Places to Visit in Southeast Arizona

Southeast Arizona is a treasure trove of natural and cultural treasures. Here are some of the must-see attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum
  • Amerind Museum
  • Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
  • Fort Bowie National Historic Site
  • Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
  • Kartchner Caverns State Park

Natural Attractions of Southeast Arizona: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Chiricahua National Monument
  • Saguaro National Park
  • Coronado National Forest
  • Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway
  • Cochise Stronghold

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southeast Arizona

Southeast Arizona offers an abundance of trails for hiking and cycling enthusiasts of all levels. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Douglas Spring Trail in Saguaro National Park
  • South Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park
  • The Arizona Trail
  • Mt. Lemmon Sky Center Loop
  • The Loop bike path in Tucson

Best Things to Do in Southeast Arizona: Activities and Tours

Besides hiking and biking, Southeast Arizona offers plenty of thrilling activities and tours. Here are some of the best ones:

  • Hot-air balloon rides in Tucson
  • Jeep tours of Cochise Stronghold
  • Wine tasting in Sonoita and Willcox
  • Ghost tours in Tombstone
  • Bird watching in Ramsey Canyon Preserve

Week-Long Itinerary for Southeast Arizona

If you have a week to spare, here is a sample itinerary to make the most of your time in Southeast Arizona:

Day 1: Explore Tucson’s cultural and historical sites, including the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, the Pima Air & Space Museum, and Mission San Xavier del Bac.

Day 2: Take a scenic drive up Mount Lemmon, visit the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter, and hike the trails around the peak.

Day 3: Head to Saguaro National Park and drive the Bajada Loop Drive, hike the Douglas Spring Trail, and watch the sunset at Gates Pass.

Day 4: Discover Bisbee’s vibrant arts and culture scene, take a mine tour, and visit the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum.

Day 5: Explore Tombstone’s Western history, visit the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park and take a ghost tour on Allen St.

Day 6: Take a wine-tasting tour in the nearby towns of Willcox and Sonoita, and enjoy the stunning scenery of the rolling vineyards.

Day 7: Visit Chiricahua National Monument and hike the Echo Canyon Trail, explore the Faraway Ranch Historic District, and enjoy the birdwatching opportunities.

Food and Drink Scene of Southeast Arizona

Southeast Arizona boasts a unique blend of culinary influences, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and bold flavors. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sonoran hot dog
  • Chimichanga
  • Green chile enchiladas
  • Carne seca
  • Navajo tacos

Local Beverages

  • Arizona wine
  • Saguaro fruit syrup
  • Prickly pear margarita
  • Tucson blonde beer
  • Mezcal

Where to Stay in Southeast Arizona: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Southeast Arizona offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some of the top choices:

  • Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort in Tucson
  • Copper Queen Hotel in Bisbee
  • Cochise Stronghold Bed & Breakfast
  • Triangle T Guest Ranch in Dragoon
  • The Shady Dell Vintage Trailer Court in Bisbee

What to Buy in Southeast Arizona: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you want to take a piece of Southeast Arizona home with you, here are some of the local products and souvenirs to consider:

  • Native American jewelry and pottery
  • Saguaro cactus products
  • Local wines from Willcox and Sonoita
  • Cactus candy and other desert treats
  • Southwest-inspired art and decor

Local Culture and Customs of Southeast Arizona

Southeast Arizona is steeped in Native American and Mexican cultural traditions, which are reflected in the local art, music, and festivals. Visitors are encouraged to respect these traditions and customs by learning about them and engaging with them in a respectful manner.

Best Time to Visit Southeast Arizona

The best time to visit Southeast Arizona is in the spring (March to early May) and fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. Summers can be very hot, with temperatures soaring above 100°F, while winters can be chilly, especially in higher elevations like Mount Lemmon.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southeast Arizona

Here are some essential do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Southeast Arizona:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs
  • Bring plenty of water and sunscreen on outdoor adventures
  • Try the local cuisine and drinks
  • Take the time to hike and explore the natural beauty of the region

Don’t:

  • Pluck or damage cacti or other plants
  • Disrespect sacred sites or monuments
  • Litter or leave trash on hikes
  • Underestimate the desert conditions and terrain

Safety and Health

While Southeast Arizona is generally a safe destination, visitors should take some precautions to ensure their safety and well-being:

Safety in Southeast Arizona

  • Watch out for rattlesnakes and other wildlife while hiking or camping
  • Use caution when driving on mountain roads or in remote areas
  • Be aware of flash floods during monsoon season (July-September)

Health in Southeast Arizona

  • Stay hydrated and avoid long exposure to the sun during the day
  • Take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases, especially in summer
  • Be aware of altitude sickness when hiking in higher elevations

Getting to Southeast Arizona: Transportation Options and Logistics

Southeast Arizona can be accessed by several transportation options, including:

Airports Near Southeast Arizona

  • Tucson International Airport (TUS)
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Bus Stations Near Southeast Arizona

  • Greyhound Bus Station in Tucson
  • El Paso Greyhound Station in Texas

Other Options

  • Amtrak train services at Benson Station and Tucson Station
  • Car rentals from Tucson and Phoenix airports

How to Get Around in Southeast Arizona

To fully explore Southeast Arizona, renting a car is the most convenient option. However, there are also several tours and shuttles available for visitors who prefer not to drive or want to join a group excursion.

Where to Go Next from Southeast Arizona: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have time to extend your trip, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Grand Canyon National Park
  • Sedona’s red rock formations
  • Las Vegas, Nevada
  • White Sands National Park, New Mexico
  • Mexico’s Copper Canyon

Conclusion

Southeast Arizona is a travel destination that truly has something for everyone. From natural wonders to cultural treasures, outdoor adventures to culinary delights, this region offers a unique and unforgettable experience that will stay with visitors long after they depart. Use our comprehensive guide to plan your dream trip to Southeast Arizona.

Texas Canyon Texas Canyon Fort Bowie ruins Fort Bowie ruins Pre-Columbian petroglyphs by the Charleston & Millville Historic Townsite Pre-Columbian petroglyphs by the Charleston & Millville Historic Townsite The historic Cochise Hotel (see itinerary listing 'Ghost Town Trail') The historic Cochise Hotel (see itinerary listing 'Ghost Town Trail') Ghost town of Pearce Ghost town of Pearce Looking into Mexico from Montezuma Pass, Coronado National Memorial Looking into Mexico from Montezuma Pass, Coronado National Memorial Civil War graves in Dragoon Springs Civil War graves in Dragoon Springs Rockfellow Dome in Cochise Stronghold, Dragoon Mountains Rockfellow Dome in Cochise Stronghold, Dragoon Mountains Sandhill cranes at Whitewater Draw Sandhill cranes at Whitewater Draw Cave Creek Ranch, Chiricahua Mountains Cave Creek Ranch, Chiricahua Mountains Sunglow Guest Ranch, Chiricahua Mountains Sunglow Guest Ranch, Chiricahua Mountains Saloon at the Triangle T Guest Ranch, Texas Canyon Saloon at the Triangle T Guest Ranch, Texas Canyon Sunny Flat Campground, Chiricahua Mountains Sunny Flat Campground, Chiricahua Mountains Parker Canyon Lake, near the Huachuca Mountains Parker Canyon Lake, near the Huachuca Mountains Black-tailed rattlesnake – watch where you step! Black-tailed rattlesnake – watch where you step! Javelinas (peccaries) Javelinas (peccaries)


    Douglas
    Sierra Vista
    Tombstone