Cochise County, Arizona
Located in the southeastern corner of Arizona, known for its historic mining towns, Old West heritage, and border with Mexico.
Cochise County is located in the southeastern corner of Arizona, sharing borders with Mexico to the south and New Mexico to the east. Established in 1881, the county was named after the famous Chiricahua Apache leader, Cochise. With a rich history tied to the American Old West, mining booms, and frontier conflicts, Cochise County has preserved much of its historical character while developing modern communities.
The county's diverse geography ranges from desert valleys to sky island mountain ranges, including the Chiricahua, Dragoon, Huachuca, and Mule Mountains. This varied terrain supports rich biodiversity and provides stunning landscapes that attract visitors from around the world. The county is also home to several military installations, including Fort Huachuca, which remains an important economic driver for the region.
County Information
Demographics & Economy
Photos
Major Attractions
Tombstone
"The Town Too Tough to Die," Tombstone is one of the most famous Old West towns in America. Founded in 1879 as a mining boomtown, it's best known for the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in 1881 between lawmen led by Wyatt Earp and the outlaw Cowboys. Today, the town preserves its frontier heritage with historical attractions, reenactments, and museums.
Location: Central Cochise County
Features: O.K. Corral, Bird Cage Theatre, Boothill Graveyard, historic Allen Street
Bisbee
Once a booming copper mining town, Bisbee has transformed into a quirky artists' colony and tourist destination. Set in the Mule Mountains, this picturesque town features Victorian architecture, steep staircases built into hillsides, and a rich mining history. The Lavender Pit, a former open-pit copper mine, offers a glimpse into Bisbee's mining past.
Location: Southern Cochise County
Features: Queen Mine Tour, Copper Queen Hotel, Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, historic downtown
Chiricahua National Monument
Known as the "Wonderland of Rocks," this monument preserves the remains of a massive volcanic eruption that occurred 27 million years ago. Erosion has sculpted the rhyolite tuff into spectacular pinnacles and balanced rocks. The area was once the stronghold of the Chiricahua Apache and their leader Cochise.
Location: Eastern Cochise County
Features: Balanced rocks, hiking trails, Massai Point, Faraway Ranch
Fort Huachuca
Established in 1877 during the Apache Wars, Fort Huachuca remains an active military installation and home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center. The fort played a key role in frontier defense and later housed the famous Buffalo Soldiers (African American cavalry regiments). Today, visitors can explore its museums and historical sites.
Location: Sierra Vista, western Cochise County
Features: Military Intelligence Museum, Fort Huachuca Historical Museum, Buffalo Soldier exhibit
Frequently Asked Questions
Cochise County is best known for its Old West heritage, particularly the legendary town of Tombstone and the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The county is named after the famous Chiricahua Apache leader Cochise, reflecting its important Native American history. Other notable features include:
- Historic mining communities like Bisbee and Douglas
- Fort Huachuca, one of the oldest continuously operated military posts in the American Southwest
- Chiricahua National Monument's dramatic rock formations
- The county's location along the U.S.-Mexico border
- Diverse ecosystems where desert meets "sky islands" (isolated mountain ranges)
- Coronado National Forest and other natural preserves
Cochise County is accessible by several transportation options:
- By Air: The nearest major airports are Tucson International Airport (approximately 1 hour from the western edge of the county) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (approximately 3 hours from most Cochise County locations). Sierra Vista Municipal Airport offers limited regional service.
- By Car: Interstate 10 runs east-west through the northern part of the county. Highway 80 connects many historic towns including Bisbee and Tombstone. Highway 92 serves the Sierra Vista area, while Highway 191 runs north-south through the eastern portion of the county.
- By Rail: There is no passenger rail service directly to Cochise County, though freight lines run through the area.
- By Bus: Greyhound provides limited service to towns in Cochise County.
The best time to visit Cochise County is during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are moderate and pleasant. Winter (December-February) offers mild daytime temperatures but can be chilly, especially at higher elevations. Summer (June-August) brings high temperatures, often exceeding 90°F (32°C), though the higher elevations provide some relief from the heat.
The monsoon season, typically from July through September, brings dramatic afternoon thunderstorms but also creates spectacular cloud formations and vivid desert blooms. October through April is generally the driest period.
Various festivals and events occur throughout the year, including Tombstone's Helldorado Days (October), Bisbee's 1000 Stair Climb (October), and birding events during spring and fall migrations.
Cochise County offers a wide variety of outdoor activities due to its diverse landscapes:
- Hiking: Trails throughout Chiricahua National Monument, Coronado National Forest, Ramsey Canyon Preserve, and the Huachuca Mountains
- Bird Watching: The county is world-renowned for birding, particularly in hotspots like Ramsey Canyon, San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, and Cave Creek Canyon
- Rock Climbing: Opportunities in Cochise Stronghold and other areas in the Dragoon Mountains
- Camping: Numerous campgrounds in national forests, monuments, and state parks
- Stargazing: Dark skies due to low light pollution, especially in rural areas
- Cave Exploration: Kartchner Caverns State Park (just outside the county) offers guided tours of spectacular living cave systems
- Horseback Riding: Several ranches and tours offer authentic Western riding experiences
- Cycling: Popular routes through scenic desert and mountain terrain
Major Communities
Bisbee
County seat, population ~5,200, historic mining town turned arts community
Sierra Vista
Largest city, population ~44,000, home to Fort Huachuca
Tombstone
Historic Old West town, population ~1,300, "The Town Too Tough to Die"
Douglas
Border city, population ~16,000, twin city with Agua Prieta, Mexico
Willcox
Agricultural center, population ~3,500, known for vineyards and wineries
Huachuca City
Small town, population ~1,700, near Fort Huachuca