Sierra Vista was officially incorporated as a town in 1956, and it got its name as the result of a local radio contest. By 1961, the town's population was large enough for it to be classified as a city, and at that time, a community college was established. In 1973, Ethel Berger was elected mayor, making her the first female mayor in Arizona's history. In 1975, Sierra Vista became the site of the very first McDonald's drive-through. Today, the city is home to around 43,000 people and is considered the economic and commercial center of Cochise County.
Sierra Vista is known as the "Hummingbird Capital of the United States" and is revered for its flourishing wildlife population. The area also has a beautiful landscape perfectly suited for activities like biking, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Overall, the city is a top-notch haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Visitors can enjoy picnicking and bird watching at Garden Canyon, go for a scenic hike at Carr Canyon, or take a bike ride along the Brown's Canyon Trail.
The scorching Arizona sun can be a little much if you're in it all day, so you may want to check out a few indoor attractions during your visit to Sierra Vista. One option is to stop by the Henry F. Hauser Museum and Gift Shop, which honors the life and legacy of local athlete, soldier, and politician Henry F. Hauser. You could also explore the magnificent gallery at Huachuca Art Association, cool off with some water recreation at the Cove Aquatic Center, or spend the day shopping at the Mall at Sierra Vista.
Sierra Vista offers plenty of quality dining destinations as well, and there are certain places you should definitely try while you're visiting. It's worth trying the spectacular Vietnamese fare at Indochine, which uses fresh ingredients and vegetables grown by the restaurant's chef. You should also sample the wonderful Mexican cuisine at La Casita Restaurant and Cantina, and one of its blended margaritas should certainly help you cool off.
Pride in the Desert - Tucson's annual pride festival, Pride in the Desert, takes place in early October at Reid Park. The lively event features all sorts of wonderful events and festivities celebrating LGTBQ+ communities.
Annual Freedom Arts Festival - Another awesome Tucson event is the Annual Freedom Arts Festival. The festival happens in mid-June at the historic Scottish Rite Cathedral, and attendees get to enjoy art, entertainment, and lots of delicious food.
Annual Tucson Celtic Festival & Scottish Highland Games - This unique festival has been running for more than three decades and takes place in early November. Tickets are $20, and there is traditional Scottish food, whiskey, music, and tons of great vendors. There is also a huge kid's area!
The closest national park to Sierra Vista is Saguaro National Park, which lies on the north end of Tucson. The park is by far the best place to see the magnificent saguaro cacti, which can only be found in the beautiful Sonoran Desert. The park is harsh and arid, but it offers visitors the opportunity to observe the stunning desert landscape. Popular activities include hiking, scenic driving, and wildlife viewing. The park is also an incredible place to watch a summer sunset.
Petrified Forest National Park comprises 220 square miles of breathtaking technicolor desert in northern Arizona. The unique park is most known for its paleontological exhibits, petroglyphs, and amazing wildlife. Some of the creatures you may spot during your visit include bobcats, pronghorn, coyotes, and hundreds of bird species. You can also spend your time in the fascinating park hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, or taking a guided tour.
New Mexico's White Sands National Park is easily one of the most incredible destinations in the country, featuring a surreal landscape of gypsum sand dunes. The fact that the park is surrounded by military installments only adds to its eerie aura, and some even describe its general atmosphere as otherworldly. Visitors often spend their time sliding down the amazing dunes, hiking, horseback riding, and observing the many interesting wildlife species that call the park home. If you're lucky, you might spot a roadrunner or a bobcat!
If you head over to Tombstone, you can stop by the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, which dates back to 1882. The 12,000-square-foot museum is filled with artifacts of historic Wild West figures, and there are also gift shops and shaded picnic areas to enjoy.
Another interesting Arizona destination is Kartchner Caverns State Park. This unique park features 2.5 miles of incredible underground cave passages first discovered in the 1970s. During your visit, you can embark on a cave tour to explore the caverns, hike the nearby trails, and observe the local wildlife. The area is also known for its exceptionally dark skies, making it a popular stargazing destination.
San Rafael State Natural Area lies about 20 miles southwest of Sierra Vista and features grassy fields, rolling hills, and majestic cottonwood trees. Some parts of the area are private, but the park is an excellent spot for anyone looking to do some exploring and connect with nature.
One excellent way to improve your Arizona trip is to visit some of the state's wonderful monuments and landmarks. If you're near Tucson, you could start by checking out the Old Tucson landmark, which is a theme park built into a working movie studio. The park offers visitors the opportunity to experience life in the Old West like never before.
You could also visit the amazing Queen Mine, which is situated near the Arizona-Mexico border. The unique landmark was once an authentic mining site and a rich copper ore vein. Today, you can take a tour down 500 feet into the mine and learn all about its fascinating history.
If you travel north, you'll find the breathtaking Cathedral Rock near the city of Sedona, Arizona. The majestic sandstone spire towers over the Coconino National Forest and is surrounded by hiking trails that allow visitors to get an up-close look. Even if you choose only to view the impressive formation from the road below, it will still be an unforgettable sight.
Lots of wonderful camping areas are located in the greater Sierra Vista area. One great place to stay is the Thunderbird RV & Mobile Home Park, which is known for its various amenities. Guests at the park have access to the swimming pool, game room, and laundry facilities, and there are also nearby retail outlets, hiking trails, and restaurants.
There's also the relaxing Mountain View RV Park, where you can rent one of the 81 full-hookup RV campsites for $25-$32 per night or $135-$150 per week. The lovely campground also offers a clubhouse with a library, exercise equipment, card tables, crafting areas, and even video game systems.
Another great campground with affordable rates is the K&N RV Park. There, you can rent a full-hookup RV site for only $25 per night, and you'll also have access to fantastic amenities like a clubhouse with a big-screen television, free Wi-Fi, and a business center.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Sierra Vista, AZ, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Sierra Vista?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Sierra Vista from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Sierra Vista?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
