Explore Cochise County
Mesa, Arizona Tourism Information | Visit Mesa to explore Southeastern Arizona, Cochise County from Visit Mesa.
300 miles round trip
Benson and the San Pedro River Valley are rich in natural wonders and provide a home to more than 500 species of birds. Benson was established in the early 1880s as a railroad town and the railroad continues to be a prominent feature today. A historic replica of the Railroad Depot and Visitor Center in the downtown area reinforces this railroad heritage.
"The Town Too Tough To Die," Tombstone is the home of the most famous shootout of the Old West. Visit the OK Corral, Boot Hill and many other attractions.
Chiricahua National Monument is a mecca for hikers and birders. Tours of the Faraway Ranch House provide a chance to learn about life in the early 1900s.
Visitors can learn about Native American culture at the San Pedro Valley Arts & Historical Museum. The Holy Trinity Monastery, a serene prayer and hospitality facility, features a museum, art gallery, gift shop, thrift store, bookstore and a bird sanctuary with a walking path along a shaded pond.
About ten miles south of Benson is Arizona's newest state park, Kartchner Caverns. This remarkable "live" cave was discovered in 1974 by a pair of spelunkers and kept secret until it could be properly protected and opened to the public. You'll be amazed by the two enormous main rooms with spectacular limestone creations. Check out the Discovery Center, hiking trails and picnic area. This is also an excellent area for bird watching.
Sierra Vista is often referred to as "The Hummingbird Capital of the U.S." The mild climate, proximity to Mexico and diverse habitats, including 9,000-foot mountains and the magnificent San Pedro River Valley, make southeastern Arizona a major hot spot for rare and unusual species of birds.