With the lush banks of the San Pedro River and the towering peaks of the Huachuca Mountains so close to home, residents of Sierra Vista have no shortage of options for scenic day hikes. Whether you are a casual hiker or a rugged adventurer, there are some amazing trails to explore. Many local hikes are best done from October-April, but some trails do offer some shade and a great opportunity to get outdoors in the early morning hours of those long summer days.
If you’re ready to hit the trails, fill your day pack with plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks and explore the following can’t miss hikes near Sierra Vista.
Tompkins Loop
If you just want to stretch your legs or enjoy a family-friendly outing, head to Tompkins Park to walk the Tompkins Loop. This 0.6-mile loop is an accessible trail with plenty of picnic tables and benches along the way. It’s the perfect trail to get in shape before longer excursions or practice good trail etiquette with dogs and young kids.
Millville Historic Townsite and Rock Art Discovery Trail
Discover a slice of history on this secluded trail in the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. You’ll see ruins of the Millville Historic Townsite along with petroglyphs and artifacts. This hike is a 1.8 mile loop that showcases wildflowers, historic artifacts, and views of the San Pedro River. You might even spot some migratory birds during the spring and fall seasons.
San Pedro House
San Pedro House is another relatively easy loop trail in the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. It is a 1.9 mile trail that has wide paths and offers accessibility for wheelchair users and strollers with adaptive equipment for gravel terrain. It is another popular destination for bird watchers as well. You’ll walk along the river’s edge for much of this trail, so there are plenty of opportunities to spot local and migratory wildlife.
Ramsey Canyon and Hamburg Trail
Starting at the Ramsey Canyon Visitor Center, this trail offers a leisurely stroll through the Ramsey Canyon Preserve before ascending into challenging switchbacks with a lofty elevation gain of 2,821 feet over 7.5 miles. However, because it is an out-and-back trail, you can tailor the hike to your fitness level. The Ramsey Canyon portion of the trail is just 1.4 miles and is perfect for families. During the fall, expect to see vibrant colors. You’ll also discover historic sites and an abundance of wildlife along the trail. Parking is limited at the trailhead, so it can fill up on weekends. Visitors will also need to pay the conservatory fee to enter the Ramsey Canyon Preserve—$5 for Sierra Vista residents and $8 for the general public.
Carr Peak via Old Sawmill Spring Trail
This challenging hike offers a chance to explore one of Sierra Vista’s sky islands. This is a difficult, 5.2 mile out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of 2,014 feet. However, the climb is well worth the breathtaking views at the summit. The trailhead is off a dirt road, so a 4WD or AWD vehicle is recommended. This is one of the more popular trails near Sierra Vista, so expect some crowds on weekends, especially during the fall and spring.
Brown Canyon to Ramsey
Brown Canyon to Ramsey is a lengthy 8.7 mile loop that traverses the Brown Canyon and Hamburg trails. Brown Canyon is filled with grass, oak, and manzanita and offers exceptional natural views as well as a look at an old tungsten mine with the addition of the Pomona Mine spur trail. The full Brown Canyon to Ramsey loop has about 1,807 feet of elevation gain and takes upwards of 5 hours to complete, so plan for a full day of hiking. This is also a popular trail, so you’re likely to encounter plenty of other hikers on your route.
Mural Peak
Just a short drive from Sierra Vista, you’ll find the Mural Peak trail, which begins at the very top of OK Street in Bisbee. This trail consists of old mining roads and offers a challenging, 5.8 mile out-and-back trek to the top of Mural Hill. You’ll climb 1,473 feet on this trail, which offers exceptional views. However, it is less trafficked than some other trails on this list, so you should wear long sleeves and pants to navigate overgrown areas.
Youngblood Hill
For a shorter but still challenging hike near Bisbee, check out Youngblood Hill. This 1.7 mile out-and-back trail climbs 577 feet to offer some exceptional views of the surrounding peaks and the historic town below.
No matter what outdoor hobbies you enjoy, you’ll find yourself right at home in Sierra Vista. With a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities just a short drive from home, you can cater to your inner adventurer all year round. With a beautiful new home from Castle & Cooke, you’ll have the perfect retreat to rest and relax between all those outdoor adventures. Browse our move-in ready and new construction homes to find your family’s next home. Visit our website or call us at 520-441-8580 to learn more about our beautiful, family-friendly communities.