In the age of smartphones, you don’t have to invest in fancy equipment to take amazing photos. If you’ve found that you have an emerging passion for photography—or if you’re a seasoned photographer seeking new subjects—Sierra Vista is the perfect place to get out and explore some great sights. With distinctive local architecture, historical destinations, and numerous natural wonders close by, Sierra Vista is an ideal home for photographers of all skill levels planning their next shoot. Explore the following destinations to get some unforgettable shots and immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery that Cochise County has to offer.
1. Ramsey Canyon Preserve
Ramsey Canyon Preserve is a nature photographer’s dream destination. It is known for a huge diversity of plants and animals, as it is at the convergence of the Sierra Madres, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts. It is a migratory destination and protected nesting area for hundreds of species of birds, so every season presents a unique opportunity for some rare nature photos. Along with plenty of animals, you’ll also find historical homesteads, creeks and waterfalls, spring flowers, colorful fall leaves, and sweeping mountain views.
2. Brown Canyon Ranch
Go back in time at Brown Canyon Ranch, a historic site nestled in the grasslands at the foothills of the Huachuca Mountains. Here you’ll be surrounded by juniper, oak, and cottonwood trees and have beautiful views of the surrounding mountain range. There is also a historic ranch house that presents great opportunities for photographers. Make a day of it by hiking nearby trails around the pond or into the Miller Peak Wilderness for even more photo opportunities.
3. Carr House
Explore the unique architecture and rich history of Carr House, a cabin in beautiful Carr Canyon, just outside Sierra Vista. The cabin has been fully restored and offers public tours, and there is a neighboring nature trail offering great views of the cabin’s exterior and the surrounding natural features. The beautiful stonework of the cabin and the breathtaking views of Carr Peak—the third highest mountain in Cochise County—present an exceptional scene photographers won’t want to miss.
4. Old Charleston Bridge
The Old Charleston Bridge is a pedestrian-only bridge located just off E Charleston Rd. northeast of Sierra Vista. It is an easy stop to make on the way to Tombstone, and it sits over the Charleston Narrows of the San Pedro River. Here the Hohokam Indians carved petroglyphs into the upper rocks of the canyon walls, which can be further explored along the nearby Millville and Petroglyph Discovery Trail. Love locks can be seen along the bridge, which overlooks the river and surrounding cottonwood trees. The ghost towns of Charleston and Millville may be accessed via hike for even more unique artifacts and photo opportunities.
5. Toughnut Street, Tombstone, AZ
See history come alive along Toughnut Street in Tombstone, AZ. Toughnut Street is home to the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, Allen English Home, and Rosetree Museum, all some of the most photogenic sites in the historic town of Tombstone. From Toughnut Street, it’s just a short walk to the adorable shops, saloons, and restaurants visitors won’t want to miss. If you want to get in front of the camera, make a stop at Can-Can Old Time Photos for a fun souvenir to take home.
Sierra Vista’s Shutterbug Community
Not only will you find an abundance of photo-worthy sites near Sierra Vista, but you can also find a welcoming community of photographers with the Sierra Vista Camera Club. All forms of photography are encouraged, and all levels of photographers are welcome to join for meetings and outings with fellow photographers who strive to build local interest in the art of photography and cultivate a friendly community that welcomes individuals from all walks of life. Paid members gain access to even more resources, including flash equipment and a digital negative and slide film copier. Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at the Sierra Vista Police Department Meeting Room at 911 N. Coronado from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Living in Sierra Vista, you’ll find a vibrant community with an array of cultural experiences to discover. If you are considering moving to Sierra Vista, connect with Castle & Cooke to find your perfect home in this perfect Southern Arizona town. We have new construction and move-in ready homes available in our Holiday and The Oaks neighborhoods. Get to know our residential communities on our website or contact us to connect with a sales representative.