When thinking of Arizona travel the first thing that comes to mind is probably the hot summers and warm winters. While this is true for most of the state, Cochise County offers more consistently mild weather year-round, which can make traveling here in any month enjoyable. The high elevations (over a mile high in some places) and mountain ranges that give this region the name “Sky Islands” keep temperatures an average of 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than nearby Phoenix through all four seasons. So, whether you’re looking for a break from a snowy winter or want to add a new stop on your summer road trip, look no further than Cochise County.
Spring in southeastern Arizona is unbeatable with vibrant blooms, migrating birds, and warmer weather. March through June will experience gradually climbing temperatures averaging from high 60s earlier in the spring to 95 degrees Fahrenheit as you reach June (20 to 35 degrees Celsius).
After the seasonal monsoons, the Chihuahuan Desert becomes awash with color. Hike along the Arizona Trail for an opportunity to see the array of purples, reds, and yellows of the flowering prickly pear, ocotillo, and yucca that beckon pollinators from regions further south. Around 14 different species of hummingbirds can be found flitting about the new blooms including Anna’s, Rufous, and Violet-crowned, to name a few. Alongside the rainbow of flowers across the desert, the return of these jewel toned residents is reason enough to visit Cochise County in the spring.
Adding Cochise County to your summer road trip itinerary is a must. The many mountain ranges and shaded canyons of the Sky Islands offer comfortable summer hikes and ample birding opportunities. Ramsey Canyon Nature Preserve is a perfect example, with its northeast aspect and abnormally wet environment. Here you’ll find forests of juniper, pine, sycamore and maple, a unique collection of trees that creates a biodiverse community. Search for the rare, tropical elegant trogon, known for its bright colors and distinctive call. Some more frequent flyers to this area include acorn woodpeckers, yellow-rumped warblers, and dark-eyed juncos.
If you’re looking for additional interactive events, consider attending the Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival near Ramsey Canyon, in Sierra Vista. This three-day festival, in early August, brings birding experts and enthusiasts together from around the country to celebrate the diverse species of birds, plants, reptiles, and other wildlife. Participate in workshops, tours, and other programs to see why this area is a destination for people and wildlife alike.
After another round of rainfall during the fall monsoon season, the Sky Islands surge with green again, before giving way to autumn’s red, yellow, and orange palette. High up in the mountains you’ll begin to see streaks of yellow aspen groves, as the amaranth in the lower valleys takes on a striking crimson. Although the hummingbirds and other tropical species have begun their migration south, there are still plenty of birding opportunities. Book a stay at the Casa de San Pedro B&B, where you’ll have access to the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA) right out your back gate. The trails wind through marshes, meadows, and along the river corridor that will begin to swell again after receiving more rain. Take a misty morning stroll to spot pyrrhuloxia hopping through shrubs, gray hawks nesting in the towering Cottonwoods, and gamble’s quail scurrying across the path. This serene space in conjunction with an accommodating and cozy place to stay makes it feel like you’re living in a fairytale.
Whether you’re a sandhill crane from Wyoming or a snowbird from Illinois, Cochise County is a refuge for all who are seeking a break from long northern winters. Some areas of the Sky Islands do experience snow, but it’s unlikely to last through the day. Plan for days to be 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 15 degrees Celsius) and nights to get as low as 30 degrees.
When planning your winter getaway, check out the Wings Over Willcox Birding and Nature Festival that takes place over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in January every year. This three-day event provides the opportunity to participate in tours, seminars, and a nature expo. Wake up early to take a sandhill crane sunrise tour or join in on a hawk stalk in the afternoon.
If you can’t make it for the Festival, there are still plenty of self-guided birding opportunities. Cochise Stronghold is a must-see destination, with lots of sunny hikes through rock towers and desert valleys. Keep an eye out for the northern harrier, ruby-crowned kinglet, and greater roadrunner as you weave through this historic landscape.
No matter which season you’re able to visit, you’ll easily find places to tour, like-minded people to meet, and a plethora of birds to discover. Migratory birds and year-round avian inhabitants make Cochise County a thriving community that keep birders coming back year after year.
