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8 May 2023
Southern Arizona’s Sky Islands are a unique classification of mountains that rise rapidly from valley floors toward the Sonoran Desert sky, making them one of the region’s most spectacular natural wonders.
These mountains, unofficially called “Sky Islands,” consist of 55 mountain ranges spanning Southern Arizona, Southern New Mexico, and Northern Mexico. These ranges are so high that they can host multiple habitats from base to peak.
After climbing the Sky Islands, you will find yourself in a brisk, pine-filled forest just an hour’s drive from the arid, saguaro-studded desert. This biodiversity makes these habitats attractive to wildlife, birds, and hiking and biking enthusiasts.
You can hike a portion of the 800-mile-long Arizona Trail, which goes from Arizona’s border with Mexico to the state’s border with Utah and passes through several Sky Islands along the way.
You can also go birdwatching in Ramsey Canyon, one of the most popular sites in Sierra Vista, to see the elusive elegant trogon.
Attend a Sky Island Alliance event and get involved in helping protect Southern Arizona’s Sky Islands and is a great way to get more immersive experiences.
Tucson’s Sky Islands comprise the Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountain ranges. During the one-hour drive from the mountain’s base to its peak, listen to the Mt. Lemmon Science Tour app to discover fun facts and interesting tidbits about Sky Islands in Tucson.
Saguaro National Park East, below the Rincons, offers more than just saguaros as you bike, hike, or drive through the enormous national park.
Trails crisscross the Mule, Chiricahua, and Huachuca mountains, beckoning hikers and mountain bikers. While cool, damp canyons create some of the world’s most incredible biodiversity, and vertical monoliths challenge rock climbers. Wine grapes are grown alongside spicy chiltepin peppers and sweet pistachios. Forest canopies are home to jaguars, white-nosed coatis, and javelinas, while blue skies are home to elegant trogons and hummingbirds. If you’re visiting in the fall, you can delight in butterfly season!
The San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge in Douglas provides year-round habitat for various wildlife and offers world-class birding and wildlife-watching opportunities. Along the northward-flowing San Pedro River, the Refuge forms part of a migration superhighway through Cochise County. A wide variety of birds make season-long stops in the Huachucas and along the riparian areas of Cochise County because of its near-tropical climate. Ramsey Canyon Preserve, located just minutes from downtown Sierra Vista, is one of the country’s best birding spots.
Outlaws and Apaches used the mountains as hideouts, vantage points for the army, and cool retreats for city dwellers. The region was also home to Geronimo, General Pershing, Johnny Ringo, and the Earp brothers, who left indelible legends in the area. Today, the Sky Islands still attract visitors interested in exploring the historical sites and small towns that dot the region.
Patagonia and Bisbee, former mining towns, offer charming main streets dotted with local restaurants and bars for a nibble, a libation, and some local lore. A 20-mile drive along the Geronimo Trail outside Douglas gives visitors a glimpse into the life of John Slaughter, a former Texas Ranger and Cochise County sheriff who purchased the property in 1884 and built it into a thriving southwestern cattle ranch despite being harassed by Geronimo and his band during their crossing.
Many of the mines in southeast Arizona have closed, but the ranches are still in operation, run by the original families’ descendants. In Douglas, a border and former copper-mining town with a rich history, the stately Gadsden Hotel was built in 1907 for visiting mining company executives. It is also home to the first international airport in the United States.
Southern Arizona’s Sky Islands are some of the world’s most incredible destinations for biodiversity. With their diverse habitats, towering mountains, and rich history, they offer visitors endless adventures and unforgettable experiences. Whether hiking the Arizona Trail, birdwatching in Ramsey Canyon, or exploring the historical sites and small towns that dot the region, there is something for everyone in the Sky Islands. However, it’s important to remember that the Sky Islands are a fragile ecosystem that requires our protection and preservation. By respecting and caring for these unique mountains, we can ensure that future generations will be able to experience their majesty and beauty for years to come.
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