Our region is so packed full of unique and interesting natural and historical sites, some of which we’ve visited and others of which are still on our list.
I’ve been thinking about this for two reasons. One is that we are having some visitors here this month. The other is that I am excited about the idea of doing some projects with local school kids around some of these sites. Being a fairly remote location, a lot of kids think it’s boring to living here and that anywhere would be better. On the other hand, a lot of us adults have chosen to live here because it is such an interesting place. Kids here (many of whom have never seen these sites) should get a vision of why it’s a cool place.
So here’s a list of some of the sites, just in case you’re wondering.
Within 2 hours
Chiricahua National Monument
Our favorite…we take every visitor here and never tire of it.
Fort Bowie
Haven’t been there yet but are looking forward to it probably later this month. Update – we’ve been and liked it a lot
Shakespeare Ghost Town
Again, haven’t been there yet…hoping to go for the re-enactment weekend later this month. (I’m leaving Tombstone off this list…I hear it’s grotesquely commercial, and Brad won’t go anyway.) – Update: We’ve been to the Shakespeare ghost town; interesting, a bit touristy, but good if you like this kind of thing….and some day, I want to go to Tombstone; a free beer goes to whoever comes and wants to go with me.
Kartcher Caverns
Haven’t been
Within 4 hours
Gila Cliff Dwellings
See recent post
The Catwalk Trail
Haven’t been (nor to Glenwood), north of Silver City Update: visited briefly; another stop if you go up this way is Pietown
City of Rocks State Park
Near Deming…haven’t been there yet, but maybe this month. Events calendar looks intriguing. Update – we’ve been and liked it a lot
Saguaro National Park
Have driven through it, not sure how much more there is to see
(Also in Tucson is the San Xavier del Bac mission. I think there are other missions around here, especially near El Paso, but I need to research.)
Within 6+ hours
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
One of my personal favs; see video of the fly out. Brad hasn’t been. We will definitely go again when the bird count gets good this year.
Carlsbad Caverns
Haven’t been
Sedona
A bit farther afield (but definitely on the list)
Grand Canyon (8 hours)
Big Bend (8 hours)
I’ll add to this list as new things come to my attention. – Update: a few more things here, here and here.