Adventure Outdoors Magazine Spring 2018 | Page 102

Discover
sierra vista’s
SUNNY SPRING,
ENDLESS SKIES,
AND AMAZING
PEAKS
While much of the country is recovering from winter weather
(or still fending off snow flurries), sierra vista, arizona is en-
joying early summer and bright, sunny days, perfect for get-
ting outdoors. and the soaring nearby Huachuca Mountains
beckon!
sierra vista lies about 19 miles, as the crow flies, north of
the arizona-Mexico border, with the Huachuca Mountains
skirting the line on the arizona side. this range rises
quickly from the valley floor to just over 9,000 feet. the
highest peak, Miller Peak, is at 9,465 feet, is the highest,
southernmost peak in the United states. the Huachuca’s
steep rise and narrow valleys have created sky islands,
diverse and unique ecosystems—among the most di-
verse in the world—that are geographically isolated by el-
evation and the distance to neighboring peaks.
and while “going south” is often connected with rising tem-
peratures, sierra vista, at 4,633 feet, enjoys a comfortable
climate all year long.
the interplay of geography and elevation make for killer
photo opps at sunset with blasts of orange, pink, and purple
banding across the Huachucas. Have your camera at the
ready; the light changes quickly.