Posted on 01/22/2017 5:55:37 AM PST by SandRat
Newly installed signs share Sierra Vista’s status as a gateway to the Arizona Trail, inspiring residents and visitors alike to explore this key outdoor recreation asset that begins at the international border with Mexico and meanders over 800 miles north to Utah.
The City recently installed signs at each end of Buffalo Soldier Trail, completing a project initially spurred by Bernie Stalmann, a local resident who is a longtime member of the Arizona Trail Association board of directors. Sierra Vista is the fifth of 33 gateway communities in the state to install these signs provided by the Arizona Trail Association.
“The Arizona Trail Gateway Community Program helps cities and towns like Sierra Vista to harness the potential of Arizona’s thriving ecotourism and outdoor recreation industries,” says Matthew Nelson, executive director of the Arizona Trail Association. “Arizona’s natural resources are unparalleled and much of what our state has to offer is still relatively unknown.”
The Arizona Trail connects world-renowned attractions like the Grand Canyon with the varied ecosystems, terrains, and communities that make Arizona an extraordinarily beautiful and uncommonly diverse destination to explore from top to bottom.
“Being the nearest gateway community to the southern end of the Arizona Trail, Sierra Vista is an ideal spot for hikers to spend a night or two as they plan their trek,” City of Sierra Vista Marketing and Public Affairs Manager Judy Hector says. “Surrounded by mountains, our community boasts ample amenities and an ideal climate for many forms of outdoor recreation like cycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking.”
The Arizona Trail Association shares printed materials and online information about the trail’s gateway communities, so hikers can take advantage of nearby gas stations, grocery stores, lodging, and restaurants. It encourages hikers to explore these communities and their surrounding areas to experience the many natural, cultural, and historic treasures the state has to offer.
About the Arizona Trail
The Arizona Trail is one of 11 National Scenic Trails approved by Congress and one of three that have been completed. It stretches about 807 miles and passes by 33 gateway communities in Arizona.
The trail begins in the Coronado National Memorial and climbs into the Huachuca Mountains. Here it heads west to pass by Canelo Hills and Patagonia, before turning north on its long journey to the Utah state line west of Page. To learn more about the trail, go to www.aztrail.org.
nice post. thanks
Begins at the international border to mexico and meanders 800 miles to Utah. Sounds like a nicely marked trail for illegal immigrants.
Probably 20-25 years ago, I worked with a government civilian on a contract with USAEPG and I was in and around Sierra Vista and the Fort quite a lot.
On one of my trips, he took me to the Officers Club for a meeting of the Cowboy Poets Society where they had a special presentation by a historian dressed in the full regalia of a Fort soldier stationed there around the tumultuous times of Geronimo and the ensuing army efforts.
He was dressed, spoke and acted like a soldier of the time. He described SV and its environs (which to me seemed more idyllic and GREENER than the current times - maybe a by product now of corralling the Colorado River at Hoover Dam?). Regardless, it was a fascinating experience and to see the tough heavy woolen overcoats and uniforms, sabers, guns, etc. was a treat.
Porta-potties and watering stations along the way? Signs in Spanish?
I will always remember the Huachuca Mountains as the only place I’ve ever visited in my world travels where the rattle snakes were actually protected, and you could go to jail if you killed one of the little critters.
Yes, Arizonans love their rattle snakes.
http://jrreptile.tripod.com/id44.htm
What the heck is a Gateway Community? A rest stop for illegals?
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