Huachuca Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Huachuca Mountains |
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View from Miller Wilderness area of the Huachuca Mountains
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Miller Peak (Arizona) |
| Elevation | 9,466 ft (2,885 m) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 38 mi (61 km) North to South |
| Width | 34 mi (55 km) East to West Extent includes low land hills and valleys |
| Area | 755 sq mi (1,960 km2) |
| Geography | |
 Location in Arizona
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| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| Region | Madrean Sky Islands |
| District | Cochise County |
| Range coordinates | 31°24′N 110°18′W / 31.400°N 110.300°W |
The Huachuca Mountains are a beautiful mountain range in southeastern Arizona, in Cochise County. They are part of the Coronado National Forest. These mountains are about 70 miles (113 km) south of Tucson and southwest of Sierra Vista.
The highest point in the Huachuca Mountains is Miller Peak, which stands tall at 9,466 feet (2,885 meters). The second highest is Carr Peak, at 9,200 feet (2,804 meters). The mountains get their name from a Pima village that used to be nearby.
You can find the Coronado National Memorial on the southeastern side of the mountains, close to the Mexico–United States border. This area includes Montezuma Pass, which might have been where explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado entered Arizona way back in 1540. The mountains even stretch a little bit into Sonora, Mexico.
Contents
Plants of the Huachuca Mountains
The types of plants you see in the Huachuca Mountains change as you go higher up.
- At lower elevations, you'll find desert plants like whitethorn scrub and different kinds of grasses.
- As you climb higher, you'll start to see oak trees.
- At the very top, you'll find tall pine trees, like ponderosa pine and Apache pine.
Mountain Weather
The weather in the Huachuca Mountains changes a lot between the base and the peaks.
- Average yearly rainfall:
- 20 inches (51 cm) on the peaks
- 15 inches (38 cm) at the base
- Average winter temperatures (Fahrenheit):
- Highs around 35°F (2°C) and lows around 20°F (-7°C) on the peaks
- Highs around 60°F (16°C) and lows around 35°F (2°C) at the base
- Average summer temperatures (Fahrenheit):
- Highs around 75°F (24°C) and lows around 50°F (10°C) on the peaks
- Highs around 95°F (35°C) and lows around 65°F (18°C) at the base
Fun Things to Do
Hiking Adventures
The Huachuca Mountains are a great place for hiking and scenic drives. Some roads are narrow and winding, but they lead to amazing views. This rugged area covers about 20,190 acres (81.7 square kilometers) with high summits, steep cliffs, and deep canyons.
Many trails climb up the sides of the mountains to the Miller Peak Wilderness. As you hike, you might spot some rare butterflies and unique plants that are usually found further south. Trails start from different canyons like Ash, Miller, Carr, and Ramsey. There's also the 11.5-mile (18.5 km) Crest Trail that connects many other trails. In total, there are about 50 trails to explore!
Birdwatching Paradise
If you love birds, this area is perfect! The Huachuca Mountains are famous for their amazing birdwatching opportunities. You can see many special Arizona birds here, including different kinds of hummingbirds, trogons, and tyrant flycatchers.
Some of the rare hummingbirds you might spot include the blue-throated, white-eared, and berylline hummingbirds. You could also see buff-breasted flycatchers, and colorful warblers like the black-throated gray, red-faced, and Grace's warblers. Plus, there are red crossbills and many other bird species flying around.
Border Wall Concerns
The natural environment of the Huachuca Mountains has faced challenges due to a border barrier being built. This barrier, made of shipping containers, was placed on land managed by the United States Forest Service.
Many environmental groups and scientists are worried about this construction. They say it could harm endangered animals like jaguars and ocelots by blocking their movement. This concern led to legal action because it might go against laws like the Endangered Species Act, which protects wildlife.
The construction of these container walls is expected to stop. The new governor of Arizona, Katie Hobbs, has said she plans to have the containers removed.
Gallery
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View from Montezuma Pass looking south & west into Mexico
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View from Montezuma Pass looking east
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The Huachuca Mountains, as seen from across San Rafael Valley in the Patagonia Mountains
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Northern portion of the Huachuca Mountains in the winter
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Miller Canyon
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View of Carr Peak (middle left) and Ramsey Peak (right) in the Huachuca Mountains
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View of Hereford from inside of Miller Canyon
