I'm about to let you in on Sierra Vista's best-kept secret:
The San Pedro River.
Coming from Sierra Vista, drive east on Fry Blvd (hwy 90) toward Bisbee. You'll pass Moson Rd. Keep going. Just before you hit the line of thriving cottonwoods that mark the river's path, take a right (it's marked: San Pedro Riparian).
Park in front of the San Pedro House (an old-school homestead place, converted into a fantastic bookstore that highlights local interests--including a
great kid's section).
Walk down toward the river (bring your jogging stroller for the littlest ones--it's a bit of a walk). Around monsoon time, the river is raging and it's fun to see it from a distance. But in calmer months, we take the path down to the river and throw in rocks, explore the paths, etc.
Our dog loves this place, too. And it's never crowded.
If you're not in the mood to go all the way down to the river, stroll around the house. They've got labeled foliage and a few shady Ramadas. And the biggest tree my daughters have ever seen.
This site is a bird-watcher's dream. I bought my oldest daughter a foldout of local birds and we try to identify the ones that flock to the feeders around the house.
Check the schedule at the
Friends of the San Pedro River. They've always got great events going. Last fall, we saw a bald eagle and held a snake and took a Clydesdale wagon ride!
The only open building has been converted into a mock schoolhouse, surrounded by displays of other interesting artifacts. Kids are welcome to draw on the chalkboard and sit in the desks.
