Southern AZ in winter - things to see and do?

[John_S2]

My DW and I have plans to travel through southern part of AZ in Feb. And are looking for things to see and do. What highlights should we be sure not to miss? Will be visiting family and friends in Tucson and Phoenix but will be on our own mostly to tour.

Heading through AZ from East To West.

Appreciate any and all suggestion.

Thanks,

John S

[John_S2]

Looks like they put a nice shelter over the Casa Grande ruins..

[RWDIII]

dbbls wrote:
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Coolidge. Hear the story about the prehistoric culture that lived in that area until the mid 1400'. Also Pueblo Grande in Phoenix.

By all means,check out the Casa Grande ruins,good day trip no camping

[John_S2]

Wow, thanks for all the great suggestions. Am getting excited!!! Any others that were missed?

[djsamuel]

harley-dave wrote:
Also if you like trains look at the Verde Valley train out of Clarkdale/Cottonwood. much better IMHO than the train at Williams.

Verde Valley train

Dave

I really liked the Verde Canyon RR. I've never ridden the Grand Canyon RR, but it does not sound as good. How do they compare?

[harley-dave]

Also if you like trains look at the Verde Valley train out of Clarkdale/Cottonwood. much better IMHO than the train at Williams.

Verde Valley train

Dave

[soricobob]

Depending when in February, but the Gem and Jewelry Show is the biggest in the world (and goes for a month). Not just for women, and it takes over the entire city of Tucson. Outside of Tucson, try Tombstone, Karchner Caverns, Bisbee, and Fort Huachua.

[TexasShadow]

All of the above, BUT...
South of Wilcox is the Cochise Stronghold National Monument, with campgrounds, but no dump station, but worth a day or two of your time and exploration.
Next is Kartchner Caverns State Park, south of Benson about 9 miles. nice caverns and great campground. South of there is Ft. Huachuca, historical, etc. and south of that is a huge old copper and gold mine at Bisbee with the old town still there for us tourists.
Tucson has lots to see, San Xavier and Tubac Missions are south. The rock and gem show might be going on in early February. There's a big rodeo in early Feb.

[JohnInAz]

If you are into the 'old west' I recommend Ft Bowie (but you will need to go by car), and Tombstone. Near Tombstone to the west is Fairbanks which is a ghost town with some buildings being restored. Bisbee is a really interesting mining town southeast of Tombstone.

[Janss]

If you like caves, definitely visit Kartchner Caverns State Park near Benson. I also like the Queen Mine Tour in Bisbee.

[StephJohn2010]

Biosphere 2

[dbbls]

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Coolidge. Hear the story about the prehistoric culture that lived in that area until the mid 1400'. Also Pueblo Grande in Phoenix.

[DannyA]

Southern AZ, I would go to Bisbee and Tombstone for sure.
If you should get to the north go by Monument Valley, beautiful.
I love Arizona, so much to see and so different, from Tucson to Flagstaff is so very different. You will love it.

[Lauren]

We live in Sahuarita - look at Madera Canyon and Mt. Wrightson from our backyard - neat area for hiking and wildlife and birds (one of the top places in the nation).

Lots of good suggestions here except one - the train ride from Williams is a waste of time and money. Lose a good day you could be doing something useful.
(Go ahead - ask me how I REALLY feel! 🙂 )

[DesertFront]

This place is AWESOME
http://www.desertmuseum.org

And if you're a history buff
tubac presidio