BENSON - COCHISE
COUNTY, ARIZONA
|
BENSON,
ARIZONA was founded in 1880. It is located southeast
of  SLIDESHOWS |
| St. David - NATURE | MONASTERY | ART |
| St. David - FIESTA DE LA PRIMAVERA |
Benson
is situated in the San Pedro River Valley at approximately
3585 feet above sea level. Below Benson is the San Pedro River which
was explored by the Coronado Expedition. Today bird watchers explore
the San Pedro River Valley along the Benson Birding Trail.
If you're not watching birds, consider watching the stars in the
dark skies above, while staying at the Astronomer's
Inn.
Benson is known as the home to Kartchner
Caverns State Park, located nine miles south. 
Kartchner
Caverns were discovered by two cavers in 1974, and opened to the
public in 1988. The caverns have been listed as one of the top ten
caves in the world.
Other attractions include the movie-studio set, Gammons Gulch, and nearby Texas Canyon. Texas Canyon is located just east of Benson, AZ on I-10. It is known for its large granite boulders, frequented by rock climbers and photographers.
Aside from hiking and birding, other recreational activities include golfing at Benson's San Pedro Golf Course and Turquoise Hills Family Golf Center.
Just east of Benson is the town of DRAGOON,
located in the Dragoon Mountains. Dragoon is home
of The Amerind
Foundation -
Museum of Native American Archaeology, Art, History, and Culture.
Interesting and beautiful boulders decorate the landscape. The Triangle
T Guest Ranch offers relaxing and scenic accommodations in Dragoon.
Not
far from Dragoon is the small town of PEARCE,
Arizona. You can stay at Cochise
Stronghold Bed & Breakfast or the Grapevine
Canyon Guest Ranch as you explore Cochise Stronghold. Cochise
Stronghold is in the Dragoon Mountains, located within the Coronado
National Forest, just west of SUNSITES,
AZ. These sheer cliffs and large granite formations
were once the refuge of the great Apache Chief, Cochise, and his
people. Pearce has golfing at Shadow Mountain Country Club, and
you can even visit the Pearce
Ghost Town. This is just one of many Arizona
Ghost Towns in Cochise County.
South of Benson is ST. DAVID, where The Holy Trinity Monastery is located. Each year they host The Fiesta de la Primavera and Festival of the Arts. When you go, plan on spending the day. Consider taking the Bid Trail from the Monastery parking lot and walk down to the San Pedro River (see our slide show above).
Other St. David art can be seen at Gallery of Dreams.The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area starts in St. David, Arizona and extends to the Mexico border. While visiting the festivals, or exploring the Conservation Area, you can hang your hat and stay in one of the theme rooms at Down By The River B & B.
For more information on this area, visit Benson-San Pedro Valley Chamber of Commerce, Benson Visitor Center, Cochise County, and the Pearce-Sunsites Chamber.
Thanks for Visiting
Pictures/Photos of Benson, Arizona
A Visitors Guide to ARIZONA's COCHISE
COUNTY
