(Belated) Southern Arizona Six-Day Trip in Early March

Question

I'm sorry: I am very late with turning in my homework. Here at last is my trip report for southern Arizona, within a day's drive of Tucson, where I traveled at the end of February and the first few days of March. Though close to record-setting in its lateness, I hope it may still be of use to someone who’s planning a sojourn in the region.

When: From Feb 23 to March 2, one week traveling south and east of Tucson, sadly without ever stopping in Tucson itself. Probably this report will be most useful for people staying in Tucson and making day trips.

Where: I flew in & out of Phoenix. I couldn’t get a direct flight to Tucson from JFK or LaGuardia, and the weather in late February and early March made me wary about taking connecting flights. People in Arizona kept saying to me, "It's been a weird winter."

This itinerary runs in a rough circle: From Phoenix, I drove south to Dragoon, then to Willcox, then to Tombstone and Bisbee, then Sonoita, and finally Casa Grande. From there, I drove to Phoenix on the morning of my afternoon flight home.

What: My interests were visiting historical sites, particularly those connected with the Apache Wars; hiking in some interesting landscapes; birding; eating Sonoran Mexican food; and soaking up the strong sunlight. Even though some mornings were frosty, and I walked in snow at some elevations, it wasn’t NY. Also, I collect Navajo and Zuni jewelry and am always up for looking at it, whether in shops or museums.

Answer

Thank you for sharing your detailed Southern Arizona trip report. Even though you didn’t stop in Tucson itself, your itinerary provides a helpful template for day trips or short excursions from the city. For anyone planning a six-day journey in early March, your report highlights a mix of history, nature, and culture that makes Southern Arizona so appealing.

Itinerary Overview:

Day 1 – Phoenix to Dragoon: Visiting historical sites related to the Apache Wars is an excellent start. The Dragoon Mountains offer scenic hiking opportunities and a chance to appreciate the desert landscape.
Day 2 – Dragoon to Willcox: Willcox is a hub for birding and local ranching culture. Morning frosts aside, the area provides great photographic landscapes.
Day 3 – Willcox to Tombstone: Tombstone is iconic for its Wild West history, with attractions like the OK Corral. Spending a full day here allows for both historical exploration and leisure walking through the old town.
Day 4 – Tombstone to Bisbee: Bisbee is a charming mining town with artistic flair, historic architecture, and galleries. Excellent for photography and shopping for local jewelry, particularly Native American pieces.
Day 5 – Bisbee to Sonoita: Sonoita is known for its vineyards and open landscapes. Great for tasting local wines and enjoying a quieter, scenic route.
Day 6 – Sonoita to Casa Grande and back to Phoenix: Casa Grande provides a convenient stop before returning to Phoenix. It also offers some historical and cultural points of interest along the way.

Highlights and Recommendations:

Historical Sites: Apache War sites, Tombstone’s OK Corral, and Bisbee’s mining heritage.
Hiking & Photography: Dragoon Mountains, Willcox landscapes, and the rolling vineyards near Sonoita.
Birding: Willcox and surrounding desert areas are excellent for spotting local species in late February and early March.
Food: Authentic Sonoran Mexican food is abundant in towns like Tombstone and Bisbee.
Shopping & Culture: Native American jewelry shopping in Bisbee and Sonoita; galleries and museums add depth to the experience.

Tips for Future Travelers:

Even if flying into Phoenix rather than Tucson, this circular itinerary is manageable in a week.
Early March can still be frosty, especially at higher elevations, so pack layers and suitable hiking gear.
Driving distances are reasonable for day trips, but allow extra time for photo stops and exploring small towns.
For those interested in history, a detailed map of Apache War sites and mining towns can enhance the experience.

Overall, this itinerary balances cultural, historical, and outdoor experiences well. Travelers with interests in hiking, photography, birding, and Southwestern history will find it particularly rewarding. While skipping Tucson itself, the route allows for a rich immersion in Southern Arizona's unique landscapes and heritage.