Local Attractions
                                                              
                                                             
There is so much to do here - we are centrally located to all                                                                          
major attractions:

Animal Sanctuary  (400 feet).  www.rrheartranch.com
Located in the scenic hills of Canelo, Whispers Sanctuary provides a
place of peace and healing for horses, burros and other animals.  
Operating as a nonprofit 501(c)3 the sanctuary is dedicated to offering
alternative solutions to these animals which often are slaughtered for
human consumption in Europe and Asia.  Free guided tours are
available upon request.

                                                     Arizona Trail - (4 miles).
                                                    www.aztrail.org/at_about.html
                                                    The dream of Flagstaff teacher and hiking enthusiast Dale
                                                    Shewalter, is a nearly 800 mile non-motorized trail that traverses
                                                    the State from Mexico to Utah. The Arizona Trail is intended to be a
                                                    primitive, long distance trail that highlights the state's topographic,  
                                                    biologic, historic and cultural diversity. Jody Sixkiller captured the
                                                    Trail's beauty and wonder in her song... The Arizona Trail. Primary
                                                    users are hikers, equestrians mountain bicyclists, cross-country
                                                    skiers, snowshoers, joggers and pack stock users.

Black Oak Cemetery - (2 miles).  http://www.geocities.com/vpchuck/
A well known pioneer cemetery that is still in use.  Black Oak Cemetery is located in Canelo, (Canille) Arizona,
Santa Cruz County, Arizona, on Highway 83.  It is almost 14 miles from the junction of Highways 82 & 83, about
1/2 mile from mile marker 18. After you have entered into the Coronado National Forest

Canelo Cowboy Church – (1 mile).  http://www.canelocowboychurch.org/
Open Sundays 9am – Located in the historic one-room Canille schoolhouse built in 1912.  Please join Pastor Steve
Lindsey and some of the best live Christian Blue grass music in the state.  The third Sunday of each month is
reserved for Rodeo Ranch Family Fun Days at the nearby Sonoita Fairgrounds starting at 8 AM.  

Canelo Project - (2 miles).  http://www.caneloproject.com/
The Canelo Project is a small non-profit organization founded in 1989. They are dedicated to the exploration and
development of living systems, including growing food and building that creates friendship, beauty and simplicity.
They are known primarily for work in Straw bale and other natural building techniques.

Coronado National Forest – (25 feet).   www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/
The forest covers 1,780,000 acres of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Elevations range from
3,000 feet to 10,720 feet in twelve widely scattered mountain ranges or "sky islands" that rise dramatically from the
desert floor, supporting plant communities as biologically diverse as those encountered on a trip from Mexico to
Canada.  The mountains are the real treasures of Arizona.  They rise like islands in the sea of desert.  Their
heights pierce the rain and clouds bringing an oasis to what would be other than a dry desert climate.

Elgin - Wine Country  (5 miles).  www.arizonawines.com/vineyards.html
The area has many microclimate zones boasting
warm sunny days and cool nights, ideal
conditions for growing grapes. Arizona’s wine
grapes are primarily grown south east of Tucson
in a grassy expanse speckled with oaks,
eucalyptus and gum trees all supported by a
wonderful rich red soil. Climate and soil studies
have revealed this region is similar to Ribera Del
Duero, Spain, Southeastern Australia, Southern
France and is almost identical to that of Paso
Robles, California. There are now 7 local
wineries in the area open to the public with
5 more under development.    

Fishing  (11 miles).  www.azgfd.gov/h_f/waters_parker_canyon_lake.shtml
March 7th - PARKER CANYON — The lake is full.  Fishing remains slow for most folks, but we have cracked the
code on getting your limit based on guest reports - there are plenty of trout to be caught.  Here's what you need to
do - late evening and early morning are producing fish.     Call 520- 455-9246 to book a room!  We have free ice!

Fort Huachuca - (6 miles).  http://huachuca-www.army.mil/sites/local/
Many people stay at Whisper's Ranch B&B due to the close location to the Fort.  Whether attending a school TDY
or visiting your son/daughter at Advanced Individual Training (AIT), we are an ideal location for a short or extended
stay visit  Fort Huachuca is a product of the Indian Wars of the 1870s and 1880s. In February 1877, Colonel August
B. Kautz, commander of the Department of Arizona, ordered that a camp be established in the Huachuca
Mountains. This camp would offer protection to settlers and travel routes in southeastern Arizona while
simultaneously blocking the traditional Apache escape routes through the San Pedro and Santa Cruz valleys to
sanctuary in Mexico. A temporary camp was established at the post’s current location on March 3, 1877, by Captain
Samuel Marmaduke Whitside with two companies of the 6th Cavalry. The site was selected because it had fresh
running water, an abundance of trees, excellent observation in three directions, and protective high ground for
security against Apache tactical methods. Camp Huachuca was redesignated a fort in 1882.

Ghost Towns - (10 miles).  www.ghosttowns.com/states/az/azsantacruz.html
The deserts of Arizona hide many ghost towns.  Southern Arizona, Santa Cruz and Cochise County have more than
its fair share, thanks to the boom-and-bust silver trade of the late 19th and early 20th century.  Some of the towns
that flourished in those days -- Tombstone and Bisbee, for example -- still flourish today, due in no small part to the
efforts of residents.  Most others are in their own individual state of decay; some are relatively well preserved, some
stand as a shell of what they once were, and still others have vanished without a trace.

Gift Shop - (on site).  www.azranchgifts.com
Your source for Western, Southwestern, and horse-themed decor and gifts. We have hand-selected a variety of
products to ensure great quality and great value. Whether you live in the West or just love the West and horses, we
hope you enjoy this site.  At Ranch Gifts, we don't just love horses... we are committed to helping them. We are
assisting Whisper's Sanctuary, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit lifetime sanctuary for unwanted and retired horses by featuring
fundraising items to benefit the Sanctuary. All profits from sales of Sanctuary merchandise are donated to the
Sanctuary. Additionally, we donate to the Sanctuary 5% of the total amount of your other purchases, at no cost to
you. Shop and help this very worthwhile charitable organization. To learn more about the Sanctuary, visit www.
rrheartranch.com

Golf - (12 miles).  http://www.mwrhuachuca.com/mtview.html
Mountain View Golf Course offers 18 scenic holes, a putting green, driving range and a par-3 practice hole. The
Pro Shop offers a wide variety of equipment, accessories and clothing. Rental equipment such as clubs and carts
are also available. Facilities and services include men’s and woman’s locker rooms, a clubhouse and lessons by the
course professional. You can get a quick bite to eat at the 19th Hole Clubhouse. The course is open to the public.
For more information call 533-7088.

Horseback Riding - (8 miles). http://horse-pack-trips.gordonsguide.com/coronadooutfitters/index.cfm
or www.horsebackexperience.com/  Explore the region with exciting horseback riding in the heart of Arizona's wine
country, San Rafael Valley, and Coronado National Forest.

Kartchner Caverns – (39 miles).  www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/parkhtml/kartchner.html  Tour a living cave and
experience Kartchner Caverns is a stunning limestone cavern system in Southeastern Arizona discovered in 1974
by two amateur cavers from Tucson. It is host to world-class cave formations considered to be the best of their kind
in the world.

Madera Canyon – (25 miles). www.birdingamerica.com/Arizona/maderacanyon.htm
More than 200 species of birds visit this internationally renowned canyon.  Each year thousands of birders see
them among the oak, juniper and sycamore along the stony creek which serves as a trailhead to Mt. Wrightson
Wilderness.

Mountain Biking - (200 feet).  Not listed on any popular website, the old Nogales to
Tombstone wagon trail serves as a trailhead for a nearby excellent bike trail that is
more than 12 miles long and follows a beautiful ridge line over looking the Lyle Canyon,
Parker Canyon and San Rafael Valley.  

Museums - (9 miles).  http://huachuca-www.army.mil/HISTORY/museum.htm
The fascinating history of the U.S. Army in the Southwest, as well as the history of the
Southwest itself, unfolds at the Fort Huachuca Historical Museum. Opened in 1960, the museum has grown rapidly
and now houses one of the most representative collections in the state.  The museum, in building 41401, is open to
the public without charge. Civilian visitors are welcome. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and
1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. A leisurely walk through the museum has proven to be an enriching and
stimulating experience for the thousands of guests who visit each month.

Nature Conservancy - Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve – (25 miles). www.nature.
org/wherewework/northamerica/states/arizona/preserves/art1972.html
Best known for the 300 different types of bird species observed and is one of the few remaining sites in Arizona
where the once-common forest type still exists.  Joseph Wood Krutch, the distinguished American naturalist once
noted that “no other area in Arizona is more deserving of preservation.”

Nature Conservancy - Ramsey Canyon – (24 miles).  www.nature.
org/wherewework/northamerica/states/arizona/preserves/art1973.html
Ramsey Canyon, located within the Upper San Pedro River Basin in southeastern Arizona, is renowned for its
outstanding scenic beauty and the diversity of its plant and animal life. This diversity—including such highlights as
the occurrence of up to 14 species of hummingbirds—is the result of a unique interplay of geology, biogeography,
topography, and climate.

Nogales, Mexico – (48 miles).  www.gotosonora.com/nogales-son-mx.htm
Nogales is the main port of entry to Mexico. This border city owes it flourishing, historical development and current
growth to international commerce. Nogales is named after a ranch that achieved world-wide fame during the
colonial period and was located southeast of the present city of Nogales, Sonora. The city of Nogales arose
spontaneously near the point at which the American transcontinental railroad connected the railroad of Sonora, a
project completed in 1882.

Parker Canyon Lake – (11 miles).  www.azgfd.gov/h_f/waters_parker_canyon_lake.shtml
This popular spot near the Huachuca Mountains offers bluegill, bass, perch, trout, and catfish.  It is a year-round
attraction that is a delight as part of the region’s “mountain oasis.”  It is also a favorite place to hike which according
to Bob Wynne "is 5.3 miles and suggests starting at the boat ramp and go counter-clock wise (north to start)
around the lake  -- we were at 5400ft with some but not many elevation changes.  The trail has a few  
places to watch for footing but ---  no big deal  --  Beautiful looks!!!!"

Patagonia – (28 miles).  www.patagoniaaz.com
Step Back...to a place steeped in the mining, ranching, and railroad history that built the West. Step back to a place
where residents share stories at the post office and local businesses are still owned by local people.

Petroglyphs - (10 miles).  Ancient Indian art dating from approximately
1000-1400 AD.  A single-lane mountain road takes you to the top of Garden
Canyon, where a short walk and a climb up "board-walk" steps lead the visitor to a
good view of some prehistoric rock paintings. Although a chain-link fence protects
them, there are framed openings to allow unobstructed viewing and photography
of the paintings. Your B&B hosts will tell you how to find these hidden ancient art.

Realtor - (16 miles). http://www.sonoitarealty.com/
Sonoita Realty has properties for sale in the Sonoita, Patagonia, and Elgin area. Our friendly and helpful real
estate agents will be happy to assist you. Contact us for a COMPLETE GUIDE to all properties listed for sale in the
Patagonia, Elgin and Sonoita or Request More Info to ask for details on any of the properties in the area or to get a
free profile sheet on our community. 520-455-5321/866-805-8700

Restaurants - We highly recommend the following establishments.  

Research Ranch – (3 miles).  www.audubon.org/local/sanctuary/appleton/
A cooperative partnership among the National Audubon Society, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management,
The Nature Conservancy, and The Research Ranch Foundation. The Research Ranch provides 3 key functions:
ecosystem conservation, research, and regional education and outreach.

San Rafael Valley - (5 miles).  www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/arizona/preserves/art1942.html
Sky islands are mountain archipelagos separated by basins of plains and semi-desert grasslands. The sky island
mountains of this ecoregion contain a high mammal diversity, which includes nearly 100 species. It is the only
mountain complex in the world that spans the temperate and subtropical latitudes. The result is an extremely rich
biological community where Rocky Mountain flora and fauna meet that of Sierra Madre.

San Rafael Ranch Natural Area (9 miles).  http://www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/parkhtml/sanrafael.html
New Arizona State Park under development.  The rolling short-grass prairie of the San Rafael Valley is one of the
last places left in the West where the eye can roam free across vistas of lush land. This new Arizona State Park will
inspire your soul. There are no electric wires, electric lines or paved highways to bring you into the 20th century.
Only a natural riparian landscape snaking along the Santa Cruz River focuses your attention away from the
majestic far away views. On the lower portion of this 35-square-mile area sits the stately pre-territorial ranch house
with its historic surround-house porches, barns and windmills.

Sonoita-Elgin – (14 miles).  www.patagoniaaz.com/sonoita_elgin.html   
The grasslands are vast and dotted with vineyards, and cattle,
Brahma bulls, pronghorn antelope, and horses complete the landscape.
The communities are diverse, yet the binding ideals are an
appreciation of the beautiful countryside and a deep respect for
individuality.  Film makers have chosen the area's old west
atmosphere and beauty of the area for several films.

Swimming - (16/32 miles).  www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/parkhtml/patagonia.html
Arizona, Swimming and Beach usually are words not used in the same sentence in Arizona.  Patagonia Lake State
Park conveniences include picnic ramadas, a swimming beach, and a marina store with boat rentals. Because the
lake attracts a multitude of water sports enthusiasts during summer months, water skiing, jet skis or towing a
recreational device is prohibited on weekends and holidays from May 1 through September 31st.  There is also an
indoor heated pool that is 16 miles away - bring your suit!

Tubac – (61 miles).  www.tubacaz.com/
Tubac was established in 1752 as a Spanish presidio (fort). Working artists' studios now surround the grounds
which once served as the home for a Spanish military garrison. Tubac remembers its origins at the Tubac Presidio
State Historic Park located in the village's Old Town, and no visit to Tubac is complete without a stop at the State
Park.

Tombstone – (54 miles).  www.cityoftombstone.com/
"The Town too Tough to Die," Tombstone was perhaps the most renowned of Arizona's old mining camps. When Ed
Schieffelin (SHEF•e•lin) came to Camp Huachuca (hwah•CHEW•kuh) with a party of soldiers and left the fort to
prospect, his comrades told him that he'd find his tombstone rather than silver. Thus, in 1877 Schieffelin named his
first claim the Tombstone, and rumors of rich strikes made a boomtown of the settlement that adopted this name.  
Days of lawlessness and violence, which nearly had then-President Chester A. Arthur declaring martial law in
Tombstone and sending in military troops to restore order, climaxed with the infamous Earp-Clanton battle, fought
near the rear entrance of the O.K. Corral, on October 26, 1881.

Water Skiing - (32 miles).  http://publiclands.org/explore/site.php?id=578&PHPSESSID=2eb0a
At two and a half miles long and 250 surface acres, Patagonia Lake is popular for a variety of recreational activities,
including water skiing, fishing, camping, picnicking, and hiking. Because the lake attracts a multitude of water lovers
during summer months, water skiing and jet skiing are prohibited on weekends from May - September.

Wine tasting - (5 miles).  www.arizonawine.org/vineyards.html
Photograph by Ty Holland
Photograph by Guy Atchley
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