One of Arizona's largest military installations, Fort Huachuca was established in 1877 and continues as an active military post. The fort was the headquarters of the 4th Cavalry patrols that pursued Geronimo and his band of Chiricahua Apache, and ultimately brought about their surrender in 1886.
Fort Huachuca also served as home of the famous "Buffalo Soldiers" who, among other exploits, chased Pancho Villa in 1916 following attacks on Columbus, New Mexico. Today, Fort Huachuca is an important military intelligence and communications center, and the expansive installation helps manage and protect important biological diversity on and adjacent to the Huachuca Mountains.
Located within Fort Huachuca, some call Garden Canyon the single most beautiful canyon in the Huachuca Mountains. This high desert landscape offers creeks, ponds, forests, waterfalls, and numerous side canyons.
We go mainly for the birds, which can include Cassin's and Botteri's sparrows (best located while they are singing during July and August), Montezuma Quail, Gould's Turkey, Acorn Woodpecker, Mexican Jay, Elegant Trogon, Sulphur-bellied and Buff-breasted Flycatchers, Painted Redstart, Red-faced Warbler, Grace's Warbler, Mexican Spotted Owl, Hammond's Flycatcher, Hutton's Vireo, Bridled Titmouse, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Towhee, Song Sparrow, Black Phoebe, Pacific Wren (Southern), Black-throated Grey Warbler, and Chipping Sparrow.
Common reptiles include the Yarrow's and Clark's spiny lizards, desert grassland whiptail, Sonoran spotted whiptail, Sonoran whipsnake, Sonoran mountain kingsnake, rock rattlesnake, and black-tailed rattlesnake.
Mammals seen may include white-tailed deer, pronghorn, javelina, coatimundi, and black bear.
At the top of Garden Canyon, a short walk and a climb up q boardwalk leads to a good view of prehistoric rock paintings.
The road to Garden Canyon is closed occasionally because of military maneuvers. However, other canyons on the fort, including Huachuca and Blacktail, also offer excellent bird and wildlife viewing opportunities. read more