Scenic Drives
Arizona Highway 83 (Sonoita to
Montezuma Pass)
The drive from Sonoita to Montezuma Pass passes through an area of
rolling hills and shallow canyons where distant mountain ranges mark
the horizons. About midway
through the drive, Parker Canyon Lake makes a good place to stop to walk and
relax near the lake’s blue waters. If you’re not in a hurry, you
might want to take time out to do a little birdwatching, too. A trail that
follows the shoreline provides good opportunities to see a variety of waterfowl
that
are usually present on the lake and occasionally a bald eagle or osprey soaring
over it.
Most of the countryside you’ll pass through on this drive is ranching country.
The extensive grasslands that cover this area have been used for grazing livestock
since Spanish missionaries first brought cattle into the area in the late 17th
and early 18th century. As you wind in and out of the shallow canyons that cut
this 5,000 foot high plateau, you’ll see a number of ranch houses just
off the roadside or tucked away among the trees.
After leaving the lake, the drive angles steadily toward the Huachuca
Mountains, and the higher peaks of that range come into view. Miller,
Carr and Granite
peaks are just a few you may be able to identify. The route winds to the
top of Montezuma
Pass, where you’ll be a lot closer to those mountaintops and be able
to enjoy panoramic views that stretch well into Mexico. If you have any film
left
you can use it up here before you continue into Sierra Vista.
Attractions:
Rolling hills/high mountains
Beautiful lake
Great views
Watchable wildlife
Ranching country
Camping/picnicking/hiking
Location: Southeast from the historic ranching town of Sonoita to the
top of Montezuma Pass.
Access: From Tucson: Drive 21 miles east on I-10 to AZ Highway 83
then 27 miles south to Sonoita. Continue south on AZ 83 to Parker
Canyon Lake,
where
AZ Highway
83 ends and FR 48 begins. Take FR 48 to FR 61 (turn left) and continue
to Montezuma Pass.
From Sierra Vista: Drive 14 miles south on AZ Highway 92, following
signs into the Coronado National Memorial. Drive to the top of
Montezuma Pass
and you're
on your way.
Mileage/Driving Time: 50 miles; 2 hours.
Season: Open year round.
Road Conditions: 25 miles paved, 25 dirt. Suitable for all vehicles.
For further information contact: Sierra
Vista Ranger District.
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