Brown Canyon Ranch — Attraction in Sierra Vista

I finally made it out to Brown Canyon Ranch. It was roughly a mile drive down the dirt road, in Coronado national Forest. it is located about a half a mile East of the Huachuca mountains. Right at the edge of the foothills. There are some trees. Rolling golden landscape, with beautiful views of the mountains. Majestic Foothills. And I think you can see just a teeny bit of Carr Peak peeking out. Beautiful view of Huachuca Peak, with a windmill great photography opportunities.

The Old Ranch House, is open, and there are some furnishings, and housewares, a fireplace and several rooms it was kind of museum-like and cool. There's a wrap around porch that goes partially around the building. With benches under a shady roof. And vistas of mostly Huachuca Peak, and some Majestic views of close by Foothills. There are several hiking trails. There is not a lot of shade. Except right at the ranch house there is shade and several cottonwoods and benches in the shade.

There are several hiking trails in all directions, some up to the mountains Brown Canyon trail, which connects eventually with, the Hamburg trail and leads to the summit of Carr Peak. There are other trails that lead back towards Sierra Vista. And there is a trail that leads to the INS security balloon blimp. Which is kind of cool you can see it behind The farmhouse when it is grounded. I had a great time here. I would not recommend coming here on a hot day it would be unpleasant. This would be a great place to come in the winter to hike the spring and the fall, keep in mind if you're hiking there will be no shade, at least for a half a mile till you get up into the mountains, there is an outhouse picnic tables, trash can, no water, fair cell phone service. The place seems to be very popular with local Sierra Vista and Hereford cyclists. As it is only about 1 mile, to Cherokee Street, and then only another half mile to Buffalo soldier trail, if you go by way of hiking trails. It is much further to town by car. I'd say it's about 10 miles...

Brown Canyon Ranch is a beautiful hiking area with sweeping views of the Huachuca Mountains, the town of Sierra Vista, and the valley beyond. This is a spectacular spot for sunset views! You can park for free at the main entrance and walk down the road to the ranch for free, or drive along the dirt road (wide and flat, any car should be able to drive through) and pay a few dollars at the ranch itself (ample parking). There's an old ranch house that you can walk around in, a toilet, some picnic tables, a windmill, and a small pond with beautiful cottonwood trees. From there, you can bike/ hike through any of the extensive paths that branch off from the ranch. Would highly recommend - my family and I walk our dog there multiple times a week when we come to visit!

Negative: If you're going to bring your dog, be mindful that there are no trash bins along the road / trails so you'll have to be prepared with baggies and to...

Brown Canyon ranch is a great trail for beginners who want to explore the trails of southern Arizona but don't really know what to expect. The trail is generally flat and mildly steep with plenty of shade, and can ease you into exploring more difficult trials like Miller Canyon/peak. The parking opens at 6am so I suggest you get there right as it opens to beat the sun and heat if you are hiking during the spring/summer time.

For parking I suggest you drive in the extra mile to the ranch house to park, as it offers direct access to the main trail and other trails, and you don't have to walk through the dirt road and avoid traffic.

Even though I rate this trail as suitable for beginners I recommend you bring plenty of water and sunscreen....