Southern Arizona - American Southwest - page 477

477

San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area Over the past century,
roughly 90% of Arizona's free-flowing year-round rivers and streams have disappeared
due to human use of desert waters. These rivers and streams once supported riparian
areas that provided water, food, and protection to myriad plants, animals, and even
humans. You can get an idea of what such riparian areas were like by visiting this sprawl-
ing preserve, which is located 8 miles east of Sierra Vista. Don't expect a wide, rushing
river when you visit the San Pedro; what you'll see here would be called a creek anywhere
but Arizona. Still, the water attracts wildlife, especially birds (more than 350 species have
been sighted here).
Also within the riparian area is the Murray Springs Clovis Site, where 16 spear points
and the remains of a 13,000-year-old mammoth kill were found in the 1960s. Although
there isn't much to see other than some trenches, there are numerous interpretive signs
along the short trail through the site. It's just north of Ariz. 90, about 5 miles east of
Sierra Vista.
For a glimpse of the region's Spanish history, visit the ruins of the Presidio Santa Cruz
de Terrenate, about 20 miles northeast of Sierra Vista, off Ariz. 82, near the ghost town
of Fairbank. This military outpost was established in 1775 or 1776 but was never com-
pleted due to the constant attacks by Apaches. Today only decaying adobe walls remain.
To reach this site, take Ariz. 82 east from US 90, and drive north 1 3 / 4 miles on Ironhorse
Ranch Road, which is at mile marker 60. It's a 1 1 / 4 -mile hike to the site. To visit Fairbank
ghost town, drive Ariz. 82 to the bridge over the San Pedro River. Here you'll find the
remains of several buildings from the heyday of this former railroad town. Fairbank,
which was founded in the 1880s to serve nearby silver-mining towns, once had a popula-
tion of nearly 15,000 people. The old Fairbank School is now the Fairbank School-
house Museum and Store ( & 520/457-3062 ) and is open Friday through Sunday from
9:30am to 4:30pm; admission is free. From Fairbank, several miles of hiking trails lead
along the San Pedro River.
For bird-watching, the best place is the system of trails at the Ariz. 90 crossing of the
San Pedro. Here you'll find the San Pedro House, a 1930s ranch that is operated as a
visitor center and bookstore. It's open daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm and has information
on guided walks and hikes, bird walks, bird-banding sessions, and other events that are
scheduled throughout the year.
Ariz. 90. & 520/439-6400. www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/ncarea/sprnca.html. Free
admission. Parking areas sunrise-sunset.

14

WHERE TO STAY
In Benson
Holiday Inn Express If you're looking for lodging close to Kartchner Caverns, try
this off-ramp budget hotel in Benson. The hotel's lobby is done in Santa Fe style with
flagstone floors and rustic Southwestern furniture. Guest rooms are strictly hotel mod-
ern, but they are roomy and reliable.
630 S. Village Loop, Benson, AZ 85602. & 888/263-2283 or 520/586-8800. Fax [phone]. www.
bensonaz.hiexpress.com. 62 units. $85-$179 double. Rates include full breakfast. Children 19 and under
stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: Exercise room & access to nearby health club;
outdoor pool. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer, Wi-Fi.

In Hereford
Casa de San Pedro Built with bird-watching tour groups in mind, this modern
inn is set on the west side of the San Pedro River on 10 acres of land. The inn is built in