Extended Weekend Getaways By Heather Raulerson/Freelance Travel Writer
Have you ever wondered how the Spanish influence came about in Southeast Arizona? In 1540, Conquistador Francisco Vasquez de Coronado led the first expedition north in search of the Seven Cities of Gold (Cibola). They never found it. However, this expedition began an era of Spanish conquest and migration into the Southwestern United States. It has led to a blending of Spanish influence with the Native American, Mexican, and Anglo cultures you see today. Here are my favorite places to experience the same varied Arizona landscape that Coronado’s men did all those years ago.
Coronado Expedition
Coronado set out on this mission with 1,500 men along with 5,500 sheep, cattle, and horses north from central Mexico into what is now called Southeast Arizona. They followed the San Pedro River north and eventually ended up in the Great Plains of Kansas. During this 2-year 5,500 miles round trip, they chronicled their journey – whom they met and what they saw. They were the first to write about the Grand Canyon, the Rocky Mountains, and the Continental Divide. And this was the first time documenting how Native Americans lived and survived in the high deserts, rugged mountains, and endless grasslands. Even though they never found the Cibola, they gained knowledge from the Zuni, Hopi, Apache, and Pueblo Indians along their journey to understand how to live in this new land.
A Blending of Cultures
Coronado’s expedition encouraged future Spanish colonization in this region, introduced Native American culture to Europeans, and gave rise to the rich Latino heritage of the American Southwest. The Spanish brought wheat, rice, bread-baking knowledge, cattle for dairy and meat, sugar cane, and coffee which they traded with the Native Americans for their corn, potatoes, tomatoes, chocolate, and chili peppers, which they shared with other Europeans. In addition to food, there was a melding of religious celebrations like Catholic All Soul’s Day and the Aztec festival from central Mexico, which created Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
The Spanish also brought their expertise in building styles by using adobe bricks, mission churches, wood carvings, iron metalwork, and punched tin. They also learned new things from the Native Americans as being introduced to the color red for the first time. The Cochineal insect produces the pigment in the American Southwest, which feeds on various cacti and stores carminic acid – a crimson-colored liquid- in its body. Can you imagine the American Southwest without rodeos and guitar music? All thanks to the blending of cultures.
Coronado National Monument
The Coronado National Memorial has 4,750 acres of woodland, nature, wildlife, hiking trails, and more panoramic views than you can imagine. Named for Francisco Vazquez de Coronado, the national monument commemorates the significant impact of the expedition and the culture the Spanish brought with them. The Coronado National Memorial can be found at the southern end of the Huachuca (wha-CHOO-ka) Mountains in the southeast section of Arizona, slightly south of Sierra Vista. The visitor section has a great display of the Coronado Expedition and provides an area for kids to try on armor and gear that the Spanish might have worn during the expedition.
To get the best views, drive up East Montezuma Canyon Road. This scenic drive is 15 minutes on a narrow road paved for a mile past the visitor’s center, then turns unpaved with steep grades and tight switchbacks to the Montezuma Pass Overlook. Once you park, you can take multiple hikes. I recommend the Coronado Peak Trail, a 0.8-mile round-trip hike up to Coronado Peak. Be prepared for the limited shade and the 300 feet in elevation to reach the summit, which is at 6,864 feet. Once at the top, enjoy 360 degrees of panoramic views of the San Pedro Valley to the east, San Rafael Valley to the west, the U.S. and Mexico border to the south, and the surrounding Sky Islands.
Sky Islands
The mountain ranges around Southeast Arizona and northern Mexico are called Sky Islands. Sky Islands are isolated mountain ranges that rise more than 6,000 feet above the surrounding desert floor, making the lowlands and high peaks drastically different climates. Most of the plants and animals living in the mountains cannot survive in the lowland desert climate.
Presidio Santa Cruz de Terrenate
Along the San Pedro River, you can take a 3-mile hike to the most intact example of a once extensive network of similar fortresses that marked the northern advance of Spain into Arizona. The Presidio was established in 1776 by an Irish mercenary, Hugh O’Conor, for King Carlos III of Spain. The presidio, though, was never fully completed. Today, only a stone foundation and a few remaining adobe walls mark the location of this isolated military fort. Bring plenty of water if you plan on hiking, as this hike is in the open desert.
Brite Spot
After a day in the desert sun, take a break at the Brite Spot. This rustic restaurant, built in 1933, has many choices, including filet mignon, New York strip, ribeye, pasta, and seafood. Try their infamous baby back ribs, which haven’t changed in 25 years.
Casa de San Pedro B&B
Casa de San Pedro is the perfect place to rest overnight right by the San Pedro River with its enchanting courtyard, free full breakfast, WiFi, self-parking, and close to all of the region’s attractions. When you walk outside the door, you will be surrounded by the beauty of Southern Arizona and all the birds you can imagine. The B&B is on 10 acres adjacent to the San Pedro River and Riparian National Conservation Area and is a prime location for bird watchers and hummingbird enthusiasts.
The diverse landscape of Southeast Arizona is a great place to explore, like Coronado’s men did almost 500 years ago. You can explore the mountains, desert, and grasslands within one day. The Coronado Expedition has made a permanent mark on how our culture has evolved, what we eat, and how we live. And it is fascinating to know that it all started here.