Southern Arizona summers: find the cool spots

If you think it’s hot in Arizona in the summer, you haven’t traveled the state much. Here are three ideas for things to do and places to go in southern Arizona to get cool.

Go underground. The average temperature inside Kartchner Caverns is about 70 degrees. Insulated by layers of earth, caves are naturally cooler. While you’re cooling off, you’ll get to explore one of the world’s top 10 living caves. Throne Room tours show amazing stalactites and stalagmites that took thousands of years to form. See these wondrous formations on touts that last about an hour. Info: Kartchner Caverns State Park website

How cool is this?! Kartchner Caverns State Park® Photo by Noelle Wilson ©Arizona State Parks

Get high. No, we’re not pushing drugs. Get high in elevation. Cochise County elevations start at around 3,000 feet, and many of the peaks top out above 7,000 feet. That translates to crisp summer air. Mountain ranges include the Dragoons between Benson and Willcox, Mules where Bisbee sits, Whetstones where Kartchner Caverns is located, Chiricahuas, between Douglas and Willcox, the Huachucas in Sierra Vista, Dos Cabezas near Willcox and more. You’ll find lots of recreational opportunities like hiking and camping in Cochise County’s mountains!

Low-temperature golf at value prices. Sitting at elevations of 3,500-4,600 feet, these courses offer a respite from urban courses. Visitors can tackle the “Rattler,” a 757-yard, par-6 hole—just one of the interesting golf experiences at Cochise County’s seven public courses located in Benson, Bisbee, Douglas, Sierra Vista, Sunsites and Willcox. For more info, check the Cochise County Tourism Council’s golf listing.

You can find out more by contacting any of the Cochise County Visitors Centers: Benson Bisbee, Douglas, Sierra Vista, Tombstone and Willcox.

Golf in Cochise County=great deals

Benson's Turquoise Hills Golf Course. Photo courtesy of the Cochise County Tourism Council.

Cochise County is known for its Old West, Native American and Military history. But did you know there are seven public golf courses in Cochise County?

With greens fee starting at $20 per person for 18 holes, they’re a great value too! Prices are current as of 4/20/2009. Check with each club for deals including midweek and twilight fees.

So, bring your clubs next time you visit southern Arizona!

Douglas Golf and Social Club, Douglas, AZ, 520-364-1588
Built in 1932 by the WPA, this is one of Arizona’s oldest courses.  The front nine offers a traditional golf layout.  The back nine features desert golf.

18 holes
Par 71
6,246 yards
Rating 68.8
Slope 117

Mountain View Golf Course, Fort Huachuca, 520-533-7088
A links-style course designed by the Army Corps of Engineers, the facility is open to civilians.

18 holes
Par 72
6,600 yards
Rating 71
Slope 126

San Pedro Golf Course, Benson, AZ, 520-586-7888
Benson’s only championship golf course is a links-style course that blends with the surrounding desert.

18 holes
Par 72
7,313 yards
Rating 73
Slope 130

Shadow Mountain Golf Club, Sunsites, AZ, 520-826-3412
Designed by Horizon, the course offers a traditional golf layout in a beautiful setting with bentgrass, lakes and trees.

Deal alert: Daily fees are two people for $40. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you and a friend can golf for only $25.

18 holes
Par 72
6,632 yards
Rating 71.1
Slope 124

Turquoise Hills Family Golf Center, Benson, AZ, 520-586-2585
Formerly Mesquite Valley Golf and RV.  The desert-style course has recently been upgraded with new vegetation and improved fairways and greens.

18 holes
Par 58
3,004 yards
Rating 56.1
Slope 86

Turquoise Valley Golf and RV Park, Naco, AZ, 520-432-3091
Turquoise Valley, Arizona’s oldest continuously run golf course and home to Arizona’s longest hole—the 747 yard par-6 Rattler.  The front nine has a links style design, while the back nine offers desert golf.

18 holes
Par 72
6,778 yards
Rating 71.5
Slope 129

Twin Lakes Golf Club, Willcox, AZ, 520-384-2720
A traditional layout with speedy greens—the USGA rated them a 10 on a scale of 1-12.  Play 18 holes by teeing off from a different box on each of the course’s nine holes.

9 holes (dual tee boxes)
Par 72
6,384 yards
Rating 69.1
Slope 107

Is mini golf more your style? Helldorado Town in Tombstone recently opened a new mini-golf course!

Events in Cochise County this weekend

A roper waits his turn at the Butterfield Rodeo. Photo by Cathy Murphy

Looking for something to do this weekend? The communities in Cochise County have nine events for you to consider. Take a look… there’s bound to be something to spark your interest. From ghost riders in Tombstone to Butterfield Overland Stage Days in Benson. So much to do!

Oct. 9-12, Corvettes and Ghost Riders, Tombstone

Events include an Early Cowpoke Rendezvous, Welcome Rustlers Corral, Boardwalk Rally, People’s Choice NCCC Car Show, Cochise County Road Tour and more!

When:  10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Where:  Allen Street, Tombstone, Admission: Free, Info:  www.corvettesandghostriders.com

Oct. 10-12, St. Patrick’s Fall Festival, Bisbee

One of Bisbee’s most historic churches hosts this annual family fun event, with prizes, silent auction, arts and crafts, children’s games and food. A dance from 9 p.m. to midnight will cap off Saturday’s fun.

When: daily Where: St. Patrick’s Church, Bisbee, Admission: Free, Info: 520-432-5753

Oct. 11, 21^st Annual Cars in the Park, Sierra Vista

More than 300 custom cars will be polished and shined at the 20th Annual Cars in the Park, considered the largest outdoor car show in Arizona. Vehicles in 22 classes will compete for trophies and prizes.

When: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sat., Where: Veterans’ Memorial Park, Admission: Free, Info: 520-227-8318

Oct. 11, Butterfield Overland Stage Days, Benson

This event commemorates the 150^th Anniversary of the Overland Mail Route. Pony express riders will take letters postmarked with a commemorative cancellation stamp on horseback from Benson to Dragoon. Entertainment will be provided in Lion’s Park, with the Benson Fire Department marking its 101^st birthday. Festivities begin with a parade and will include arts, crafts, food and fireworks. 

When: begins at 10 a.m., Where: Downtown Benson, Admission: Free, Info: 520-586-2842

Oct. 11, Cochise County Cycling Classic, Douglas

Ultra cycling event in Cochise County’s high desert landscape of Dragoon and Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona. 45-, 92-, 157 and 252-mile rides Perimeter Bicycling Association of America, Inc. Cyclist participating in the 157- and 25- mile rides must have their own support crews. Benefits DARC.

Start times: 2 a.m., 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., Where: Douglas, Info: 520-745-2033 or http://www.perimeterbicycling.com/!CCCC/CCCChome.html 

Oct. 11, Butterfield Rodeo & Dance, Benson

The Benson Butterfield Rodeo Committee will host the annual Benson Butterfield Rodeo. Events include rough stock and timed events plus a kid’s rodeo.

When: 5:30 p.m. Rodeo, 8:30 p.m. Dance, Where: Arena Bar, 250 N. Prickly Pear Ave., Admission: Adults, $8; children, age 6-12, $5; Info: 520-586-4293

Oct. 11, Vintage Bisbee Wine Festival, Bisbee
Sample more than 50 Old and New World wines and an afternoon of food, music and fun. Sponsored by the Bisbee Rotary Club, the festival’s proceeds will benefit scholarship programs, community projects and help the world-wide fight against polio.

When:  4 – 7 p.m., Where:  City Park, Brewery Gulch, Admission: $45 per person, Info: 520-432-3554, 1-866-2BISBEE or www.bisbeerotaryclub.org

Oct. 11, Annual Fiber Arts Festival, Bisbee

The juried show celebrating its 16^th year includes more than 30 artists’ works made from natural fibers such as wool, cotton, flax and paper. Vendors will have artists’ materials and finished products for sale. Spinning and natural dyeing classes will be held Oct. 11 & 12 with Jill Holbrook and Alexandro Martinez, a Zapotec weaver from Oaxaca. Registration required for classes.

When: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Where: Vista Park, in Bisbee’s Warren district; Admission: Free, Info: 520-642-3603 or www.Bisbeefiberarts.com

Oct. 12, Butterfield Golf Tournament, Benson

Enjoy the day as a player or a spectator on a beautiful course! Applications to participate are available at the Benson Visitor Center.

 When:  9 a.m. Where:  Turquoise Hills Family Golf Center, Info:  Applications at 249 E. 4^th Street or www.bensonchamberaz.com,