This is a mountain valley with an elevation of 4,100 to 5,200 feet, which gives us Arizona’s best year round climate without the extreme summer heat of Tucson and Phoenix.  Winters are pleasantly comfortable with an average high of 61 in January.

Mountain ranges completely surround us; Mount Graham to the north with its 10,713’ elevation has camping and fishing.  Only a few hours more to the north are the White Mountains with numerous lakes and streams with both winter and summer recreational activities.

     Dos Cabezas Mountains to the north east, is bordered on the south by Apache Pass, the scene of many battles between the U.S. Army and Cochise, Geronimo and their Apache warriors. 

     Further south in the center of the Chiricahuas is the Wonderland of Rocks, a National Monument for more than 60 years.  The highest peak is 9,795’.

     The Chiricahuas are internationally famous for their exceptional variety of birds.

Still further south are Turkey Creek and Rock Creek, an area of seasonal streams, large trees and terrific views.  This area abounds with deer, javelina, dove, quail plus many kinds of ducks, geese and sand hill cranes that winter here.  At the southern end of the Chiricahua Mountains is Rucker Lake, offering an excellent campground and fishing.

Directly to the southwest lie the Mule Mountains and the historic old mining town of Bisbee, site of the famous and colorful lavender Pit Mine.

About 2 miles south of Sunsites is the mining town of Pearce, founded in 1893 and the last of Arizona’s gold and silver stampede town.  The Commonwealth Mine made Pearce a boomtown with a population of 3,500.  The mine at the time produced more gold than any other mine in the southwest.

  Although Pearce is considered a Ghost Town, there are still several families living there.  The original school is in use today, with recent additions.  A scattering of deteriorating adobe and frame buildings remain in Pearce as well as the old cemetery.

        Ghost Town trail begins at Pearce and winds its way through the ghostly remains of Cortland and Gleason, then on to Tombstone, “The Town Too Tough To Die”.

     Mountains; site of Cochise Stronghold, a natural wooded fortress which enabled the Apache chief, Cochise and his band of warriors, to hold out against the U.S. Army for many years.  Now, the area draws sightseers, campers, hikers, nature lovers, artists and photographers.    

     Sunsites, a community of 2,000 people, is an attractive community with well-kept homes.  Sunsites is proud of our Championship Golf Course which graces the area with greenery and duck ponds.  A medical facility and a fire & rescue department are always ready if needed.  A convenience store, several restaurants, a library, many churches, a new Community Center, diverse businesses, along with service and social clubs. Our valley is considered an excellent health spot due to clean air, low humidity, elevation and excellent year round climate.

Large apple, peach, pecan and pistachio orchards thrive here, as well as many small family sized orchards and vegetable gardens.  Almost anything grows from grapes, melons and tomatoes, to peanuts.

Farm produce such as corn, alfalfa, chili peppers, pinto beans, cotton etc. are grown here.

Willcox and Benson are each ½ hour’s drive away.  Both offer fully equipped hospitals as well as shopping.  Tucson and Sierra Vista are just over 1 hour’s drive, offers all the amenities of a large city.  Douglas, Arizona and Agua Prieta, Mexico, are an hours drive and provide that “south of the border” experience. 

Prospector’s, rock hounds, birders, and antique collectors, along with artists and photographers have a field day with an abundance of sources for their hobbies.

This is a friendly, rural area where folks wave a friendly greeting and take time to pass the time of day…or lend a helping hand, if needed.   

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