Fort Huachuca -- see text after map for important access details and other information.
 Note: Some browsers automatically shrink images to fit the available window size.
Try clicking on the map to restore normal size if map text is not clear.
Better yet, configure your browser to not resize images.

Fort Huachuca access for U.S. citizens
Although access to Fort Huachuca is strictly controlled, U.S. citizens can easily obtain access with the proper documentation.
NOTE: Since about October 2011, it's had only been necessary to show a valid U.S. driver's license as you drive through the checkpoint. This relaxed access policy may change at any time so I recommend that you have the paperwork outlined below.,  

Birding access to canyons on the fort is during daylight hours only. The following documentation is normally required:

1. Picture ID -- driver's license (all vehicle occupants).
2. Vehicle Registration (or rental contract if driving a rental vehicle).
3. Proof of Insurance.

Note: Proof of insurance is normally not requested if you are driving a rental vehicle. However, I suggest that you carry your insurance card anyway.

At the Main Gate (west end of Fry Blvd.), stay in the right lane as you drive into the fort. You may encounter two types of access situations (depends on day of week and perhaps other factors). Make sure to have your paperwork ready before entering the fort.

1) CHECK IN PROCEDURE (not normally in effect)
Before reaching the security checkpoint, if you notice that the office/visitor info center is open (on the right, before the checkpoint); park in the small lot on the right just before the security checkpoint. Go into the office and tell the person on duty that you want to visit the fort for birding and present the documentation listed above.

2) LOG IN PROCEDURE (normal procedure, but see note at top of this section regarding current relaxed access procedure)
If the office is closed (or you forget to look), drive to the security checkpoint. Have your license ready. Tell the guard that you are going birding. You will be directed to a "log in" area off to the side where your paperwork will be checked. Alternatively, if the office is open and the log in procedure is not in effect, you will be directed to park and to walk to the office to "check in". If traffic is light, the person on duty may verify your paperwork at the checkpoint.

Using other entrances to the Fort.
You can enter the fort at the West gate using a similar procedure to the above. You can exit at any gate no matter where you entered (just drive out, no stop required).

Main Gate: 24x7 operation
East Gate: 5:00am to 7:00pm, Monday-Friday excluding holidays. No entrance for visitors (use Main gate or West gate)
West Gate: 24x7 operation.

Fort Huachuca Access for Foreign Nationals
Non U.S. citizens must be accompanied by a U.S. citizen who has military identification. Without some effort, non U.S. citizens are unlikely to be able to visit the fort. You either have to know someone who meets the above criteria, or you can contact the Sierra Vista Convention & Visitor's Bureau (520 417-6960) and ask them for help. With enough notice, they *may* be able to find a volunteer (retired military) who can help you (for a fee).

Garden Canyon Regulations and Access
The speed limit in the lower canyon is 35 miles per hour dropping to 25 miles per hour above the lower picnic area and 15 miles per hour above the upper picnic area on the unpaved section. The lower canyon has a number of firing ranges that are in daily use and, occasionally, a limit of 15 miles per hour is imposed as you pass by an active range. Furthermore, if you pass marching troops or runners along the road, the limit is automatically 10 miles per hour. My advice -- strictly obey these rules. Military Police can issue civil tickets.

Yellow Barrier located between the lower and middle picnic areas (and at the start of Huachuca Canyon).
This swing open barrier is typically closed at night but sometimes not locked. There may be occasions when you are driving into the canyon early in the morning before the gate has been "officially" opened. In such cases, as long as it is not locked, during daylight hours it is permissible to swing open the barrier and proceed. If locked you will need to wait or contact the MP station (number below).

Yellow Gate located just above the upper picnic area.
This gate is almost always open and you may not even notice it. Never attempt to drive beyond this location when the gate is closed and the stop sign is clearly visible.

If in doubt, your best bet is to ask at the Range Control Operations building located at the start of Garden Canyon.

Phone Numbers (520 area code)

Main Gate 533-7373
Military Police 533-2181
Range Control 533-7095.

.