Fort Huachuca -- see text after map for important access details and other information.
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Note: Since May, 2007, the "normal" access procedure described in the box below has changed (but may be reinstated without notice). Currently, just drive up to the main gate and tell security personnel that you are a day visitor. You will be directed to a check-in area where you will need to present a driver's license and rental contract  (or vehicle registration AND proof of insurance if driving your own vehicle). A physical pass is no longer issued.

Fort Huachuca access for U.S. citizens
Although access to Fort Huachuca is strictly controlled, U.S. citizens can easily obtain a temporary visitor's pass with the proper documentation. Passes are only available at the Main Gate visitor center which is open 24 hours, every day of the year. [Birding access to canyons is during daylight hours only.] The following documentation is required to enter the fort in a private vehicle.

1. Picture ID -- driver's license.
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.

To obtain a pass, take the second right after entering the fort at the Main Gate entrance located at the west end of Fry Boulevard in Sierra Vista. This leads to the visitor center parking area. Only the driver need enter to obtain the pass. Once you have the pass, keep your license handy since you will need to show it as you drive through the security checkpoint. Note: All vehicle occupants will need to show picture ID at the checkpoint.

Fort Huachuca Access for Foreign Nationals
Non U.S. citizens must be accompanied by a U.S. citizen who has military identification. You either have to know someone who meets the 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.

Using other entrances to the Fort.
As long as you are in possession of a temporary pass, you can enter/exit the fort through the other gates.

East Gate: 5:00am to 7:00pm, Monday-Friday excluding holidays.
West Gate: 24x7 operation.

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.
This swing open barrier is typically closed at night but 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.

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.