Make a weekend out of the Rattlesnake Rollercoaster 5K/10K! The Dragoon Mountains are surrounded by some of southeastern Arizona’s most unique scenery, history, outdoor recreation, and small towns. Whether you want to hike, explore the Old West, visit a museum, or relax after the race, there is plenty to see nearby.

Explore the Dragoon Mountains & Cochise Stronghold

You’re already in one of the most scenic parts of southeastern Arizona. Cochise Stronghold features rugged granite formations, desert scenery, hiking trails, picnic areas, and a landscape rich in Apache history. Visitors can enjoy shorter nature trails or venture farther into the Stronghold on longer hiking routes.

It is a great place to spend some extra time outdoors before heading home after race weekend.

Visit Chiricahua National Monument

Often called the “Wonderland of Rocks,” Chiricahua National Monument is one of southeastern Arizona’s standout destinations. The monument features towering rock pinnacles, balanced rocks, wildlife, scenic overlooks, and approximately 17 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Visitors can also take the eight-mile scenic drive to Massai Point for expansive views of the surrounding mountains. National Park Service

If your legs need a break after the race, you can still enjoy much of the scenery from the scenic drive and overlooks.

Discover Texas Canyon & the Amerind

Located among the dramatic boulders of Texas Canyon, Amerind Museum is a museum, art gallery, and research center focused on the archaeology, history, art, and cultures of the Native Peoples of the Americas. Amerind

The drive through Texas Canyon along I-10 is worth seeing on its own, with enormous rounded granite formations unlike much of the surrounding desert landscape.

Step Back Into the Old West in Tombstone

Historic Tombstone makes an easy addition to race weekend. Walk the wooden sidewalks of Allen Street, browse shops and museums, grab something to eat, and explore the history of one of Arizona’s best-known Old West towns.

Popular stops include O.K. Corral, The Bird Cage Theatre, Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, and Good Enough Mine Tour.

You can easily spend several hours—or an entire day—exploring Tombstone.

Explore Willcox & Arizona Wine Country

Head north toward Willcox for historic downtown attractions, local restaurants, museums, vineyards, and tasting rooms. Willcox is at the heart of one of Arizona’s major wine-growing regions, making it a good stop for adults looking for a more relaxed afternoon after the race. The area also provides access to additional hiking, birding, and outdoor recreation. Visit Willcox

Visitors can also explore historic Railroad Avenue and learn about Willcox’s ranching and Western heritage. Visit Willcox

Head Toward Benson

If you are staying in or traveling through Benson, consider visiting Kartchner Caverns State Park. The park protects a living limestone cave system and offers guided cave tours, a visitor center, hiking, picnic areas, camping, and cabins. Cave tours have limited capacity, so advance reservations are recommended.

Benson also provides restaurants, shopping, and other services for travelers heading to or from the race.

Enjoy the Night Sky

One of the benefits of visiting this part of Arizona is what happens after the sun goes down. With relatively little light pollution, southeastern Arizona offers excellent opportunities for stargazing. Chiricahua National Monument is recognized for its dark night skies, and the rural areas surrounding the Dragoon Mountains can provide impressive views of the stars as well. National Park Service

Stay a Little Longer

Whether you spend your weekend hiking the Dragoons, exploring Tombstone, visiting Chiricahua, touring the Amerind, or enjoying Willcox wine country, there is much more to experience than race day alone.

Come for the Rattlesnake Rollercoaster. Stay and explore southeastern Arizona.