Posted By auntie on January 5, 2016

2.5 miles; Bisbee, AZ

Bisbee is a very neat town. A former copper mining town, it’s built into the sides of a big canyon, so elevations are crazy. One street looks down on the roofs of the next street. Another cool feature—and genesis of the Bisbee1000 Stair Climb—are staircases everywhere going from one street to another. I barely scratched the surface today before the altitude got to me, but I hope to get more acclimatized as the month progresses and see more of the place.

Mist in the Mule Mountains

It’s been unseasonably cold and rainy here, with temps in the mid-to-low-40’s and intermittent showers. I grabbed the opportunity provided by a lull in the rain to head into town.

Old WPA Check Dam

During the 30’s, the WPA employed men to build what are called “check dams” in all the washes and arroyos to prevent flash flooding. They are everywhere here.

One of the 1000 Stairs

According the the Bisbee1000 website, all the staircases in town were also built by the WPA. Like the check dams, these things are all over the place too.

Bisbee Mural

Bisbee is quite the arts colony, and there are colorful murals wherever you look. Even the house numbers are gorgeously painted.

I hope to get into town regularly, to explore the side roads and staircases, and see as many of the beautiful murals as I can.

Categories: Arizona, Walks and Hikes
Tags: 2–5 miles, AZ, Bisbee AZ