Willcox, AZ
Established in 1880
Willcox is located on Interstate 10 halfway between Phoenix, Arizona and El Paso, Texas, approximately 90 miles east of Tucson. Willcox is in the northern section of the Sulphur Springs Valley which cuts through Cochise County for nearly 100 miles averaging more than 15 miles in width. Willcox was established in 1880 and incorporated in 1915. Willcox serves as the major trade and service center for agriculture and tourism within the county.
Population / Elevation
4,000 people in city, 11,000 in general area / 4,156 feet above sea level
Weather / Climate
At a high elevation on the eastern edge of the Sonoran Desert, Willcox has a mild, year-round climate.
Willcox, Arizona - Monthly Climate Normals | |||||||||||||
Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
High °F | 77.2 | 58.3 | 63.1 | 69.0 | 77.1 | 85.1 | 94.1 | 94.2 | 91.3 | 88.3 | 79.3 | 67.6 | 58.9 |
Low °F | 41.3 | 25.6 |
28.0 | 31.9 | 37.1 | 43.9 | 52.9 | 62.5 | 61.2 | 54.0 | 41.3 | 30.7 | 26.0 |
Avg °F | 59.3 | 42.0 | 45.6 | 50.5 | 57.1 | 64.5 | 73.5 | 78.4 | 76.3 | 71.2 | 60.3 | 49.2 | 42.5 |
Rain " | 12.25 | 0.95 | 0.89 | 0.66 | 0.24 | 0.26 | 0.37 | 2.44 | 2.59 | 1.19 | 0.81 | 0.71 | 1.14 |
History
Willcox began as a small cow town and was once known as the "Cattle Capital" of the nation. Cattle are still an important aspect of the economy, and a large livestock auction is held annually in Willcox.
Row crops such as cotton and small grains are significant as well. The diversification of agriculture has resulted in the establishment of apple orchards, pistachio and pecan groves, ostrich farms, grape vineyards and two hydroponics tomato green houses.
A well-established U-Pick-it industry provides fresh produce for all of Southern Arizona and Southwestern New Mexico. There are dozens of U-Pick farms in the Willcox area. A variety of different fruits and vegetables can be harvested, and has become a tradition for many families to travel to Willcox annually to pick their own fresh produce. Tourists, as well as traveling business people also have an important impact on the city's economy.
Hotels/Motels
There are hotels and motels in Willcox with something for every taste and price range. For more information and a complete list. Click Here. (Rates, availability and reservation online)
Things To Do
- January: Wings Over Willcox (Sandhill Crane Celebration) - 3rd Weekend
- February: Miniature Art Show
- April: Southeastern Arizona Fine Arts Show
- May: Rex Allen Golf Tournament
- June: Balloon Festival
- July: Summer Fest Picnic
- July thru October: U-Pick Vegetable Fruit
- September: Magic Circle Bike Challenge - Labor Day Weekend
- October: Rex Allen Days - 1st Weekend. Cowboy Hall of Fame Induction
- November: Holiday House
- December: Christmas Apple Festival - 1st Friday & Saturday
Camping & RV Parks
There are many camping and RV accommodations in and around Willcox. For more information, contact:
- Willcox Chamber of Commerce
1500 N. Circle I Rd., Willcox, Arizona
520- 384-2272
For more on Rex Allen click on picture
Resources & Nearby Attractions
Resources
Cities & Towns
- Bowie, Arizona: 27 miles east.
- Benson, Arizona: 37 miles west.
- Tombstone, Arizona: 64 miles southwest.
- bisbee, Arizona: 84 miles south.
- Tucson, Arizona: 95 miles west.
- Lordsburg, New Mexico: 77 miles east.
Parks & Monuments
- Fort Bowie National Historic Site: 48 miles east.
- Saguaro National Park: 85 miles west.
- Coronado National Memorial: 104 miles southwest.
- Chiricahua National Monument: 42 miles southeast.
- Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park: 64 miles southwest.
- Kartchner Caverns State Park: 75 miles west.
Recreation & Wilderness Areas
- Rustler Park Recreation Area: 80 miles southeast.
- Rucker Canyon Recreation Area: 50 miles south.
- Miller Peak Wilderness: 97 miles west.
- San Pedro National Riparian Conservation Area: 34 miles west.
- Cochise Stronghold Recreation Area: 65 miles southwest.
Historic & Points of Interest
- Cochise Center & Museum: 520-384-2272
- Rex Allen Museum and Theater: 520-384-4583
- Willcox Cowboy Hall of Fame: 520-384-4583
- Historic Downtown and Railroad Avenue: 520-384-2272
- Cochise Lake Bird Sanctuary: 520-384-2272
Other DesertUSA Resources
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Desert Rocks, Minerals & Geology Index
Desert Survival Primer
Desert Survival Kit
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- Get the Best Hotel and Motel Rates
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