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The Remote Town in Arizona We Simply Can’t Get Enough Of

Surrounded by mountains, the small community of Dragoon, Arizona is a peaceful nature escape.

Published Oct 15, 2024

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

There are some towns so small and so remote that you probably never heard of them. One such remote town in Arizona is Dragoon. Have you ever heard of or been to Dragoon? Well, as small as it is, it has quite a bit to offer visitors, especially those who love spending time outdoors. In fact, you may want to plan a trip there today. Located 57 miles to the southeast of Tucson, here's to your next small-town day trip destination!

The small unincorporated community of Dragoon is in Cochise County over an hour from Tucson and just 17 miles from Benson, a.k.a. the “Home of Kartchner Caverns State Park.” As of 2022, the population of Dragoon reached a whopping 160 people. So, yes, this is the very definition of a small town. However, you may be surprised at what you can see, do, and experience here.

A rocky landscape with bare trees and a clear blue sky, showcasing rugged terrain and natural beauty.
Anjelika Gretskaia/Moment via Getty Images

There are many reasons to visit a small town or community anywhere in America. As someone who lives in a city, I love escaping to a small town for its slower pace of life, great sense of community, and surrounding natural beauty. Dragoon has all of these characteristics making it an ideal place to escape for a day or a weekend.

A winding road leads towards large rock formations and green hills under a cloudy sky.
apollob66/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

The Dragoon Mountains surround the community of Dragoon to the southwest and the Little Dragoon Mountains lie just to the northeast. Natural beauty certainly abounds here and you should feel a sense of peace wash over you when you visit. Not only can you go hiking through the Dragoons but also through Texas Canyon Nature Preserve where the Amerind Museum is located.

A girl sits on a wooden fence in a desert landscape, with a rustic cabin and rocky hills in the background.
dszc/E+ via Getty Images

The Texas Canyon Nature Preserve has 8 miles of hiking trails throughout its 1,900 acres filled with giant boulders, oak trees, and grasslands. Go for a scenic trek and make sure you stop in at the museum and peruse the Native American art and history exhibits.

You can also go for a scenic drive along the Ghost Town Trail through Dragoon. This dirt trail winds its way through the mountains between three former mining towns, including Dragoon.

Dragoon is also a wonderful place to view wildlife and go birdwatching. Among the wildlife you may see here are javelina, deer, bobcat, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and more. If you love spending time in nature and you're ready for an adventure, Dragoon is an incredible place to visit!

Dragoon Mountains and desert landscape of Arizonaculbertson/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Are you ready to take a day trip to Dragoon, a small remote town in Arizona? If you plan on taking a road trip to Southeastern Arizona, make sure you're prepared with all the road trip essentials for a comfortable ride as well as some road trip snacks.

If you would like to spend the night in Dragoon, there are several vacation rental options including this charming guesthouse that you can reserve on Airbnb.

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