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Discover brontosaurus footprints, Old West movie sets, and hands-on fossil exploration on this nine-hour journey through Cochise County’s rich prehistoric landscape. Perfect for families and history lovers alike.
Discover brontosaurus footprints, Old West movie sets, and hands-on fossil exploration on this nine-hour journey through Cochise County’s rich prehistoric landscape. Perfect for families and history lovers alike.
Book with Trails and Tales of Cochise County
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Trails and Tales of Cochise County · Bisbee, Arizona
Set against the sweeping backdrop of Cochise County in southeastern Arizona, The Land Before Time Tour offers an immersive journey into one of the most significant prehistoric landscapes in the United States. This nine-hour adventure starts in Bisbee, a historic mining town that serves as a gateway to a region known for its remarkable Ice Age fossil sites, including well-preserved brontosaurus footprints dating back 33.9 million years. Unlike the dinosaurs often associated with ancient giants, these "thunder beasts" were massive mammals that roamed the Earth long before humans arrived.
The tour takes you approximately 80 miles north of Bisbee near the small town of Cascabel, where you will hike three miles up a sandy wash to a rock ledge showcasing the herd footprints of these colossal creatures. Walking alongside these ancient tracks provides a rare, tactile connection to prehistoric life—perfect for families with children who can literally step in the footsteps of long-extinct giants. These well-preserved impressions are a highlight for both photo opportunities and learning as your guide explains the geological history that shaped this extraordinary landscape.
Adding a cultural layer to the tour, a visit to Gammons Gulch reveals a meticulously reconstructed Old West movie set sprawled over 10 acres. This townscape includes 17 historic buildings relocated from ghost towns and has served as the backdrop for over 65 films, capturing the spirit of cowboys, saloons, and frontier life. It’s a vivid detour into Arizona’s cinematic and historical heritage.
On the return trip, the tour passes through Benson, where guests can stop for a casual lunch (not included) at R & R Pizza, famous for its salad and pizza buffet—perfect fuel for the day’s explorations. The journey culminates at the Southern Arizona Museum of Science and Technology in Sierra Vista. Here, a paleontologist-led hands-on tour reveals a curated collection of locally found fossils, enriching the experience with expert insights into the area's paleontological riches.
What makes this tour unique is its blend of natural history, geology, paleontology, and cultural storytelling that showcases Cochise County’s diverse outdoor offerings. The tour includes hiking sticks, day packs, two liters of water, and snacks, ensuring you’re well-equipped to navigate uneven terrain. Participants should wear hiking shoes and long pants; sunscreen and gloves are advised for comfort and protection.
For travelers seeking an educational but active day out with a strong connection to Arizona’s natural and historic past, The Land Before Time Tour delivers an unforgettable exploration. Whether you’re a family, history buff, or outdoor enthusiast, this trip offers rare access to prehistoric footprints, fascinating fossil insights, and a genuine Old West experience all in one day.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and includes engaging educational stops that appeal to all ages.
No, lunch is on your own during a stop in Benson at R & R Pizza.
The hike is approximately three miles one-way up a sandy wash to the footprint site.
It requires moderate fitness due to uneven terrain, but no technical climbing skills are needed.
Wear hiking shoes and long pants, and bring sunscreen and gloves for comfort and protection.
No, Cochise County contains many fossil sites, and the museum stop provides a broader look at local paleontology.
Trails and Tales of Cochise County is a Bisbee, Arizona-based tour operator that specializes in guided hikes, historic walking tours, motorized day trips, gallery strolls and cave and fossil explorations across Cochise County and southeast Arizona. Featured on The Adventure Collective, the company curates local routes that highlight Bisbee’s mining heritage, regional natural landmarks and borderland history. Tours range from short walking tours through Old Town Bisbee and Brewery Gulch to longer outdoor hikes such as the Brown Canyon–Ramsey Canyon loop and the Bisbee 1000 Stair Climb route. Motorized day trips visit nearby destinations including Douglas and Agua Prieta, presenting cultural sites, historic hotels and local food. Specialty offerings include spelunking at Coronado Cave, fossil-focused walks, and themed experiences like the Wailing Woman of Zacatecas Canyon and trips to Chiricahua National Monument features. All trip descriptions reflect on-site points of interest — Lavender Pit Mine viewpoints, mineshaft remnants, Pioneer Cemetery sites, and native wildlife viewing at Ramsey Canyon and Whitewater Draw. Trails and Tales of Cochise County organizes experiences appropriate for a range of abilities and interests, emphasizing historical context and natural interpretation. Information about routes, meeting points, and trip type (hike, walk, motorized) is provided for each offering, so visitors can select the best match for fitness level and curiosity.
Book with Trails and Tales of Cochise County