Bisbee

Bisbee is a town in Cochise County in southeastern Arizona that spreads across steep hillsides in the Mule Mountains. The streets follow the contours of the terrain and connect residential areas sitting at different elevations in narrow valleys.

The discovery of copper deposits in 1880 led to the founding of the town, which was named after DeWitt Bisbee, a financier of the Copper Queen Mine. Mining operations drew thousands of workers and ended in the 1970s when the last major mines closed.

The town draws creative professionals who live and work in converted company buildings along Brewery Gulch and Main Street. Many of the older structures now hold working studios where you can watch artisans practice their craft during open hours.

The narrow streets and steep staircases require comfortable shoes and some stamina when exploring on foot. Many shops and cafes open later in the morning and close early in the evening, especially on weekdays.

The annual Bisbee 1000 Stair Climb takes participants through nine staircases across the town. The race covers 1034 steps and showcases the elevation changes between different residential neighborhoods along the hillsides.

Location: Cochise County

Inception: 1880

Elevation above the sea: 1,688 m

Website: http://cityofbisbee.com

GPS coordinates: 31.41833,-109.89778

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:29