Getting to Bisbee: Driving Directions & Scenic Routes for Your Big Jeep Tour

A List of Different Routes to Bisbee

Planning your next rugged adventure with Big Jeep Tours? Getting to historic Bisbee, Arizona is half the fun! Tucked away in the scenic Mule Mountains of Southeast Arizona, our historic mountain town is easily accessible no matter which direction you are traveling from. Whether you are driving down from Phoenix or Tucson via Interstate 10 (I-10), taking a road trip through neighboring Tombstone, or exploring the scenic border routes near Sierra Vista, we have mapped out the best, most reliable paths to get you to your tour on time.

The Historic Route: From I-10 via Benson & Tombstone

tall red brick building with large white trim around the windows with large trees and a blue sky.

Best for: History buffs wanting a classic Wild West road trip.

Approximate Time from I-10: 50 minutes (approx. 50 miles)

From Interstate 10 (I-10) eastbound or westbound, take Exit 303 at Benson for AZ-90 South.
Travel south on AZ-90 for about 3 miles, then turn left onto AZ-80 South toward Tombstone.
Follow AZ-80 South straight through historic Tombstone (watch your speed limits through town!).
Continue south on AZ-80 for another 23 miles as you climb into the Mule Mountains.
Pass through the historic Mule Pass Tunnel. As you exit the tunnel, you have arrived in Bisbee! Look for signs for Old Bisbee and Big Jeep Tours.

The Direct Commuter Route: From I-10 via Sierra Vista

Best for: The fastest, most straightforward drive with plenty of amenities along the way.

Approximate Time from I-10: 1 hour (approx. 55 miles)

From Interstate 10 (I-10), take Exit 302 for AZ-90 South toward Ft. Huachuca / Sierra Vista.
Stay on AZ-90 South for roughly 28 miles as it travels to the edge of Sierra Vista.
Turn left at the Hatfield St intersection to stay on the AZ-90 bypass.
Follow AZ-90 for 4.4 miles until it reaches the intersection with Fry Blvd / AZ-92.
Turn left onto E Fry Blvd (AZ-90 East).
Travel east on AZ-90 for about 14 miles until the highway terminates at AZ-80.
Turn right onto AZ-80 South and drive for 8 miles as you climb into the mountains.
Drive straight through the historic Mule Pass Tunnel. Once you exit, follow signs for the Old Bisbee exit to locate Big Jeep Tours.

tall green snow capped mountains behind a field of yellow grass and pink flowers.

The Wine Country & Rolling Hills Route: From I-10 via Sonoita & Sierra Vista

brown desert mountains behind yellow grassy fields and a gray sky.

Best for: A gorgeous, leisurely scenic drive through Arizona wine country.

Approximate Time from I-10: 1 hour 30 minutes

From Interstate 10 (I-10) Eastbound (coming from Tucson), take Exit 281 for AZ-83 South toward Sonoita.
Enjoy the sweeping views of the Santa Rita Mountains as you head south for 25 miles into rolling grasslands.
At the crossroads in Sonoita, turn left onto AZ-82 East toward Elgin and Whetstone.
Follow AZ-82 East for about 20 miles, then turn right onto AZ-90 South toward Sierra Vista.
Follow the AZ-90 bypass down to the E Fry Blvd intersection.
Turn left onto E Fry Blvd (AZ-90 East) and follow it 14 miles out of town to the intersection of AZ-80.
Turn right onto AZ-80 South, travel 8 miles, and cruise through the Mule Pass Tunnel straight into Bisbee.

The Scenic Southern Border Route: From AZ-90 via AZ-92 East

Best for: A flat, relaxed drive that traces the international border with beautiful mountain views.

Approximate Time: 35 minutes from Sierra Vista (approx. 30 miles)

As you drive down AZ-90 South toward Sierra Vista, stay in the right lane to exit the bypass and head directly into the city via AZ-90 South / Buffalo Soldier Trail.
Follow Buffalo Soldier Trail south along the edge of Fort Huachuca for about 6 miles.
Turn right onto AZ-92 East (also known as the border highway).
Follow AZ-92 East for approximately 24 miles. This long, open stretch of highway runs straight along the base of the Huachuca Mountains and parallel to the international border.
As you approach Bisbee, the highway will curve north and guide you directly into the Bisbee Traffic Circle.
Take the second exit at the traffic circle toward Historic Old Bisbee to find the Big Jeep Tours pickup location.

Pointy, dark mountains in a grassy valley covered by gray rain and shadows.

Parking Tips for Big Jeep Tours Guests

Historic Old Bisbee is famous for its charming, narrow streets, historic stairways, and vintage architecture. Because our town was built in the 1800s long before cars existed, parking right at our staging area can be tight!

To ensure you don’t miss your scheduled departure time, please read our local parking guide below:

Arrive Early: We highly recommend arriving 20 to 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time to find parking and check in comfortably.
The Mile High Pay Parking Lot (Best Option): The largest and most convenient public parking lot is located next to the Big Jeep Tours pickup location, just below AZ 80. It offers plenty of spaces, is safe, and is just a short, scenic walk to our meetup spot.
Free Street Parking: Street parking throughout Old Bisbee is free, but spaces fill up very quickly - especially on weekends and holidays. Always check for local signage to ensure you are not blocking a historic residential walkway or a designated loading zone.
Leave the Big Rigs Behind: If you are driving a large RV, towing a trailer, or driving an oversized commercial vehicle, please do not attempt to drive into the narrow canyons of Old Bisbee. Instead, utilize the oversized parking spaces in Lowell. Big Jeep Tours will pick you up there.