The Coronado National Forest, Sierra Vista Ranger District, drafted
the East Huachuca Recreation Strategy in 1997. The plan proposed to
identify a strategy for improving landscapes conditions, plant and
wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities.

They were improving the mountain trails John Cooper loved. From the
time he moved to Sierra Vista with his family in 1988, he enjoyed the
Huachuca Mountains. John hiked and camped with the Boy Scouts
from that time on. His Eagle Scout project helped prepare for the
coming of the Arizona Trail to Miller Peak. His father, Dr. Paul Cooper,
who died when John was 13 after a long illness, encouraged John to
hike and camp and recommended that he begin bicycling. This sport
would provide a lifetime of enjoyment and healthful challenges.

Always John loved the out of doors. He began participating in
mountain biking in events all over Arizona. These were family outings
in which several friends came along. In 1997 John placed third in the
state’s expert class for mountain biking. John also enjoyed "tricks"
which earned him the state championship for trials that same year.
Wherever he traveled he was forever glad to return to Sierra vista and the mountains he felt were his
home.

John was always hopping up stairs. He was always introducing others to the mountains and to cycling.
John was happily employed at Sun n’ Spokes bike shop and enjoyed riding a bike in the annual
Christmas Parade.

John’s life ended a few days before high school graduation in 1998 as the result to a tragic automobile
accident. His family went to the Forest Service and asked how they could give back to the land John
loved so much. The Forest Service was building a new trail below an old wilderness trail. The trail was
named the John Cooper Trail as a tribute to John and all the other young people who love the
mountains as he did.
John Cooper Biography