More than 300 species migrate through, nest in, or live in the riverside habitat of the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve. The preserve has three miles of easy trails along Sonoita Creek, passing through rare cottonwood and willow forests. Here, biodiversity, the creek, and a specific trail distance come together.
River Landscapes and Grassland
Sonoita Creek State Natural Area also draws attention to the waterway. It lies downstream from Patagonia Lake State Park, on the lower reaches of Sonoita Creek. The creek flows year-round and is a tributary of the Santa Cruz River. Its downstream location and connection to the larger river system offer another perspective on nature, complementing the preserve’s woodland and trail features.
Sonoita Vineyards offers a different kind of landscape: The winery sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet amid rolling grassland, with high mountain ranges on three sides. It includes more than 30 acres of vineyards. Grassland, mountain ranges, and winegrowing form a striking contrast to the riverside forests along Sonoita Creek. Sonoita Vineyards regularly hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. If you’re planning to attend an event, check the dates before your trip, as the schedule may change.
Mission Ruins and History
Tumacácori National Historical Park protects the ruins of three Spanish colonial missions: San José de Tumacácori (Tumacácori), Los Santos Ángeles de Guevavi (Guevavi), and San Cayetano de Calabazas (Calabazas). The Tumacácori Visitor Center is also a National Historic Landmark and includes a museum.
The ruins of San Ignacio de Tubac are preserved at Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. Founded in 1752, it was the oldest Spanish presidio in Arizona. The park is also Arizona’s first state park; its collection includes Arizona’s first printing press. Tubac Presidio was also the official starting point of the Anza expedition. Each year during Anza Days, a reenactment depicts the expedition’s passage through Tubac. Check the event schedule before your trip.
Explore the Anza Trail
The first section of the Anza Trail to be built in Arizona is four miles long and runs between Tumacácori National Historical Park and Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. This section is for hiking and horseback riding only. Between Tumacácori and Tubac, the trail follows the Santa Cruz River through riverside habitats with cottonwood trees and mesquite. Tubac Presidio State Historic Park is a starting point for hiking preserved sections of the Anza Trail; you can also explore part of the trail on foot at Tumacácori National Historical Park.
Getting Around Tubac and Sonoita
In Old Town Tubac, Calle de Iglesias is one of the oldest streets in the Americas still open to traffic. Visitors can drive along it. The Railroad Trail in the Sonoita area offers another way to get around: It runs along an elevated railroad embankment where you can take a walk. These two details offer practical guidance on different ways to explore the landscape and history, without specifying a particular route or walking time.
The Wider Regional Context
Santa Cruz County is part of the 3,300-square-mile Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area. This area stretches along the Santa Cruz River watershed and brings together the natural and cultural environment, historic sites, and working landscapes. The regional context thus encompasses the natural and cultural environment, as well as places and landscapes that are actively managed.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Tubac, Nogales, Rio Rico, Amado, Patagonia, Navajo, Yuma, Apache County.
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