Nature Conservancy’s Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve

The Preserve is one of the best-known and most popular places for birding in the U.S.  More birders have seen their first Gray Hawks here than anywhere else. The stream-side or riparian habitat found along Sonoita Creek contains some of the richest habitat remaining in Southern Arizona. More than 300 species migrate, nest, and live in this critical habitat and bird enthusiasts come thousands of miles to catch a glimpse of some of them. Of particular interest are the Gray Hawk, Vermilion Flycatcher, Violet-Crowned Hummingbird, Thick-Billed King-Bird, Zone-Tailed Hawk, Green Kingfisher, White-Throat Sparrows (in winter) and Black-Bellied Whistling Duck.

Even if you can’t tell a Bluebird from a Blue Jay, the Preserve still offers something for you. Three miles of easy walking trails take you along Sonoita Creek and through rare Cottonwood and Willow forests. The peace that comes from relaxing under 140 year-old Cottonwood trees will bring you one step closer to nature.

 

Location
150 Blue Haven Rd.
Patagonia, AZ 85624

(520) 394-2400.

Hours
April-September: Wednesday-Sunday, 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
October-March: Wednesday-Sunday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Closed: Mondays & Tuesdays all year & on Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Days.

Fees
$6 per person. Conservancy members and Santa Cruz/Cochise County residents, $3. Patagonia residents and ages 16 & under are free. Fees are valid for seven days from date of purchase..

 

Directions:

Patagonia-Sonoita Creek preserve is 60 miles southeast of Tucson. Take I-10 east to Highway 83 exit south. At Sonoita, turn west on Highway 82. In Patagonia, turn west on 4th Avenue. Turn south on Pennsylvania, cross the creek, and go about one mile to the entrance.

 

 

© Copyright 2023
P.O. Box 767 • Phone: (520) 394-2229 • Fax: (520) 394-2861• Patagonia, Arizona 85624