Sonoita Creek State Natural Area

Starting October 17, 2009, the Visitor Center at Sonoita Creek State Natural Area will be only be open Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Permits for the Natural Area can be obtained from the Patagonia Lake State Park gatehouse.

Ride your horse from Patagonia Lake to Rio Rico, AZ, through Sonoita Creek State Natural Area. Hiking, camping, bird watching and school field trips are also available.

Established in 1994, Sonoita Creek State Natural Area's mission is to preserve this fragile riparian area and its surrounding environment. Encompassing a major portion of the Sonoita Creek and Coal Mine Spring watersheds, this is the State of Arizona's first significant Natural Area.

The Natural Area protects not only the endangered Gila Topminnow and serveral special-status birds, but also historical and cultural relics. Low impact recreations such as hiking, and bird watching co-exist with education and scientific research of Sonoita Creek State Natural Area. Read about upcoming and on-going events below.

Habitat

Sonoita Creek State Natural Area is unique in that, within a relatively small area, seven distinct vegetative communities are present ranging from Semi-Desert Grasslands to Riparian Deciduous Forests. The visual and biological characteristics of these communities are markedly different, and their combined presence in a relatively small area is quite rare.

The Natural Area is located in a transitional zone between the Sonoran Desert and the Chihuahuan Desert. Representative species from each zone can be observed within its boundaries.

Park & Natural Area Sonoita Creek State Natural Area and Patagonia Lake State Park are located next to each other in Patagonia, Arizona. The Natural Area conserves the land in its natural state, so you won’t find restrooms or modern camping facilities in the Natural Area. Use Patagonia Lake State Park as your base camp to enjoy the hiking, horseback riding, and natural surroundings of the Sonoita Creek area. Please practice “Leave No Trace” ethics.

Regularly Scheduled Activities

For information call (520) 287-2791.

Saturday

9 am Avian Adventure Boat Tour, pre-register, $3
10:15 am Avian Adventure Boat Tour, pre-register, $3
11:30 am Lake Discovery Boat Tour, pre-register, $3
2 pm Junior Ranger Activity, all ages welcome
Varies Twilight Tour Boat Tour, pre-register, $3

Sunday

9 am Avian Adventure Boat Tour, pre-register, $3
10:15 am Discovery Boat Tour, pre-register, $3
11:30 am Junior Ranger Activity, all ages welcome
2 pm Lake Discovery Boat Tour, pre-register, $3
7 pm Evening Program, topics vary

Monday

9 am Bird Walk, meet at the Birding Trailhead

Thursday

9 am Bird Walk, meet at the Birding Trailhead

Friday

9 am Bird Walk, meet at the Birding Trailhead

NOTE: The natural area itself is always open but permits are issued from the Patagonia Lake State Park gatehouse.

Specialty Hikes (Jan. 2010)

Tuesday, January 12 at 8 am Five Mile Bird Hike. Bird several different habitats and see a variety of species with a guide. Hike begins in desert uplands and reaches Sonoita Creek. Bring sturdy shoes, binoculars, water and snacks. Hike is approximately five miles and four hours long. Call (520) 287-2791 to register. Meet at Visitor Center.

Wednesday, January 20 at 9 am Vista Trail Hike Hike. in the desert uplands and view several different mountain ranges with a volunteer. Hike is just over 6 miles. Bring sturdy shoes, binoculars, water and snacks. Call (520) 287-2791 to register. Meet at Visitor Center.

Thursday, January 28 at 9 am Nature & History Hike. Learn about the history of the area with a little nature thrown in! Join local historian Greg Scott on this hike. Bring hiking shoes, water and snacks. Call (520) 287-2791 to register. Meet at Visitor Center.

Friday, January 29 at 4:30 pm Moonlight Hike. Experience the wonderful view of Sonoita Creek and Patagonia Lake by moonlight. Wear sturdy shoes; bring water, a flashlight and perhaps a walking stick. Trail is moderately difficult with a 350 ft. elevation gain. Call (520) 287-2791 to register.

Educational Curriculum for School Field Trips

Healthy Water Education Program: For Grades 3 through 6
The Healthy Water Education Program is a field trip environmental education program designed for 3rd – 6th grades. Students test water to determine water quality which includes a pontoon boat ride on Patagonia Lake, look at aquatic insects under microscopes and learn about the importance of protecting water dependent habitats in Arizona. The program takes place at the Visitor Center which is located in Patagonia Lake State Park. Up to 60 students can be accommodated during the field trip. The field trip takes approximately three to four hours to complete depending on group size. In-classroom pre-lessons are provided to teachers to prepare students for the field trip. Post-lessons for the classroom are also provided to help tie all components of the program together. Field trips usually take place in September, October, April and May to take advantage of the best weather. Call the Natural Area's Visitor Center at (520) 287-2791 for more information and to register. Registration must take place at least six weeks prior to your visit.

Download Healthy Water Education Program Curriculum ( 1.6 MB PDF)
Download Healthy Water Journal ( 460 KB PDF) Please print out a journal for each student. Can be printed 2-sided.

Learn about Curriculums at other Arizona State Parks

New Mexico and Arizona Railroad

Sections of this railroad once paralleled Sonoita Creek from Patagonia to Rio Rico. The New Mexico and Arizona Railroad Trail follows the old railroad bed. Remains of the past can be seen in the form of culverts, bridge abutments, pilings, spikes and rails. Please leave these artifacts for others to enjoy.

Management Goals

Maintain natural surface water flow.
Protect and restore riparian habitat.
Protect and restore upland habitat.
Maintain diverse and healthly population of native wildlife.
Protect existing populations of special-status native wildlife species.
Protect cultural resources.
Provide opportunities for appropriate public use for recreaion, resource interpretation, environmental education, and scientific research.
Develop mutually beneficial partnerships that facilitate resource management and protection within the Sonoita Creek watershed.

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