Sonoita Creek State Natural Area

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.

Upcoming Events

For information, call (520) 287-2791.
Download January 2009 Event Schedule ( 679 KB PDF).

Tues. Jan. 6, 7 pm - A Nature Photo Tour of the Santa Cruz River Valley. Murray Bolesta. From the ground and air, beautiful images of an important water source shared by Arizona and Sonora, Mexico.

Thurs. Jan. 8, 7 pm - Bats: Demons or Darlings. Steven Haas. Animals of myths and legends, bats pollinate many plants we like to eat and eat many insects that irritate us.

Fri. Jan. 9, 9 am - Nature & History Hike. Greg Scott, retired teacher, Nogales. History of the Patagonia Lake area with a little nature thrown in. Three miles, three hours; start in Rio Rico. Registration required.

Sat. Jan. 10, 4:45 pm - Moonlight Hike. Walk up the Overlook Trail during sunset and moonrise with a guide. Moderate difficulty, incredible view! Registration required.

Tues. Jan. 13, 7 pm - History of the New Mexico & Arizona Railroad. Ride the rails back in time down Sonoita Creek (under Patagonia Lake!) with Jack Walsh.

Thurs. Jan. 15, 7 pm - Sonoita Creek: A Treasure of Natural History and Diversity. Join Ron Hummel, one of the founders of the Friends of Sonoita Creek and local nature enthusiast, for an overview of the life in and around the creek.

Tues. Jan. 20, 9 am - Nature & History Hike, from Patagonia Lake. Please register.

Tues. Jan. 20, 7 pm - Ghost Towns of SE Arizona. Settlers came to seek their fortune and left behind stories of hard times and adventures. Judy King presents a glimpse into the history of the hills around Patagonia.

Thurs. Jan. 22 - Assistant Manager Jen Parks will give an overview of the Natural Area's acquisition, management, recreation opportunities, visitor center, services and research.

Fri. Jan. 23, 8 am - Five-Mile Bird Hike. A guide will lead you through desert uplands into the Sonoita Creek riparian habitat from the Patagonia Lake Visitor Center. Registration required, limited to 12.

Tues. Jan. 27, 7 pm - White-Nosed Coatis: An Introduction to Arizona’s Most Curious Beast. These entertaining and busy beasts are relatives of racoons and live along Sonoita Creek. Christine Haas will explain their behavior and habitat needs.

Thurs. Jan. 29, 7pm - Addressing the Myths About the Patagonia Lake Dam and Water Quality. Get your questions answered and find out the rest of the story. Rob Van Zandt, Arizona State Parks, will speak to the specifics.

Evening Programs - Jan. 22, Asst. Manager, Jen Parks, will present an overview of the Natural Area. at 7 pm.

On Tuesday and Thursday evenings volunteers, staff, and local experts present a variety of programs covering a wide range of interesting and enjoyable topics. Programs start at 7 pm and are approximately one hour. They are free and open to the public.

Moonlight Hike - Feb. 9, Mar. 10, and Apr. 9, times and days vary. Experience the wonderful view of the Sonoita Creek riparian ribbon with the colors of an Arizona sunset and a glowing moon serving as the backdrop. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and a flashlight and perhaps a walking stick. Trail is moderately difficult with a 350 ft. elevation gain. Call ahead for meeting time.

Five-mile Bird Hike - Jan. 23, Feb. 20, Mar. 20, Apr. 10 at 8:00 am. See a variety of birds in several different habitats with a guide. Hike begins in desert uplands and reaches Sonoita Creek. Bring sturdy shoes, binoculars, water and snacks. Hike is about five miles and five hours long. Meet at the Visitor Center. Limited to 12 people, call to register.

George Wise Spring Hike - Feb. 19, Manager Steven Haas will take you into the uplands of the watershed of Sonoita Creek. Some bush whacking and a pontoon boat ride. 8:30 - 3:00.

Plant Walk - Feb. 6, Mar. 6, Apr. 3, join ranger Ken Morrow on a stroll through several vegetation zones. Wear boots, prepare for lots of sun and bring your questions.

Nature & History Hike - Jan. 20, Feb. 13, Feb. 27, Mar. 27, Apr. 10 - Retired Nogales teacher, Greg Scott, will share some of the rich history of the area and some geography and botany. Some hikes start in Rio Rico (5 miles), some meet in the Sonoita Creek/Patagonia Lake Visitor Center (3 miles). Call for information.

On-Going Events

To Register Call (520) 287-2791.

Avian Adventure Pontoon Boat Tour

Wed., Sat., & Sun. at 9 am & 10:15 am. One hour birding tour of the east end of Patagonia Lake. Help us locate and identify resident and migratory birds of the Sonoita Creek area. Call to register. Until April 15.

Lake Discovery Pontoon Boat Tour

Wed., Sat., & Sun. at 11:30 am. One hour exploration of the west end of Patagonia Lake. Discover the vegetation, history, and beauty of Sonoita Creek and Patagonia Lake as we explore Ash Canyon, the dam, and Deep Cove. Call to register. Until April 15.

Bird Walk

Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs., call ahead for times. Meet at the Birding Trail Trailhead, located within Patagonia Lake State Park, to experience this two-hour birding adventure. Wear comfortable shoes and bring binoculars, field guide, and water. Until April 15.

Junior Ranger Activity

Sat. at 2 pm & Sun. at 10:30 am. Kids and their adults are welcome to join us for an hour of discovery as we learn about nature, create fun nature crafts and learn how to become a Junior Ranger. Held at the Visitor Center. Until April 15.

Twilight Pontoon Boat Tour

Saturdays, time varies. Enjoy the evening sights and sounds of Patagonia Lake’s riparian wildlife while exploring the entire lake. Call to register and for meeting time. Until April 15.

Birding

The Natural Area offers exceptional birding opportunities. Over 300 resident and migratory bird species inhabit Sonoita Creek and Patagonia Lake including eastern, western, and accidental Mexican species such as the Elegant Trogon, Rufous-backed Robin, and the Black-capped Gnatcatcher. Birding hikes and boat tours are offered from October to May.

Download January 2009 Bird Sighting List ( 72 KB PDF) Updated list of recent sighting from January 2009.

Download December 2008 Bird Sighting List ( 79 KB PDF) A remarkable 110 species have been sighted this early in the season! Check it out in the downloadable list.

School Field Trips

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 for more information and to register. Registration must take place at least six weeks prior to your visit. (520) 287-2791

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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