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Sonoita Creek State Natural Area

400 Lake Patagonia Road
Patagonia, AZ 85624
Phone: 520.287.2791
Day Use Hours: 4 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Facilities: Visitor Center, Hiking Trails, Horse Trails, Birdwatching, Back-Country Camping, Trailhead Parking, and Horse Trailer Parking.

Directions:

I-10 East to Hwy 83 South to Hwy 82. Hwy 82, 7 miles past the town of Patagonia.or: South on I-19 to exit 12, East on Ruby Rd. South on Via Frontera, East on South River Road, East on Hwy. 82, 7 miles North onto Lake Patagonia Road, 4 miles.

Sonoita Creek State Natural Area Visitor Center is open 8-4:30, 7 days a week October 15-April 15. The Visitor Center is not regularly open April 15-October 15. The Sonoita Creek State Natural Area Gates are open from 4:00am-5:00pm daily.

Use Permits Must Be Obtained from the Visitor Center inside Patagonia State Park for entry into Sonoita Creek State Natural Area.

Regularly Scheduled Activities (October Through April)

Download February/March 2008 Activites Schedule ( Word Format .doc 842 kb)

Unless stated otherwise, programs are held at the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area Visitor Center located within Patagonia Lake State Park. For information/reservations call: (520) 287-2791

Sunday
9:00 am: Avian Adventure Boat Tour, pre-register, $3
9:00 am: Bird Walk, meet at Sonoita Creek Trailhead
10:00 am: Junior Ranger Activity, all ages welcome
10:15 am: Avian Adventure Boat Tour, pre-register, $3
11:30 am: Lake Discovery Boat Tour, pre-register, $3

Monday
8:00 am: Bird Walk, meet at Sonoita Creek Trailhead

Wednesday
9:00 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
Time Varies: Twilight Tour Boat Tour, pre-register, $3

Thursday
9:00 am: Bird Walk, meet at Sonoita Creek Trailhead
7:00 pm: Evening Program
     Oct. 18: Winged Migration Video
     Oct. 25: Arts and Culture of Ancient Southern Arizona Hohokam Indians
     Nov. 1: Intermediate Birding 8 Nov A Nature Photo Tour of Santa Cruz County
     Nov. 15: Ghost Towns of Arizona
     Nov. 22: Ghost Towns of Arizona (Special Tuesday presentation)
     Nov. 29: Archaeology and Cultures of Arizona

Saturday
9:00 am: Avian Adventure Boat Tour, pre-register, $3
9:00 am: Bird Walk, meet at Sonoita Creek Trailhead
10:00 am: Junior Ranger Activity, all ages welcome
10:15 am: Avian Adventure Boat Tour, pre-register, $3
11:30 am: Lake Discovery Boat Tour, pre-register, $3

Special  Programs

Moonlight Hike: Experience the wonderful view of Sonoita Creek and Patagonia Lake by moonlight. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and a flashlight and perhaps a walking stick. Trail is moderately difficult with a 350 ft. elevation gain.
Oct. 25 at 4:45
Nov. 24 at 4:15
Dec. 23 at 4:15
Jan. 22 at 5:00
Feb. 20 at 5:30
Mar. 21 at 5:45
Apr. 20 at 6:15

Boating Safety Class: Learn about boat registration, equipment requirements, boating laws, navigation rules and other useful information.  This is a State and Federally approved class. Upon successful completion, students receive a certificate and ID card. Sponsored by Arizona Game and Fish Department. Call to register.
Saturdays from 9:00am-5:00pm. Dates: Oct. 27 & Dec. 1

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 approx. five miles and four hours long.  Call to register.
Saturdays at 8:00am. Dates: Oct. 19, Nov. 16, Dec. 14 & Jan. 18

Hike to Coal Mine Spring: See beautiful Coal Mine Spring where the endangered Gila Topminnow thrive.  Approx 11 miles round-trip of moderate difficulty.  Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water and lunch. Call to register.
Saturdays at 8:30am. Dates: Nov. 3 & Dec. 8

School Field Trips

The “Healthy Water” education program at Sonoita Creek State Natural Area is a
field trip environmental education program designed for 3rd - 6th grades. Students test water to determine water quality, look at aquatic insects under microscopes and learn about the importance of protecting water dependent habitats in Arizona. Call the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area Visitor Center for more information. Registration must take place at least six weeks prior to your visit. (520) 287-2791

Area Scenic Attractions

Coronado National Forest, Madera Canyon Recreation Area, Tumacacori National Historical Park, Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, Ramsey Canyon Preserve, San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, Coronado National Monument, Cochise Stronghold, Fort Bowie National Historic Site, and Chiracahua National Monument. Ghost Towns: Harshaw, Mowry, Duquesne, Washington Camp, and Lochiel.

Nearby State Parks

Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, and Kartchner Caverns State Park®.

Park Description

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.

Management Goals

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

Natural Area Rules

• Sonoita Creek State Natural Area is a fee area.
• Permits are required to enter SCSNA and can be obtained at the Visitor Center in Patagonia Lake State Park. A permit is needed for each person and each horse.
• Camp in designated campsites and have a proper permit. Six campers per campsite maximum. Two-night limit in backcountry campsites. Campsites should be vacated by 11:00 a.m.
• Fires are allowed at campsites in designated fire rings.
• The area is closed to motorized and mechanized vehicles, including bicycles.
• Trash should be packed out and disposed of properly.
• Hunting is allowed with a proper permit and license.
• Respect nature by enjoying wildlife from a distance and leaving plants intact.
• Cultural and historical sites and artifacts are protected by law. Leave them undisturbed.
• Trails may be closed to protect certain species or areas. Closing information
will be posted.
• Please respect private property and stay on the trail.
• All dogs must be kept on leashes. Please pick up after your pet.
• Horses must remain on designated trails and cannot stay overnight. Feed horses weed-free hay for 7 days prior to arrival at SCSNA.

Camping with Conservation in Mind

1. Plan your trip - look at a map and know the route to your destination. Bring proper gear and resources. Let others know your plans.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces - Stay on trails and camp only in designated campsites.
3. Protect Sensitive Habitats - Places like Coal Mine Springs are home to special status species. Do not swim, bathe or wash dishes in springs, creeks or washes.
4. Dispose of Waste Properly - Pack in and pack out garbage. Bury human waste in a shallow hole (4-6 inches deep) at least 200 feet from water, dry washes, trails, or campsites. Carry out toilet paper and feminine products.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts - Use established fire rings and burn only dead, fallen timber. Keep fires small.
6. Be Considerate of other visitors - Prevent disturbing others by keeping noise to a minimum.

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.

Birding

The Natural Area offers exceptional birding opportunities. Over 275 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.

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.