patagonia-sonoita creek preserve

This Preserve is definitely worth a few hours to explore. The site is staffed by volunteers who are knowledgeable regarding bird species, animals and plants found at this site. For birders, this is a definite place to visit. The day we were there several birders were to be found checking out birds. Of particular interest, a rare species of Robin with distinct coloring (don't remember the common name).There are 3 to 4 miles of trails, including inter-connecting trails for those with limited time or ability. All the trails are "Easy" to walk. During our walk about the various trails, we saw a number of Javalina, including a very young one following the mother. They actually gave us some great "photo ops". We also saw a Couti ( not certain of the spelling). This animal looks somewhat like a large raccoon with a long bushy tail. Also saw a couple of squirrels. There is also a trail that runs along Sonoita-Patagonia creek. Actually the stream flow started at the upper end of the preserve and appeared to gain flow as it crossed the preserve area. This trail section meanders adjacent to the creek. There are some enormous Cottonwood Trees found throughout most of the trail sections. One of the Cottonwood Trees is considered to be at least 130 years old, which is a much longer life for a Cottonwood than normal. These trees are a site to behold!There is a small, but very nice visitor center at the parking area. Bathrooms are also found a the visitor center. Bring along food for a picnic. There are picnic tables at the visitor center as well a scattered picnic tables along the trails, especially along the stream trail. The Preserve is open for visitors Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. It is closed at 4:00 PM. The cost is $3.00/person for Nature Conservancy members and $6.00/person for non-members. The cost is well worth it considering the variety of birds as well as animals found here. The enormous Cottonwood Trees are spectacular. The money also goes for a good cause to help protect special sites like this for generations to come.

We did not allow ourselves enough time and kicked on own butt all the way back. Wife got to see a Rufus Robin, me the back of a bob cat.

We hiked several trails, but there wasn't much to see. We had hoped to see some hummingbirds, but we saw no wildlife, not even a squirrel.

Large preserve along one of the few year-long flowing creek. Beautiful riparian area and open meadows that draw birds and hold a variety of wildlife. Nice visitor center with information on latest bird sightings.

A friend and I drove to Patagonia to hike and found the Nature Conservancy's Patagonia Creek Preserve, an amazing place about a mile from town. The fee is $6 for non-members and $3 for members. We took the 2 mile loop that runs along the creek, which was still flowing in December, through an amazing giant Oak Tree Forest, and along a path where we saw several White Tail Deer and numerous birds. The trail is easy to follow and generally flat. We both found the hike exhilarating. The first thing I did when I got home was to join the Nature Conservancy, which protects sites like this one from outside development and permits everyone to see nature at it's most primal. As older people, the hike was easily doable with an abundance of birds and giant Oak Trees more than 100 feet high, huge in diameter, and many over 130 years old. Patagonia is an easy drive from Tucson (about an hour from mid-town on the I-10 East and Az 83 West). For an inexpensive and wonderful hike through a beautiful Arizona spot, you can't beat the Patagonia Creek Preserve. After your hike, try the Gathering Place for coffee and the Velvet Elvis for lunch or dinner (both reviewed by me on this site), great ways to end or begin your stay in Patagonia.

We were in the general area to visit the Empire Ranch House. I wanted to write a review for them but they're not listed on TA. I recommend a visit to the historic ranch. We ended up in Patagonia and the Preserve. My niece and I had been former members of the Nature Consrvancy and wanted to view this area. While we couldn't get in (NC employees were away at a seminar) we still basked in the cool environs of this area of southern AZ. The employees called us back the next day and were sorry they hadn't been there and we had a nice chat. We'll go again in the spring.

Trails lead along the Sonoita Creek where many species of birds can be seen. It's a lovely Nature Conservancy property.

This place is a gem, a riverside habitat for birds that has no equal in the area. It is best in the spring and summer, but is also good in wintertime.

I first read about this preserve in a tour book where it was described as "enchanted", and that is exactly the word that I would use. It looks like the middle of nowhere when you pull up, but there is ample parking, restrooms and a very small gift shop. They are open until 4pm and closed on Monday and Tuesdays. We saw deer, hawks, and flycatchers. Javelina and bobcats had also been spotted that day. There a 2 mile loop trail that takes you on a very easy and well marked hike through a magical ecosystem. It costs $6pp and included a map of the preserve. There are benches every few minutes to relax and watch for animals. I will definitely return here in the future. It is amazing that this area exists so close to Tucson and is so different. Some of the biggest cottonwood trees I've ever seen, Fresh green grass, and a stream all make this worth the drive!

Sonoita Creek flows here for two of its five miles (the rest being dry wash this time of year) and watercress grows, making this a green, verdant habitat for birds and other wildlife. The massive cottonwoods took my breath away. The trails were nice to walk, and the peacefulness of this special place is addictive. A must visit for birders visiting or living in southern Arizona!

We hiked here a couple times in March 2014. It's a nice place with a small but beautiful visitor center, friendly volunteers and great hummingbird feeders. Check ahead for hours since they are closed some days, and close early on others.

Peaceful preserve that is not only enjoyable, it benefits the Nature Conservancy. Lovely, flat walk along the super-green Sonoita Creek - part shaded, party sunny. Good wildlife and bird viewing. The Vermillion Flycatcher is a bright red (with black mask) bird who is highly sociable and will pose for you as long as you like. Javalinas drink from the creek. Huge oaks and cottonwoods. When I was there, there was more nature activity to the north of the park. Very scenic.

The creek has (rare) open water and the riparian habitat in the preserve is rich in bird, animal and plant life. Nature Conservancy does a great job of stewardship. Trails are easy and well marked. Note that it is not open 7 days per week.

It is a nice place for a gentle hike, but Nature Conservancy (which I support) doesn't allow dogs, so is limited for me.

Although we are not birders, we enjoyed the relative short and flat walk at the preserve. The young volunteer at the Visitor Center was full of information. This is a keeper. If you are a member of the Nature Conservancy, the fee is $3, otherwise it is a little more.