SouthEastern Arizona & Northern Sonora Map & Guide
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Scenic
Aravaipa Canyon photo:BLM
East: 14 miles west of Safford on Hwy. 70 to the Aravaipa/Klondyke Rd.; turn left, 32 miles to Klondyke; then 10 miles on Aravaipa Rd. West: From Tucson, Hwy. 77 north 48 miles to Mammoth, 8 miles to Aravaipa Canyon Rd., east 12 miles. Bureau of Land Management |
Black Hills Backcountry Byway photo:BLM
The Byway is off Hwy 191; the south end is at milepost 139, the north at milepost 160. About three hours northeast of Tucson or 3.5 hours east of Phoenix. Bureau of Land Management |
Coronado Trail photo:Ed Pfeifer
|
Gila River photo:BLM
East: From Safford, Hwy. 70 east 10 miles
to AZ191, then 29 miles to milepost 160.
Turn left, follow signs four miles. West:
From Safford, 5 miles east on Hwy. 70 to
Solomon, Sanchez Rd. left to pavement
end, follow signs to Bonita Creek. |
Kartchner Caverns State Park photo:Arizona State Parks
I-10 to exit 302, south on Hwy. 90 nine miles. About 50 miles from Tucson. Arizona State Parks, 520.428.4040 |
Las Cienegas
In a state where desert arroyos, washes, and many streambeds remain bone-dry most of the time, the year-round flow of Cienega Creek makes it a very valuable resource. A lush green ribbon of vegetation defines one of the most significant, and increasingly rare, riparian zones in southern Arizona. Cienega Creek gets its name from the cienegas, or marshes, which occur along its length. Antelope are a welcome and not uncommon sight among the rolling grasslands of the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. From Tucson, take I-10 east, then south
on SR83 toward Sonoita to the wildlife
area turnoff near milepost 40.
|
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve photo: The Nature Conservancy
The Preserve is about 60 miles SE of Tucson. Take I-10 to SR83 to Sonoita, west on Hwy. 82 to Patagonia; turn west on 4th Ave., south on Pennsylvania, cross the creek and head one mile to entrance. The Nature Conservancy, 520.394.2400 |
Pinaleño Mountains photo:BLM
From Safford, 8 miles south on US-191, right onto AZ-366, 37 miles to the top, last 13 miles are graded dirt; winter closures. Coronado National Forest
928.428.4150 |
Ramsey Canyon Preserve photo:Les Siemens
The Nature Conservancy 520.378.2785
|
Aconchi-Rio Sonora valley photo:Joel Viers
The road through the
beautiful Río Sonora valley,
settled by Jesuit priests in the 1600s,
passes through picturesque and tranquil
towns worth spending some time in.
Towns are prosperous and clean, with
well-kept plazas. Aconchi, home to a
creative furniture industry, is a highlight,
and the hot springs here are great (look
for a sign "Aguas Termales" just before
Aconchi). This isolated and relaxing
camping area features soaking tubs,
swimming pools, picnic sites, and
pleasant surroundings. The church at
Arizpe, Sonora's capital in 1828 and the
colonial capital under Spanish rule, is
well-known and quite impressive (other
town churches deserve a visit too). |
San Bernardino NWR photo:William R. Radke, US Fish and Wildlife
From Douglas, take Hwy. 191 north to approximately 1/4 mile past milepost 11, then east about one mile to the refuge.
San Bernardino National Wildlife
Refuge, 520.364.2104 |
San Pedro NRCA photo:BLM
Bureau of Land Management 520.722.4289 http://www.blm.gov/az/ back to map |
Whitewater Draw photo:Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory
Enter off Coffman Rd. either from Central Hwy. via Bagby or Lee Rd., or from Davis Rd. just west of Central Hwy. Arizona Game & Fish, 520.628.5376back to map |
Patagonia Lake State Park photo:Kim Dimmet
From Tucson (about one hour), take I-19 south, 12 miles north of Nogales off Hwy. 82, turn north on Patagonia Lake Rd. Patagonia Lake State Park |
Parker Canyon Lake photo:Les Seimens
West of the Huachuca Mountains, the lake is 28 miles from Sierra Vista. From Tucson, about 70 miles: take I-10 east 20 miles to SR 83 (exit 281), then south 50 miles through Sonoita. Sierra Vista Ranger District |
Rocky Point photo:Ann Moote
Rocky Point is less than four hours
(about 170 miles) from Tucson. |
Roper Lake State Park photo:Arizona State Parks
The park is located off Hwy. 191, six miles south of Safford, then head east to 101 E. Roper Lake Rd. Arizona State Parks |
Mission at Cocóspera photo:Joel Viers
Coming from
Cananea (2), look for a small sign on the
right a few miles after the Kilometer 21
checkpoint (see map).
|
Mission at Oquitoa photo:Joel Viers
|
Mission at Pitiquito photo:Joel Viers
|
Mission San Xavier photo:John Chinnock
San Xavier is located south of Tucson on
I-19, Exit 92 to the west just off the
freeway.
520.294.2624 |
Church detail, Tubutama photo:Joel Viers
|
Mission at Tumacácori photo:Kim Dimmet
South from Tucson on I-19, 45 miles to exit
29, follow the signs. The Park is 18 miles
north of Nogales.
|
Bisbee, the Pythian Castle photo:Rod Pasibe
Exit off I-10 to Hwy. 80, then south about 50 miles (through Tombstone). Bisbee Visitor's Center 1.866.2BISBEE |
Cananea photo:Kim Dimmet
The easiest way to reach Cananea is from
Naco: head south 9 miles, then west on
Mexico 2 another 27 miles.
|
Chiricahua National Monument photo:Les Siemens
Head south from Willcox 36 miles on SR186; 120 miles east of Tucson. National Park Service |
Coronado National Memorial photo:Dave Bly
Off I-10, take Hwy. 90 south to Sierra Vista, then south on Hwy. 92 to S. Coronado Memorial Dr.; about 99 miles from Tucson.
National Park Service |
Caborca, petroglyphs photo:Joel Viers
|
Pictographs, Cucurpe photo:Joel Viers
|
Mission at Magdalena photo:Joel Viers
|
Douglas photo:Roberto Osuna Palacios
From Tucson take I-10 east, exit Hwy. 80,
follow this to Douglas; about 117 miles.
|
Fort Bowie photo:Les Siemens
Take Hwy 186 south of Willcox, then north on Apache Pass Rd. National Park Service |
Nogales
Nogales Chamber of Commerce |
Tombstone Courthouse State Park photo:Kim Dinnet
Arizona State Parks, 520.457.3311 |
Trincheras photo:Joel Viers
|
Tubac Presidio photo:Kim Dinnet
Forty-five miles south of Tucson, 22 miles north of Nogales on I-19, Exit 34. Arizona State Parks, 520.398.2252
|
Aravaipa Canyon, with its
year-round stream (expect to get yourfeet wet
) and spectacular side canyons, is a
dramatic destination. 1,000 feet deep in
places, this 11-mile Wilderness Area is
home to bighorn sheep, javelinas,
coatimundis, mountain lions, native fish,
and over 200 bird species. Permit
required; two night maximum, party of
10 or less; plan in advance—the canyon
is popular.
This 21-mile trip offers sweeping
views of the Black Hills, the Gila
Mountains, Mount Graham, and the Gila
River Valley. You'll see a Civilian
Conservation Corps work camp, a
historic prison camp, and the Old
Safford Bridge (1918). Side trips provide
canyon views and mountain biking; rock
collectors will want to visit the Black
Hills Rock-hound Area at the west end.
There is good fishing in the Gila River
(4), and spring snowmelt brings rafters,
kayakers, and canoers a 19-mile float to
Bonita Creek.
The Coronado Trail Scenic Road is
a winding 123-mile scenic treat.
The route climbs 6,000 feet from historic
Clifton through grasslands and pine
meadows to cool spruce-fir forests at over
8,000 feet. Mountain vistas, wildlife, cool
meadows and pines greet you on this
sparsely-traveled scenic highway
designated in 1989. Expect to see wildlife
and, seasonally, the fall colors of aspen
and oak, or enjoy the quiet white of
winter. At Hannagan Meadow, about 25
miles south of Alpine, there is a lodge,
restaurant and store. Most of this road
lies within the Apache-Sitgreaves
National Forest. Be sure to top-up on fuel
as there are no gas stations for 100 miles.
There may be winter road closures.
More than twenty miles of the Gila
River and fifteen miles of Bonita
Creek form this special area of
spectacular scenery and extensive
opportunities for horseback riding,
cycling, rafting, hiking, birding (over 200
species), and much more. Hot springs,
miles of trails, and the nearby Black Hills
Backcountry Byway and Rockhound
Area (2) draw many visitors.
Extending over two miles, this
active "live" cave is the premier
cavern in Arizona. Features one of the
world's longest soda straw stalactites (21
feet); the tallest and most massive
column in Arizona, Kubla Khan (58 feet);
the world's most extensive formation of
brushite moonmilk; the first reported
occurrence of "turnip" shields; the first
cave occurrence of "birds nest" needle
quartz formations, and many other
unusual formations such as shields,
totems, helictites, and rimstone dams.
Camping and picnic areas available.
Situated in a lush valley near the
Santa Rita Mountains, this Nature
Conservancy Preserve along Sonoita
Creek is one of the richest riparian
habitats in the region. An internationally
renowned birding destination, the
year-round stream is bordered with
stately cottonwoods and willows,
providing ideal habitat for birds—and
naturalists.
"Sky islands" such as the Pinaleño
Mountains—crowned by Mt.
Graham (10,717 feet, southern Arizona's
highest)—soar into the sky from the
desert. A scenic road runs up the
mountain, taking you through the
greatest range of mountain life zones in
North America. The Pinaleños offer
many recreational activities, and rugged
and steep terrain. The desert habitats
surrounding the sky islands have isolated
many animals from other populations of
their species for thousands of years.
On the eastern flank of the
Huachuca Mountains, this canyon
is renowned for its outstanding scenic
beauty and the diversity of plant and
animal life. A permanent spring-fed
stream, favorable east-west orientation,
and high canyon walls provide Ramsey
Canyon with a moist, cool, and stable
environment. Owned and operated by
The Nature Conservancy. Guided tours
are available on a seasonal basis. Due to
the popularity of the Canyon and limited
parking, call ahead for reservations.
Six miles south of Sierra Vista on Hwy.
92, then west on Ramsey Canyon Rd.
about 4 miles. Lodging available, call in
advance.
The 2,309 acre San Bernardino
National Wildlife Refuge is located
on the US-Mexico border, 17 miles east
of Douglas. The area, open to great
bird watching, photography, and hiking,
once supported permanently flowing
creeks, springs, and marshy wetlands.
The dependable source of water and
grass made the area not only invaluable
to a huge diversity of fish and wildlife,
but also a center of human activity for
centuries. Nearby, the John Slaughter
Ranch, a National Historic Landmark,
preserves an early pioneer ranch home.
The San Pedro NRCA, a 40-mile
lush riparian corridor, features
abundant plant and animal life. An
important avian migration route, it is one
of the nation's premier birding areas,
with nearly 400 species. Many
recreational opportunities are available,
and visits to Murrey Springs—a
significant archaeological site, the ruins
of the Spanish presidio Santa Cruz de
Terrenate, and the ghost town of
Fairbanks are great experiences. The San
Pedro House, nine miles east of Sierra
Vista on Hwy. 90, is a popular trailhead
for birdwatchers, hikers, and mountain
bikers. Ten public access points; see Web
site or call for directions.
Excellent birding site, particularly
known for the vast numbers of
Sandhill cranes that visit the site in
winter—as many as 25,000 will use this
area for roosting from about
mid-October through February. During
the day, the cranes feed in fields
throughout the Sulphur Springs Valley
and the morning departure (best time to
observe them) and evening return of the
birds is a wonderful spectacle of sight
and sound. The Wings Over Willcox
Birding Festival (January), features
Sandhill cranes and many other
Whitewater Draw species.
Tucked into the high, rolling
grasslands of Sonoita Valley, this
popular 250-acre lake features a variety
of water sports including boating and
fishing (bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish,
and winter-stocked rainbow trout).
Camping, picnicking, and hiking
opportunities; park conveniences include
picnic ramadas (with grills), group areas,
a swimming beach, and a marina store
with boat rentals. The 5,000-acre Sonoita
Creek State Natural Area, Arizona's first
major state natural area and a unique
riparian area, abuts the Park.
This 130-acre lake offers
largemouth bass, sunfish,
northern pike, channel catfish, and
stocked rainbow trout (as at other State
Parks, Arizona fishing license required).
Fishing pier, boat ramp and dock, ample
parking, restrooms, drinking water,
country store, group use areas, and a
campground (fee). 8HP motor or less.
No fee for day use.
Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point) is
located on the northern shores of
the Sea of Cortez, within the Sonoran
Free Zone (no car permit required). A
favorite destination for college students
on spring break, Rocky Point lacks little
in amenities and activities, from the
sedate to the extreme. Beautiful beaches
invite a stroll, or go windsurfing,
swimming, sailing, fishing, snorkeling, or
on your own ATV adventure. Besides
good shopping opportunities, the city is
known for its lodging and dining venues
and its spirited nightlife. Just south, the
CET-MAR aquarium and the Center for
Deserts and Oceans offer fun educational
experiences, tours, and nonprofit gift
shops. 
After a long day of driving or
hiking, the natural hot springs at
Roper Lake are not only inviting, they're
invigorating! Roper Lake State Park
provides a great spot to take a break for a
few hours, or a place to spend two or
three relaxing days. Beautiful desert
vegetation, a peaceful lake and a view of
Mount Graham (8), just a few miles
away, frames a beautiful vista for visitors
to enjoy. Camping, swimming, hiking
trails, day-use and picnic areas, cabins
(by reservation), and a stocked lake for
fishing make for great family fun.
Located between Cananea and
Imuris on Mexico 2, Cocóspera
can be easy to miss but one shouldn't.
Just a short drive off the highway, these
impressive ruins are very accessible. The
founding date is uncertain but Father
Kino did visit in 1689; the last
Franciscans left Cocóspera in 1836, and
with increasing Apache raids, the
population declined rapidly. Today a
scaffold supports the front of the mission
and the roof has collapsed. Even this
distraction, however, cannot conceal the
mission's former magnificence. This
remote site remains one of the best to
help bring history alive. 
The mission at Oquitoa is
considered a gem among those
established by Father Kino. The
Franciscans added a facade but the
building kept its Jesuit flat roof, the only
one remaining among the Kino missions.
Beside the mission, the remarkable
cemetery is a must-see with ornate
mausoleums and headstones of all sizes
and designs (be courteous and stay off
the graves). A short distance up the main
cross-street in town you'll come to an old
mill. While mostly in ruins, the structure
is interesting, with the old mill wheel in
front. Look for remains of the aqueduct
too. Much of the old equipment is still
inside but the building is also home to
hundreds of wasps—entry is not
recommended! Further on are more old
buildings, reminders of a more active
past, worth exploring but—as always—be
careful.
This still-used, beautiful mission,
in great condition, is just off
Mexico 2 on the way to Caborca. San
Diego del Pitiquito was founded in 1694
by Father Kino but the first structure did
not last long. Following the Pima Indian
rebellion, a new church was constructed
in 1760. In 1966 large murals were
discovered, having been whitewashed
over many decades earlier. Vigorous
cleaning uncovered many images before
conservation experts intervened to
carefully reveal what are considered late
19th century folk art. Remnant picture
frames, probably depicting the Stations
of the Cross, likely date from when the
church was completed. Covered by
plaster and whitewash over the decades,
these are some of the few surviving
mission artworks done by O'odham
Indians. The grounds are pleasant and
the church is usually open but be
respectful of parishioners.
One of the most beautiful missions
in the Southwest, the "Dove of the
Desert," San Xavier del Bac, was
completed in 1797. It is still an active
church and is one of the finest examples
of Spanish Colonial architecture in the
US. Interior and exterior walls of fired
bricks are set in lime mortar with an
interior core filled with stone rubble over
which lime mortar was poured
periodically as the walls went up. Recent
restoration has resurrected the interior's
original bright colors.
Off the beaten path, this small town
was once the headquarters for
religious administration for the entire
Pimeria Alta during much of the Jesuit and
Franciscan periods. It was perhaps the first
settlement in the region laid out
specifically in a fortified manner, with
houses built into ramparts, with their
doors opening onto the plaza. The town
walls had only town narrow gates, which
were closed at night. The mission you see
today dates from the 1760s–1770s. The
interior of this outstanding building is
quite interesting and well-preserved. Atil,
west of here, is also worth a stop. The Atil
mission was founded in 1751; the ruins of
various original buildings lie next to the
current simple and unassuming church.
Tumacácori National Historical
Park tells the story of the first
Europeans who came to southern Arizona
and of the native peoples who lived here.
Established in 1691, Tumacácori is one of
the oldest missions in Arizona. Visitors
enjoy touring the mission buildings, the
cemetery, and the quiet and peaceful
grounds. The Park lies only a short distance
from the Santa Cruz River, offering great
birding opportunities. The historic De
Anza trailhead begins at the Park and
makes its way to Tubac Presidio State
Historic Park (12). There is a Park entrance
fee.
Bisbee, nestled in the mile-high
Mule Mountains, is a rich blend of
art, history, and western charm. The
picturesque town offers cultural
attractions, fine lodging, fine dining, and
art and antique galleries. Stroll the
historic downtown overlooked by
Victorian and European-style homes
perched on hillsides. Tour the Copper
Queen Mine and check out the Bisbee
Mining & Historical Museum. The 1882
Cochise County Courthouse is an
art-deco masterpiece. Bisbee is a great
starting point for venturing into Mexico.
The historic copper mining town
of Cananea, Sierra Vista's Sister
City, offers an authentic taste of Old
Mexico. Tour the large working open-pit
mine, the mining museum, the fabulous
Greene Mansion, and the old Cananea
Jailhouse Museum. A national
observatory is perched on a nearby
mountain; to the east is the Los Ajos
Forest Reserve. There are a number of
good restaurants and motels, and a quiet
plaza. Locals and visitors alike enjoy
many festivals and events throughout the
year. Located in the hilly upper reaches
of the Río Sonora, Cananea is a good
base for exploring the Río Sonora Valley.
Volcanic in origin, this "sky island"
fantasy land of rock sculptures
offers towering spires, massive stone
columns, and huge rocks balanced on
small carved pedestals. The intersection
of the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts,
and the Rocky Mountains and Sierra
Madre, provides one of the premier areas
for biological diversity in the northern
hemisphere. Created in 1924, the
Monument is a mecca for hikers and
birders. A historic pioneer homestead
features period artifacts. Tours and
camping available. Get gas and supplies
in Willcox.
At the southern end of the
Huachuca Mountains, the
Coronado National Memorial
commemorates the first European
exploration of the Southwest in 1540.
Great panoramic views of the San
Raphael Valley, the San Pedro Valley, and
Mexico, and the southern terminus for
the Arizona Trail. The Visitor Center
museum displays authentic 16th century
armor and weaponry and Spanish
cultural items. Check out Coronado
Cave, well worth a look (bring a
flashlight).
By the time you get here you
may feel a bit isolated but
Caborca makes a good location from
which to explore the missions and
archaeological sites in the surrounding
area, and the Sea of Cortez. The large
mission and grounds at Caborca are
impressive, and even more striking at
sunset. It was also the site of an 1875
battle to drive off American adventurer
Henry Alexander Crabb. In the small
hills around town there are hundreds of
Hohokam petroglyphs dating from
800–1200AD—ask for directions. Roads
out of town lead to vibrant Puerto
Peñasco (4) and picturesque Puerto
Lobos (via a little-traveled, long dirt road).
This settlement was
established in 1750 on the
upper Río San Miguel by Opata Indians.
About a 30-minute drive from
Magdalena, Cucurpe is a small, friendly
town, but with little in the way of
tourism amenities. There is a library
worth poking into, and inviting ruins
(the remains of three unfinished
churches) occupy a high point on the
east of town, but the main attraction
here are the pictographs located in the
cliffs along the river. You can try
exploring up- or down-stream yourself
(expect to get at least wet shoes) but
most of the sites are difficult to locate.
Far better to ask in town for some
guidance or, better yet, a guide. This side
trip from Magdalena is well-worth the
time and effort!
Magdalena, a sleepy farming
village of 300 in 1541, is vibrant
and active today. The center of activity is
the Plaza Monumental, site of an
impressive church and Father Kino's
remains—and a great place to relax and
watch the world. Around the plaza
vendors offer crafts, and there is a
tourism information center across the
north end of the plaza. There is a Kino
museum and a playground, and the
Palacio Municipal (Town Hall) is worth a
look as well. In the hilly section of town
just south of the main road two brothers
have been building a church by hand
over the last twenty years or so—once in
town look for a massive grey building on
a hill to the left. There are a number of
good restaurants and places to stay.
Douglas was founded in 1901 as a
copper smelting town, and for
many decades its fortunes rose and fell
with ore prices. The downtown features
wide avenues fronted with historic
buildings, including the magnificent
Gadsden Hotel, one of the last
turn-of-the-century grand hotels. Nearby
you'll find the Leslie Canyon National
Wildlife Refuge, the historic Slaughter
Ranch, and the San Bernardino National
Wildlife Refuge (11). Across the border,
Agua Prieta has good shopping, a nice
church and plaza, and lots of activity.
Fort Bowie commemorates the
bitter conflict between the
Chiricahua Apaches and the United
States military. For more than 30 years
Fort Bowie and Apache Pass were the
focal point of military operations,
culminating in the surrender of
Geronimo in 1886. Apache resistance
was finally crushed at Fort Bowie, ending
the Indian wars. The remains of Fort
Bowie are carefully preserved, including
the walls of post buildings and the ruins
of a Butterfield Stage Station. A
convergence and blending of ecotypes
means the area features a great diversity
of plant and animal life.
After visiting historic Nogales,
Arizona, cross the border for a
hard-to-beat first taste of Mexico. You'll
find crafts from all over, and
reasonable—and flexible—prices. There
are good restaurants and many
distinctive buildings. The local color and
hustle-and-bustle are well worth
experiencing.
A stylish and large 1882 Victorian
building houses some of the
eventful history of the "town too tough
to die." The Museum features exhibits
and thousands of artifacts that tell
Tombstone's colorful past, including the
famous OK Corral gunfight. In 1881 the
population reached 10,000, rivaling both
Tucson and Prescott (the territorial
capital). The town reached its pinnacle
and then faded, all within a short eight
years. By 1886, Tombstone's heyday was
over, but not before $37,000,000 worth of
silver had been mined.
Trincheras, considered the most
important archaeological area in
Sonora, is a bit of a mystery. The 900
terraces of Cerro de Trincheras were
home to an estimated 2000 people
between A.D. 1300 and 1500. To what
extent the low terraces were used for
cultivation or defense, or both, is
unknown. Stone house foundations are
scattered among the terraces. At the base
of the hill look for "La Cancha"—the
ball court, and, near the hilltop, El
Caracol (The Snail) is the remains of a
spiral-shaped enclosure surrounded by
circular stone structures. El Caracol is
situated in a plaza-like level area. Getting
through the adjacent town of Trincheras
to the terraces is not difficult but there
are no maintained trails up the hill. There
is a back road (dirt, not marked) from the
south end of Santa Ana; not a difficult
trip but undertake only if you are
adventurous and have a full tank.
Exhibits describe how Native
Americans, Spaniards, Mexicans,
and Anglo-Americans contributed to the
development of the region and Arizona.
Tubac, the oldest European settlement in
Arizona, was the state's largest town in
1860. The historic De Anza trailhead
begins at the Park, which features a
museum and other amenities (fee). Find
local crafts at the village of Tubac.