Sonoita Creek Natural Area

Sonoita Creek Natural Area Review

At the Nature Conservancy's Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, 1,350 acres of cottonwood-willow riparian habitat are protected along the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek watershed. More than 275 bird species have been sighted here, along with white-tailed deer, javelina, coatimundi (raccoonlike animals native to the region), desert tortoise, and snakes. There's a self-guided nature trail; guided walks are given every Saturday at 9 am along 2 mi of loop trails. Three concrete structures near an elevated berm of the Railroad Trail serve as reminders of the land's former use as a truck farm. To reach the preserve from Patagonia, make a right on 4th Avenue; at the stop sign, turn left onto Blue Haven Road. This paved road soon becomes dirt, and leads to the preserve in about 1.25 mi. The admission fee is good for seven days.