Hike the Santa Cruz River

There would be no Tumacácori story without the Santa Cruz River. Historically, its waters and habitat supported the O'odham civilization and later the mission community. Today, it hosts the rarest ecosystem in Arizona -- the mature cottonwood-willow canopy forest. 

Details

Duration

30 Minutes

The river overlook point is about a 1/4 mile from the mission grounds. One can also hike north or south for many miles along the Anza Trail, which follows the Santa Cruz River.

Activity

Hiking

Most of the dirt trail is level and shady. Pets are allowed, as are horses, but bicycles and motorized vehicles are not permitted within the park boundaries. 

Pets Allowed

Yes

If hiking with a pet, please plan to access the trail from either the Frontage Road trailhead or Santa Gertrudis Road. Pets are not permitted within the mission grounds. 

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Santa Cruz River

Many access points exist. You may find your way to the river and Anza Trail from:

• Inside the mission grounds
• Tumacácori Frontage Road trailhead (just north of the visitor center)
• Santa Gertrudis Road trailhead (south of the visitor center and east on Santa Gertrudis Road)

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

After heavy rains, sections of the trail may become muddy and slippery, and river crossing "bridges" may temporarily wash out. Call the visitor center at 520-377-5061 for condition updates.

Time of Day

Any Time

The trail is accessible 24 hours per day, but visitors should exercise additional caution if hiking during non-daytime hours. Mountain lions frequent the area and may be particularly active during early morning or evening hours.

Accessibility Information

The trail to the river overlook and along the Anza Trail is dirt. Much of it can be navigated by a sturdy stroller or wheelchair with assistance, but some sections can become rough and unnavigable.

The trail from the mission grounds also requires walking through a pedestrian gate. If you wish to bring a wheelchair on the trail, please contact the park and a ranger may be able to open a vehicle gate for you. 520-377-5060

General Information

The trail is great for hikers, horses, and pets (not inside the mission grounds).
Motorized vehicles, camping and fishing are not permitted.
Bicycles not permitted on the Anza trail within Tumacácori National Historical Park.

Tumacácori National Historical Park is a federal fee area. Please pay in the visitor center.

Land Ownership and Easements

Use of the trail outside of the National Park is provided as a courtesy by private owners. Users of the trail must respect the private property surrounding it.

Notice: Regarding the private property through which the trail runs beyond the borders of Tumacácori National Historical Park, users of the trail should be aware that under State Legislature Article I 33-1551, “An owner, lessee or occupant of premises does not:

1. Owe any duty to a recreational user to keep the premises safe for such use;
2. Extend any assurance to a recreational user through the act of giving permission to enter the premises, that the premises are safe for such entry or use, or;
3. Incur liability for any injury to persons or property caused by any act of a recreational user.”

Health And Safety

Drink plenty of water. Weather is most often hot, and very dry. Bring at least one quart of drinking water per person.

Keep wildlife wild. Beware of rattlesnakes, mosquitoes, and prickly plants.

The flow in the Santa Cruz River between Rio Rico and Tubac consists almost completely of treated effluent released from the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Facility.

• Avoid contact with the river water.
• Do not drink or wash with the water.
• If you come into contact with river water, wash the affected area as soon as possible.

If you observe any illegal border-related activity, do not intervene. Note your location and leave the area immediately. Call 911 or report it to a ranger as quickly as possible.

If you're already in the mission grounds, follow the sidewalk toward the orchard to find the trail connector. If you're nearby and want to bring a pet, you'll find the appropraite trailhead at a parking lot just north of the visitor center.

There are many additional access points along the Anza Trail in Tubac, Tumacácori, Rio Rico, and Nogales. Check out the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail for more info on this fascinating route. You may also be interested in some of the wildlife, plants, and natural features along the way.

Remember to snap a photo if you'd like to earn your I Hike For Health pin along the Santa Cruz.

Free Hiker's Shuttles

Don't want to walk eight miles round-trip for your hike between Tubac and Tumacácori? The park will provide a free shuttle for hikers on the third Saturday of the month, October 2022 through March 2023. From 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, a small bus will run continuously between the Tumacácori visitor center parking lot and the Anza Trail trailhead next to the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. Dogs on leash are allowed in the van. Reservations are not necessary.