See Endangered Pupfish Along the Visitor Center Nature Trail

At the pond, keep an eye out for pupfish, dragonflies, tadpoles, and even the occasional coyote!

NPS Photo/ Craig Stocks

Distance: 0.1 mile (0.2 kilometers)
Difficulty: Easy

Next to the Kris Eggle Visitor Center is a 1/10^th of a mile paved nature trail that loops by a small pond and showcases native Sonoran Desert plant life. The trail begins by the parking lot and loops around to the back of the visitor center.  

Pets are allowed on this trail. 

A Refuge for Endangered Quitobaquito Pupfish

The visitor center pond, affectionately known as “La Ciénaga" or "desert oasis," is home to the endangered Quitobaquito pupfish. This small fish is only found in Quitobaquito Springs, in the southwest corner of the monument, and in the Rio Sonoyta, a small Mexican river drainage directly south of the international border. Since this unique fish naturally exists in only one location within the United States, a second habitat was created and set aside as a refuge for this endangered species. This pond was designed and built in 2005 by 160 science students from Ajo Middle School.
 

Details

Duration

15-30 Minutes

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

Yes

Activity Fee

No

If you plan on spending time in the park outside of the visitor center area, a general entrance fee is required and can be paid in the Kris Eggle Visitor Center or at a self-registration pay kiosk. 

Location

Visitor Center Nature Trail

The trail has one entrance by the back door of the visitor center and loops back around the parking lot, near the Kris Eggle Memorial.   

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Accessibility Information

The Visitor Center Nature trail is a flat, paved trail that is 3 feet in width and accessible by wheelchair. Trail is 1/10th of a mile (0.16 kilometers) long.