Canoa Ranch
Canoa Ranch is a 4,800 acre site that is on the National Register of Historic Places, that features a large pond, cienega (marsh), a pollinator garden, and agricultural areas which offer great birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, sparrows, and many others. Over 260 species of bird have been recorded at the site. The large pond is surrounded by a well-maintained dirt paths and four ramadas to get out of the sun. Adjacent to the pond is a cienega that is also circled by well-maintained paths and has sitting benches. To the east is the newly created pollinator garden with many native plants. Mesquite scrub and former agricultural fields are also present on the site along the Juan Batista de Anza National Historical Trail. Canoa Ranch also has renovated historic buildings, exhibits, and self-guided and volunteer-guided historic tours.
Site Information
Region: Tucson and Southern
County: Pima
Directions: From southbound I-19, take exit #56 (Canoa Ranch). At the bottom of the ramp, turn right at the stop sign and enter the roundabout. Take the 4th exit out of the roundabout. At the stop sign at Frontage Road, turn left. The park entrance is on the right in about 1 mile.
Latitude: 31.794675
Longitude: -111.015667
Operational Hours: Other
Other Operational Hours: Gate open 6AM-4PM daily
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: Good all year, but winter is best for the climate
Habitats: Agriculture or Cropland, Marsh or Wetland, Lake or Pond, Urban or Suburban park
Know Before You Go
Canoa Ranch can get very hot during the summer (May-October). Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Lucy’s Warbler, Rufous-winged Sparrow
Charismatic: Greater Roadrunner, Loggerhead Shrike, Phainopepla, Vermilion Flycatcher
Contact Information
Matt Smogor
Pima County
3500 W. River Road
Tucson, AZ 85741
Phone: 520-877-6000
Website: https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/one.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=1507
Email: canoaranch@pima.gov
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1115897
