Cienega Creek Natural Preserve
Cienega Creek Natural Preserve is a 4,010-acre site that preserves a portion of Cienega Creek watershed flowing through eastern Pima County. From the parking lot, birders pass through a ocotillo-creosote bush desert scrub into the cool shade of Fremont cottonwoods and Goodding’s willows. Cienega Creek has perennial subsurface flow and intermittent surface flow, which is dependent on rainfall.
The Arizona Trail goes through the preserve.
Site Information
Region: Tucson and Southern
County: Pima
Directions: From Tucson on eastbound I-10, exit 281 (Sonoita/Patagonia), turn left to cross I-10 to Marsh Station Road. From westbound I-10, exit 281, loop exit to Marsh Station Road. Travel northeast on Marsh Station Road approximately 3 miles and watch for the Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead sign on the right. After parking, walk through the gate and go left (northeast) on the trail. At "Y" go right and follow trial down to creek. DO NOT take I-10 to the Marsh Station exit (#)!
Latitude: 32.036192
Longitude: -110.683202
Operational Hours: Open all year, dawn til dusk
Admission or Fees: None. A free permit available online is required (see Pima County website below).
Best time to visit: April- September
Habitats: Desert, Stream or river
Know Before You Go
It can be quite hot in the summer (May-September), so bring plenty of water, a hat, sunscreen, etc. During monsoon season (late June-August) flash floods are possible, so pay attention to changing weather conditions. Rattlesnakes are present in the area, so be alert. Do NOT attempt to handle any rattlesnakes.
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: Abert’s Towhee, Canyon Wren, Gray Hawk, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, Pyrrhuloxia, Rufous-winged Sparrow, Varied Bunting
Charismatic: Black-throated Sparrow, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Summer Tanager, Vermilion Flycatcher
Contact Information
Natural Resources, Parks, and Recreation
Pima County
3500 W. River Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85741
Phone: 520-724-5000
Website: https://www.pima.gov/1229/Cienega-Creek-Natural-Preserve
Email: frontdesk@pima.gov
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L303988
Additional Resources:
Las Cienegas National Conservation Area
The Arizona Trail
