Arivaca Cienega
Arivaca Cienega is part of the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge and is listed as an Important Bird Area for its rich diversity of bird life. From the main parking area, the Arivaca Cienega Trail offers two miles of boardwalk and trail that traverse riparian and wetland habitats that are big draw for all kinds of wildlife throughout the year in the arid region. The five-mile Mustang Trail is a loop trail that wanders through a variety of habitats. Some unique species here are yellow-billed cuckoo, northern bearded tyrannulet, and tropical kingbird that can be spotted during the summer months. Northern harriers and peregrine falcon often winter in the area.
Designated as a site in the Arizona Important Birding Areas Program.
Site Information
Region: Tucson and Southern
County: Pima
Directions: From Arivaca, Arizona, head east on Arivaca Road. The parking lot for Arivaca Cienega Trail is about 1/2 miles east of town.
Latitude: 31.575945
Longitude: -111.323213
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: Year round
Habitats: Desert, Marsh or Wetland, Lake or Pond, Stream or river
Know Before You Go
The site has limited amenities, although it's located just outside the small town of Arivaca.
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: Bridled Titmouse, Mexican Duck, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet
Charismatic: Phainopepla, Ruby-crowned Kinglet , Yellow-headed Blackbird
Contact Information
US Fish & Wildlife Service
Sasabe, Arizona 85633
Phone: 520-823-4251
Website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Buenos_Aires/
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L128878
Additional Resources:
Friends of Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge
Arizona Important Birding Areas Program
