El Rio Preserve
A 104-acre site where a stormwater retention basin has created a rich riparian habitat for nesting and migratory birds. One of the links in the chain of preserved riparian habitat along the Lower Santa Cruz River. Late summer Monsoon season is a particularly active season for hummingbirds.
It has handicap accessible birding platforms.
Site Information
Region: Tucson and Southern
County: Pima
Directions: Preserve address: 10190 S. Coachline Blvd, Marana, AZ 85743 Take the Twin Peaks exit from I-10, go west and turn north onto Coachline Blvd. Drive past W. Oak Stream Road, and in approximately 0.15 miles turn right onto a dirt road; follow it a short distance to a parking area.
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Longitude:
Operational Hours: Other
Other Operational Hours: Thu/Fri 6am-10pm; Sat-Wed 6am - 8:30pm
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: Spring migration: mid-April to mid-May; Late summer/fall migration: late Aug to mid-Sept
Habitats: Desert, Lake or Pond, Urban or Suburban park
Know Before You Go
Wheelchair accessible trail.
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: Costa’s Hummingbird, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Mexican Duck
Charismatic: American Kestrel, Anna’s Hummingbird, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Gila Woodpecker, Lesser Goldfinch, Ruby-crowned Kinglet , Verdin, Vermilion Flycatcher
Contact Information
Town of Marana
11555 W Civic Center Drive
Marana, AZ 85653
Phone: 520-382-1950
Website: https://www.maranaaz.gov/elrio
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L350281
Additional Resources:
Birding in Marana
Sweetwater Wetlands
Discover Marana - El Rio Preserve
