Patagonia Lake State Park
This state park features the 252-acre Patagonia Lake, a man-made waterbody that attracts all sorts of wildlife year-round. Besides birding, there’s no shortage of things to do here, from camping and fishing to boat rentals and a small beach. As one of the largest bodies of water in all of southern Arizona, the park can get quite busy on weekends during the warmer months, so plan ahead.
For birders seeking a little more solitude, directly adjacent to the state park is the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area, a 5,000-acre parcel that features a fine mix of lush riparian areas, mesquite bosque, and lowland desert habitats.
Permits for hiking, hunting and horseback riding can be obtained at the gatehouse.
Gray hawk and common black hawk are found here, as is the occasional elegant trogon. At the lake you’ll often find a suite of water birds including common merganser, bufflehead, northern pintail, and black-bellied whistling duck, depending on the time of year.
Patagonia Lake State Park and adjacent Sonoita Creek State Natural Area are designated as Important Bird Areas.
Site Information
Region: Tucson and Southern
County: Santa Cruz
Directions: From the town of Patagonia, AZ, drive 7 miles south on AZ 82 until milepost 12. Turn off for the state park is well signed. On the way into the main park entrance you will pass the parking area for the Sonoita Creek Natural Area.
Latitude: 31.496869
Longitude: -110.849701
Operational Hours: Other
Other Operational Hours: Operational hours: Gates are closed from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Ranger station hours vary. Visitor center open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday
Admission or Fees: $15 per vehicle (1-4 adults) Monday-Friday; $20 per vehicle (1-4 adults) weekends and holidays; $3 bicycle/individual
Best time to visit: Year round
Habitats: Desert, Grassland, Marsh or Wetland, Lake or Pond, Stream or river
Know Before You Go
Permits are required to visit the natural area; purchase at the main entrance to the state park
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
Rare: Elegant Trogon
Speciality: Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Common Black Hawk, Gray Hawk, Montezuma’s Quail
Contact Information
Arizona State Parks
400 Patagonia Lake Rd
Patagonia, AZ 85642
Phone: 520-287-6965
Website: https://azstateparks.com/patagonia-lake/
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L129050?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec&hs_sortBy=count&hs_o=desc
Additional Resources:
Arizona State Parks - Sonoita Creek
