Peña Blanca Lake
Peña Blanca Lake is an artificial 49-acre waterbody nestled in the rocky outcrops of the Coronado National Forest. The lake is one of many exceptional birding opportunities in the area that comprise the Atascosa Highlands Important Bird Area. Waders and waterfowl abound here, including black-necked stilts and American avocets, pied-billed grebes and several species of duck. Try the West Shore Trail to an old dam and keep your eyes out for gray hawk, northern beardless-tyrannulet, and the secretive Montezuma’s quail that can be found in the hillsides surrounding the lake.
Designated as an Arizona Important Bird Areas Program site.
Site Information
Region: Tucson and Southern
County: Santa Cruz
Directions: Turn west off Interstate 19 approximately 8 miles north of Nogales at the Peña Blanca–Ruby Road (AZ Hwy 289) exit. Follow this road about 9 miles to Peña Blanca Lake Recreation Area. Turn right (north) on the paved road that leads to the lake and the boat launching ramp.
Latitude: 31.399896
Longitude: -111.089078
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: Year-round
Habitats: Marsh or Wetland, Lake or Pond
Know Before You Go
Some weekends can be very crowded with other recreationists.
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: Arizona Woodpecker, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Canyon Wren, Mexican Duck, Montezuma’s Quail, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet
Contact Information
Coronado National Forest
Nogales Ranger District
3003 Old Tucson Hwy
Nogales, AZ 85621
Phone: 520-281-2296
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coronado/recarea/?recid=25524
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L129054
Additional Resources:
Arizona Important Bird Areas Program
