Rancho Santa Cruz
Located in a fertile green valley fed by the Santa Cruz River under a canopy of large Cottonwood trees. The Ranch and surrounding area is at almost 4000 feet elevation, and its climate is substantially cooler and wetter than Tucson or Phoenix. The National Audubon Society recognizes Rancho Santa Cruz as part of an Important Bird Area called Upper Santa Cruz River. In 2018, the Rose-throated Becard, which is rare in Arizona, was sighted here. The scenic de Anza trail traverses across the Ranch. Best birding is from the parking area and walking the trails to the river.
A designated Arizona Important Bird Area.
Site Information
Region: Tucson and Southern
County: Santa Cruz
Directions: From Phoenix or Tucson, take I-10 East to I-19 South and take exit 29 for Tumacacori Historic Site. Go left at end of ramp, go right on the Frontage road until mile marker 17 and Ranch is on left.
Latitude: 31.543479
Longitude: -111.040903
Operational Hours: Open regular business hours
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: Spring and Fall migration.
Habitats: Agriculture or Cropland, Stream or river
Know Before You Go
Mostly level terrain, grassy and dead leaves. Some uneven spots. Nice picnic area so bring a lunch or some snacks. Great bird viewing right in parking area. Some birds observed: Cassin Kingbird, Ladder-Backed and Gila Woodpeckers, Vermillion Flycatcher, White Breasted Nuthatch, Raven, Turkey Vulture, Gray Hawk, Abert's Towhee.
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, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Gray Hawk, Ladder-backed Woodpecker
Charismatic: Gila Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher
Contact Information
Private
1709 E Frontage Rd
Tumacácori, AZ 85640
Phone: 520-955-3718
Website: http://www.ranchosantacruz.us/index.html
Email: mail@ranchosantacruz.us
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L7698893
Additional Resources:
Rancho Santa Cruz is a five-room bed and breakfast that sits on 113 tree-shaded acres straddling its namesake waterway. It's nestled beneath a canopy of towering cottonwood trees 20 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border and just south of Tumacácori National Historical Park, the mission Kino founded.
Part of Arizona Important Bird Areas Program
