BY TUMACÁCORI NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
short, half mile stroll to the river while learning about the environment and local history.
Have you ever wondered -
How and why the Santa Cruz Valley was settled?
Who were the people who lived here?
What are the issues affecting the Santa Cruz River today?
Get these answers and many more while you explore part of the Juan de Bautista de Anza
National Historic Trail with a knowledgeable guide!
The guided walks are conducted by Tumacácori National Historical Park in conjunction
with the Friends of the Santa Cruz River. Starting January 15, 2005 and continuing through
March 27th, the weekend walks are offered Saturday and Sunday mornings at 10 am.
The 1 ½ hour walks start at the Park Visitor Center and proceed for about a half-mile to the
river’s edge. At that point participants can choose to return to the park, join the tour leader
and further explore the river, or continue on their own along the Anza Trail to Tubac. No
special equipment is needed, as the trail is flat and easy to walk, but do wear comfortable
shoes and bring along water and a snack. An entrance fee to the park is charged which
includes full use of the facilities.
You will be enjoying a section of the Santa Cruz River recently put under the protection of
Tumacácori National Historical Park. It is a beautiful oasis for nature lovers as well as a
critical habitat for the wildlife that live in, and migrate through, the Santa Cruz Valley.
Considered one of the most endangered ecosystems in the United States, the southwest
cottonwood-willow riparian ecosystem supports up to 90% of the local wildlife including
more than 200 species of birds.
As a result of this recent National Park Service acquisition, dramatic changes are expected as
the environment is restored. Managers are beginning to study and monitor for wildlife,
vegetation and water trends. Be among the first to learn about the new studies, plans and
events and, of course, to enjoy the new land!
For those wishing to walk the Anza trail, consider beginning with the guided walk and
continuing on from there. The relatively flat trail along the river between Tumacácori and
Tubac is approximately 4 ½ miles one way. (If you have two vehicles, you might wish to
leave one in Tubac.) Water and snacks are a must for this longer walk.
For detailed information about guided walks, the Anza Trail and other tours and programs
offered by the National Park Service, please call Tumacácori National Historical Park at 520-
398-2341 extension 0, or stop by the Visitor Center.