River Education
Guided River Walks
What better way to learn about the Santa Cruz River than with a walk along the river on the Juan de Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail with a knowledgeable guide. 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?
The guided walks are conducted by Tumacácori National Historical Park in conjunction with the Friends of the Santa Cruz River. The 1 ½ hour walk starts at the Park Visitor Center and proceed for about a half-mile to the river’s edge. There, participants can choose to return to the park, join the guide to 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.
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.
Once you choose to come along on a river walk, you will be enjoying a section of the Santa Cruz River recently placed 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 to Tubac, 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.