The same things that make the Tumacacori Highlands ecologically valuable - its intact, roadless habitat, its diversity of wildlife, its perennial streams and riparian areas, and its stunning, rugged landscape - also make the Tumacacori Highlands a great place for human recreation. Wilderness encourages us, and preserves our right, to experience this ecological resource. As wilderness, the Tumacacori Highlands will continue to offer many different activities for us to enjoy, including photography, birding, hunting, hiking, camping, astronomy, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, mountain climbing, bouldering, backpacking and many others!
When the Tumacacori Highlands become Wilderness, what activities can I experience?
Non-motorized recreation including horseback riding, herb gathering, hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting are allowed. Agencies may maintain and construct trails in wilderness. The use of wheelchairs, including motorized wheelchairs, is permitted in wilderness areas when the wheelchair is a medical necessity. All activities are encouraged that allow the public to experience wilderness without harming this resource for future enjoyment.
What activities are not allowed in wilderness?
In order to preserve the outstanding natural characteristics of an area, the Wilderness Act generally prohibits the use of motorized vehicles in wilderness except under emergency circumstances or under special use permit (fire, rescue, infrequent maintenance). This means that mountain bikes, chain saws, trucks, cars, bulldozers, off-road vehicles, helicopters, and other motorized equipment, generally cannot be used within wilderness areas. These activities are considered damaging to the natural appearance and quality of the landscape.
Exceptions have been made for emergency and border security purposes. To learn more about these exceptions, see The Border and Wilderness . This will mostly affect visitors with ORVs and mountain bikes. These activities will be allowed on designated Forest Service roads, such as Ruby Road, but not on foot trails or off-road.
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Lets go Hiking!
Suggested Hikes
Atascosa Lookout
A 6-mile roundtrip hike to a restored fire lookout atop Atascosa Ridge at 6,249' elevation amongst pinion pine and juniper. The trail is maintained, mostly smooth, and the 1500' elevation gain is easily managed with switchbacks. From the summit, spectacular views of the Tumacacori Highlands lay before you, and in horizon are the Baboquivaris, Sierrita Mountains, Santa Rita Mountains and deep expanse of northern Mexico. The classic Tumacacori Highlands hike. Sign the guest book! This fire lookout was the home of activist and author Edward Abbey in the 1970's, an experience he describes in "Confessions of a Barbarian."
Bartolo Canyon and Mountain
Bartolo Canyon is approximately 8 miles roundtrip, and has a 1500' elevation change. Bartolo Canyon is a little known canyon in the proposed Tumacacori Highlands Wilderness Area. This canyon offers surprisingly lush vegetation, some narrow sections, seasonal pools and lots of exposed rock. Explore interesting side canyons and climb Bartolo Mountain!
Montana Peak
Montana Peak is approximately 5 miles round trip and has a 1500' elevation change. Take I-19 to Arivaca Junction and then to Arivaca. From there follow Ruby Road almost to Ruby and then down a 4x4 road for about 2 miles. The hike is a slow paced cross country trip requiring navigation around cactus, brush, over rock, and up steep slopes. High clearance vehicles are necessary to gain access.
Ramanote Canyon
This beautiful canyon on the east side of the Tumacacori Highlands can give a rare treat: hiking in shade. Approximately 6 miles round-trip.
Sycamore Canyon
A beautiful and mild hike along a perennial stream, located right off Ruby Road. A turn-around parking area and trailhead marker is available. The trail is well marked and shady. Deep pools and huge boulders make great picnicking spots along the way. Hike in about 3 or 4 miles and explore narrow side canyons and excellent rock climbing opportunities! This hike is famous for its many birds - keep an eye out for the Elegant Trogon.
When you go...
Be prepared! Please bring the following on all hikes: appropriate footwear (hiking boots), sunscreen, food for your trail lunch or snacks, and - critically important - water. We recommend one gallon minimum for these hikes, more is always better. You may also want to bring binoculars, a camera, GPS units, a sun hat, whatever you usually hike with. We recommend long pants as some hikes are bushwhacking and there may be thorny plants.
Venomous animals
It is possible you will encounter rattlesnakes, gila monsters, scorpions and other stinging insects on your hike. Please do not disturb these animals when you encounter them. Rattlesnakes will usually warn you of their presence when they are startled. Appreciate your good fortune at seeing one of Arizona's amazing reptiles! Move quietly around them. If you chose to take pictures, do so from a respectful distance using a zoom lens.
Monsoon Season
Summer in Southwest Arizona is a beautiful time of year - ocotillos and wildflowers are in bloom, the saguaro and prickly pear cactus are in fruit and everything turns green after the first monsoon rains in June and July. During the summer monsoons, heavy rains can lead to flash flooding. Do not camp in dry streambeds and washes, even if it appears that skies are clear - rain in the upper mountain ranges can cause flooding in lower drainages.
Hike with a Local Group!
Green Valley Hiking Club
The University of Arizona Ramblers
Sky Island Alliance Guided Wilderness Hikes and Workshops
View the Hiking Schedule | Next Hike Details
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Nearby Attractions
Pena Blanca Recreation Area - Lake and Campground
Pena Blanca Lake, located at 4,000 feet in elevation, is a cool escape from the city, nestled in the Pajarito Mountain foothills near Pena Blanca Canyon, just outside the proposed Tumacacori Highlands wilderness area. The recreation area offers fishing, boating, swimming and picnicking for visitors year round. Stocked with rainbow trout every winter and containing record-sized bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish, the lake is approximately 45 acres and 65 feet deep, and densely vegetated. Camping, picnic areas and facilities are provided nearby.
It is not recommended to eat fish from this lake.
*IMPORTANT UPDATE: Pena Blanca Lake is currently being drained and dredged by the Arizona Game and FIsh Department and Coronado National Forest to remove mercury tainted sediment accumulated by old mining operations. During this process, Arizona State Highway 289
beyond Milepost 10, and Pena Blanca Lake, including the fishing pier, Upper and Lower
Thumb Rock Picnic Areas, Red Rock Picnic Area, and Lower White Rock Campground
will be closed to the public beginning October 6, 2008, until May 2009, or until further
notice. Ruby Road and Upper White Rock Campground will remain open. Read the news release for more information.
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
The Tubac Presidio is Arizona's first European settlement. Remnants of the military fort founded by the Spanish in 1752 have been uncovered by University of Arizona archaeologists and preserved by Arizona State Parks. An underground display features portions of the original foundation, walls, and plaza floor of the Presidio de San Ignacio de Tubac.
Tumacacori National Historic Park
The Tumacacori Mission was a Franciscan mission built in 1795, and historically known to be frequently besieged by the Apaches. You can still see the ruins of the original chapel and graveyard. In 1822 an elaborate church built at the site, which visitors can walk though. Now a National Historic Park, there is a visitor center, including a half-mile walking trail. Craft demonstrations occur on weekends.
Historic Nogales Main Street
Back when the border was marked by a waist-high post and crossing over was an unremarkable event, a saloon straddled the line with a door in Mexico and one in the U.S. Merchants and professionals carried on a long tradition of robust commercial trade and their profits built the stately homes that still grace Crawford Street and Marsh Heights. Old Town Hall, built by the Nogales Fire Department in 1914, is now the Pimeria Alta Museum. The Sacred Heart Church was inaugurated Thanksgiving Day in 1928 after 2 years of construction. For a tour of historic districts, call (520) 397-9219.
Patagonia Lake State Park
Patagonia Lake State Park is popular for a variety of recreational activities including water skiing, fishing, camping, picnicking, and hiking. Created by the damming of Sonoita Creek, the lake is habitat for bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish, and is stocked with rainbow trout during the winter. The east portion of the lake is designated a no-wake area for anglers. A handicap fishing dock is located at the marina and behind the Sonoita Creek Visitor Center. Camping ranges from undeveloped spots to sites with water and electric hookups. Park conveniences include picnic ramadas, a swimming beach, and a marina store with boat rentals.
The Nature Conservancy's Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve
The Nature Conservancy's Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve is an extraordinary stop for birders and hikers alike with trails running along perennial streams. Visitors from around the world stop here, as well as the Tumacacori Highlands, to see over 200 species of rare and exotic birds that migrate from Mexico to southeastern Arizona.
Agua Linda Farm
Agua Linda Farm, operated by Stewart and Laurel Loewe,
is a sustainable, direct to consumer operation reminiscent of the diversified family farms of the past. They use natural pest and weed controls and their beef cows are grass pastured, antibiotic and hormone free. They grow a variety of vegetables year round and offer an opportunity to re-connect with the rural farm experience. Harvest festivals and kid-friendly events occur throughout the year. Take Exit #42 off Interstate-19.
La Cienega National Conservation Area
Six miles north of Sonoita on the east side of Highway 83 is a beautiful expanse of riparian woodlands and grasslands, part of what was Empire Cienega Ranch, once one of the largest and most prosperous cattle operations in the Southwest. Today La Cienega National Conservation Area, an antelope preserve, is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Baboquivory Peak Wilderness
This majestic mountain peak can be seen from the Tumacacori Highlands, and has historical and cultural significance to the Tohono O'odham.
Kitt Peak National Observatory
The world's largest collection of optical telescopes is located high above the Sonoran Desert under some of the finest night skies in the world. Kitt Peak, on the Tohono O'odham Reservation, is home to twenty-four optical and two radio telescopes representing eight astronomical research institutions. Located in the Baboquivory Mountains at 6,875 feet, Kitt Peak is a cool escape from the desert heat!
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge
The largest ungrazed grassland in Arizona, Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge is home to the federally endangered masked bobwhite quail and Sonoran pronghorn antelope. Take a visit and explore the the Arivaca
Cienega Trail, Arivaca Creek Trail and the Brown Canyon Environmental Education Center located within the Refuge!
The Ghost Town of Ruby
One of the best preserved ghost towns of the southwest, Ruby was established in the early 1800's as a booming copper mining town, complete with general store, school house and post office. Ruby dwindled with the closing of the Montana Mine in the 1940's. Located on Ruby Road, this ghost town and drive though the Tumacacori Highlands is well worth a visit.
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