forested trail with hikers in foreground
30 Minutes

Hike the Santa Cruz River

Tumacácori National Historical Park

The Santa Cruz River forms a ribbon of life in the Pimería Alta. Whether walking to its edge or along its length, visitors will encounter the fundamental building blocks of nature and human civilization.

There would be no Tumacácori story without the Santa Cruz River. Historically, its waters and habitat supported the O'odham civilization and later the mission community. Today, it hosts the rarest ecosystem in Arizona -- the mature cottonwood-willow canopy forest.

Tags

HikingAnimalsColonization and SettlementFarming and AgricultureForests and WoodlandsGroundwaterNative American HeritageNatural SoundsRiver and RiparianScenic ViewsTrailsEndangeredWatershedsanza trailriversanta cruzhikeAmerican Indianscolonizationcultural landscapesheritage travelamerica's storiesmissionsforestsrivers

Visitor Photos

No visitor photos yet

Details

Duration

30 Minutes

Duration Details

The river overlook point is about a 1/4 mile from the mission grounds. One can also hike north or south for many miles along the Anza Trail, which follows the Santa Cruz River.

Fees Apply

No

Seasons

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility

The trail to the river overlook and along the Anza Trail is dirt. Much of it can be navigated by a sturdy stroller or wheelchair with assistance, but some sections can become rough and unnavigable. The trail from the mission grounds also requires walking through a pedestrian gate. If you wish to bring a wheelchair on the trail, please contact the park and a ranger may be able to open a vehicle gate for you. 520-377-5060

Pets

Yes — If hiking with a pet, please plan to access the trail from either the Frontage Road trailhead or Santa Gertrudis Road. Pets are not permitted within the mission grounds.

Reservations

No

Location

Santa Cruz River

View on NPS.govBack to Tumacácori

What visitors say

Reviews.

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!