30 Minutes
Hike the Santa Cruz River
Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
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
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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