Patagonia Lake State Park

Trail Facts at a Glance

Name: Patagonia Lake State Park, Birding Trail

Location: 400 Patagonia Lake Rd. Patagonia AZ 85624

Trail length plus more: 2.0 miles loop, Gain 34’, Elevation 3800’, Width 3-5 feet. A shorter 1.3-mile loop is possible by skipping the extended loop north of Sonoita Creek. The paved portion of the trail is a 0.2-mile roundtrip to an overlook

Trail surface: A short, paved section followed by rugged natural surfaces with rocks, ruts, grass and occasional rustic stairs

Parks agency: Arizona State Parks and Trails

Contact: 520-287-6965, 1-877-MYPARKS

Parking fee: Day use: per vehicle (1-4 people) $20 M-Th, $25 F-Su and holidays, bicycles $5; Annual Pass: $200

Trail hours: Gates are closed from 10 pm to 4 am; Ranger Station is open daily, April- October: 8:30 am- 4:30 pm (M-Th) 7:00 am- 10:00 pm (F-S), 7:00am- 6:30pm (Su) and November- March: 8:30 am- 4:30 pm

Visitor Center, Market and Marina hours: Visitor Center open 9:00 am- 4:00 pm, closed Mondays; Market hours vary by season (520-287-5545); Park Marina hours vary by season (520-287-2804)

Transit: None

Date of last visit: June 16, 2025

Disclaimer:

The information provided is for general guidance only and may not reflect current conditions. Users must assess trails for themselves, consider their own abilities, and assume all risks associated with trail use. Tucson AccessTrails, a nonprofit corporation, is not responsible for any injuries or incidents that may occur. Always use caution and prepare appropriately when visiting trails.

Description:

Overview

Popular destination for hiking, fishing, and boating
Located 11 miles from Patagonia, Arizona — about a 1½-hour drive southeast of Tucson
Excellent opportunities to see birds and wildlife

Parking, Restrooms & Amenities

Limited parking at the trailhead; additional spaces in three nearby lots
Accessible restrooms near the trailhead and in the campground
Mature native trees provide partial shade; other sections are in full sun
Benches along the trail feature bird-name signs that match waypoints on the park map
Camping available, including accessible campsites
Boating options for both motorized and non-motorized boats (rentals available at the marina)
Snacks and goods available at the Visitor Center, Marina Store and Lakeside Market
Dogs allowed, except Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the guided bird walk

Trail Route

After entering the park and passing the ranger station, take a right at the first intersection
Drive through the campground and past the park cabins to reach the trailhead
2-mile hike through a riparian zone with scenic views of Patagonia Lake
First 0.1 miles are paved, ending at an amphitheater with a bench overlooking the lake
Trail continues via a staircase of railroad ties to a natural, rugged surface