Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve

Trail Facts at a Glance

Name: Railroad-Pradera-Creek Loop in Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve

Location: 150 Blue Heaven Rd. Patagonia AZ

Trail length plus more: 2.1 miles roundtrip, Gain 69’, Elevation 4000’, Slopes > 8%

Trail surface: Rugged natural surface with rocks, roots, ruts, grass, sand (some deeper than 2 inches) and occasional rustic stairs

Parks agency: The Nature Conservancy

Contact: (520) 394-2400, aaron.mrotek@tnc.org

Parking fee: $8 per person, TNC members and Cochise County Residents $5 per person, Ages 17 and Under are Free, Annual pass to Ramsey Canyon Preserve and Patagonia Sonoita Creek Preserve $55

Trail hours: April-September: Wednesday-Sunday 6:30am- 4:00pm; October-March: Wednesday- Sunday 7:30am- 4:00pm, Closed: Monday and Tuesday all year round, Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years days

Transit: None

Date of last visit: March 18, 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

The Nature Conservancy Patagonia–Sonoita Creek Preserve is a scenic area for hiking and wildlife viewing
Excellent opportunities to see fish, butterflies, and birds
Located in Patagonia, Arizona, about 1½ hours southeast of Tucson.

Parking, Restrooms & Amenities

Parking available inside the gate in a spacious dirt lot
No designated accessible parking spaces, but there’s ample room for large vehicles
Accessible restroom available with a flushing toilet, grab bars and a sink with soap
Potable water available for filling bottles
A concrete ramp leads to the unmanned visitor center
Interpretive signs and interactive learning materials located under a ramada behind the building.
Benches available along the route for rest and scenic views
Dogs are not allowed to protect the sensitive habitat

Trail Route

Trail begins behind the visitor center on the Railroad Trail
After 0.1 miles, it forks right to the Creek Trail, following Sonoita Creek along a rugged natural surface
After about ½ mile, it connects with the Pradera Trail, crossing a grassy meadow back to the Railroad Trail
Railroad Trail is wide, flat, and follows an abandoned railroad line, ending back at the visitor center