Tumacácori Activities

Everyone enjoys touring the church and mission grounds at Tumacácori. There are also many other activities that can be enjoyed in, or starting from, the Park, including birding, nature walks, hikes along the Santa Cruz River, and much more. Many ranger-led activities including guided tours, lectures, living history, school and off-site programs, and special events are scheduled during the winter season. Ranger-led activities can be arranged by prior appointment during any time of the year, depending on staff availability.

Hike
The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail was authorized by Congress on August 15, 1990, the first such trail in the Western Region of the National Park Service.  It is one of the long distance National Historic Trails in the United States.  As originally planned it would run from Nogales, Arizona,  to San Francisco, California,  following as closely as possible the historic route taken by Anza and 240 immigrants in the winter of 1775-76.  However, since the expedition started in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, plans are under way to include the 600 miles of the route that lie within Mexico to make it the first International Historic Trail in the world.

Symbol for Anza National Historical Trail.Before the entire length of trail can be opened for public use, much planning and negotiating will be necessary, requiring several years.  One section of the trail is open within the boundaries of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California.  The first section to be opened to the public in Arizona lies between Tumacácori National Historical Park and Tubac Presidio State Historic Park.  It is a hiking and equestrian trail only, but plans are underway for signage of a bike trail along the back roads from Nogales to Tubac.  Eventually, signage of the route along the interstate will also be accomplished.

The overall length of the trail is 4.5 miles.  If the hiker does not wish to cross the river, it is approximately 1.25 miles from either trailhead to the first river crossing.

General Information:
1,  The trail crosses the Santa Cruz River several times.  River height may make crossing dangerous.
2.  Hiking the trail can be very hot during the middle of the day.  Take at least one quart of drinking water per person.  Do not drink the river water.
3.  Beware of rattlesnakes and other desert dwellers and prickly desert plants.
4.  Keep on the trail.  Since use of the trail is provided as a courtesy of the private owners it is necessary that we all respect the private property surrounding it.
5.  No camping allowed.
6.  Hiking and equestrian trail only.  No motorized behicles of any kind are allowed.

Notice:
This trail is on private property owned by Baca Float Land Development Ltd. Partnership and Tumacacori Mission Land Development Ltd. Partnership.  Users of the trail should be aware that under State Legislature Article I 33-1551, "An owner, lessee or occupant of premises does not:
    1.  Owe any duty to a recreational user to keep the premises safe for such use;
    2.  Extend any assurance to a recreational user through the act of giving permission to enter the premises, that the premises are safe for such entry or use, or;
    3.  Incur liability for any injury to persons or property caused by any act of a recreational user."

Ranger-led Santa Cruz Riparian Area Walks

Times
Winter Months

Location
Tumacácori Visitor Center

Contacts
Roy Simpson, 520-398-2341, ext 28
Anita Badertscher, 520-398-2341, ext. 34

One of the attractions of Tumacácori National Historical Park is the nearby riparian area, easily accessible from Park headquarters and open to hiking year around. The weekend walks will be offered Saturday and Sunday mornings at 10 A.M. beginning in January. The 1 ½ hour walks start at the Park Visitor Center and proceed for about a half-mile to the river's edge. At that point participants can choose to return to the park, join the tour leader and further explore the river, or continue on their own along the Anza Trail to Tubac. No special equipment is needed, as the trail is flat and easy to walk, but do wear comfortable shoes and bring along water and a snack. An entrance fee to the park is charged which includes full use of the facilities.