Experience history, heritage, and the outdoors on this Southern Arizona road trip
Experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Southern Arizona along a route with many stories. Following the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, visiting places like Tumacácori National Historical Park, and continuing all the way to Nogales, this itinerary offers a meaningful way to connect with the landscapes, history, and living traditions of a vibrant border region shaped by binational and multicultural heritage.
Day 1
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A road trip full of hiking, birding, and heritage
A morning at Hacienda de la Canoa (Historic Canoa Ranch)
Spend a morning birding and hiking at Hacienda de la Canoa. (If you’re starting from Tucson, this historic location is about a 35-mile drive.) Enjoy a peaceful walk around the lake and a mid-morning picnic at one of the shaded tables. The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail passes through this landscape, which was once one of the campsites of the famed expedition that began in what is now Sonora, Mexico, and ends in San Francisco. Don’t overlook the visitor center, which tells the deeper story of the ranch, including its connections to Anza and to more recent history. If you’ve made a reservation ahead of time, tour the historic buildings and corrals on site and imagine the many stories this place has witnessed over the years.
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and Museum
Drive the 15 miles to Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and Museum, which preserves the oldest Spanish Presidio site in Arizona. Pick up a self-guided walking tour booklet at the visitor center, then explore the park’s museums and historic buildings, many of which connect to the Anza expedition. Along the way, you’ll see Arizona’s first printing press, the preserved schoolhouse, and the original foundations of the fort, offering a vivid glimpse into the region’s layered past.
Santa Gertrudis Lane
Located a short drive from the city of Tubac, Santa Gertrudis Lane is a favorite stop for birders and a lovely place to slow down and take in the landscape. In the right season, it’s a good place to spot the rose-throated becard—a feathered friend who has a spot on many birders’ lists! You can also hike the Anza Trail along the Santa Cruz River, where cottonwoods, open skies, and quiet paths invite a deeper connection to the land. Stay in nearby Tubac for the night and experience a small town with a big history.
Day 2
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From desert landscapes to bubbling riverbanks
Tubac
Begin the day by exploring Tubac’s many shops and restaurants. This creative community is full of character, with over 100 art galleries, including the Tubac Center for the Arts. The town hosts an art walk every spring, where the entire village is transformed into an open air gallery. If you want to spend more time outdoors, you can even hike the Anza Trail for four miles to nearby Tumacácori National Historical Park, or choose to make the short drive.
Tumacácori National Historical Park
You'll want to spend a good number of hours at Tumacácori: exploring exhibits, walking through the preserved mission, enjoying the gardens, and hiking a portion of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. The park offers a rich opportunity to reflect on the many cultures, histories, and traditions that meet here, preserving not only the mission itself, but also Tohono O’odham cultural sites and the stories of the O’odham before the arrival of the Spanish. This site is also culturally significant to the Yoeme (Yaqui), Nde (Apache) and other Tribal Nations. Be sure to stop by the visitor center to learn about cultural demonstrations and ranger programs happening that day, and take time to browse the park store.
Nogales, Arizona
You can either stay another night in Tubac or drive 20 miles from Tumacácori to the border city of Nogales, where history and culture are woven into everyday life. Explore local historic sites, including the Pimeria Alta Museum, and enjoy authentic Mexican restaurants that make this stop especially memorable.
Day 3
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A day at the lake and in the wetlands
Las Lagunas de Anza Wetlands
Another stop along the Anza Trail, Las Lagunas de Anza Wetlands is a rewarding place to pause for birding and quiet reflection. Walk the short trails, watch for birds among the reeds and water, and enjoy the beauty of this wetland landscape. You might want to get here early to spend a few cool and quiet hours in the bird blind, a shielded seating area perfect for viewing birds through a pair of binoculars.
Peña Blanca Lake
On the drive back to Tucson, take a side trip to the glittering waters of Peña Blanca Lake. Surrounded by beautiful desert scenery, this peaceful spot is well worth the detour for its sweeping views and nearby hiking trails. Note that this location is more remote and lacks service, so prepare accordingly.
Optional add-on
Saguaro National Park
Hike the trails, cycle Cactus Forest Drive, go birding, and take in the beauty of the Sonoran Desert at this national park located in Tucson.
Visit Smart
Pack the right gear
Binoculars, sturdy walking shoes, water, snacks, and sun-protective clothing are all advised for this trip.
Be mindful of your surroundings
Some of these stops are on or near private property that is graciously open to the public. Be aware of other visitors and alerts when visiting all places.
Check the time
Some destinations may only be open to the public during certain hours. Others may require reservations. Call ahead and plan accordingly.
Leave no trace
These destinations are located on the homelands of many Indigenous peoples, and many cultural groups maintain ties to these places. Visit with respect.
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