San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area is open to visitors
Many recreational opportunities are available within the San Pedro Riparian NCA. The most popular sites are:
San Pedro House. Located 9 miles east of Sierra Vista on Arizona Route 90, this is a popular place for birdwatchers, hikers and families. Picnic tables, exhibits and an extensive network of trails in the riparian forest offer a great outdoor experience.
Fairbank Townsite. Located 10.2 miles east of Whetstone on State Route 82, Fairbank, founded in 1881, was a thriving railroad village. It is now a ghost town with exhibits, picnic area and trails.
Millville Historic Townsite - Rock Art Discovery Trail. This trail is located 7.7 miles east of Sierra Vista on Charleston Road. Two Tombstone-era silver mills and Indian petroglyphs can be seen along a 2.5-mile loop trail.
Murray Springs Clovis Site. From Sierra Vista, take Arizona Route 90 east 6 miles to Moson Road. Turn left and go about 1.2 miles to the access road located on the right. A half-mile loop trail with exhibits takes you through one of the preeminent archaeological sites in Arizona.
Presidio Santa Cruz de Terrenate. Travel 8.5 miles east from Whetstone on State Route 82, turn north on In Balance Ranch Road (N. Kellar Road on some maps) and drive approximately 2.75 miles to the trailhead. Hike 1.4 miles to the ruins, where there is an interpretive trail. Terrenate was one of three Spanish military outposts in Arizona; the outpost was occupied from 1775 to 1780.
DURING THE PANDEMIC
As a precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic: Avoid locations where physical distancing may be difficult. Toilets and trash removal may be limited. Be Prepared. Avoid crowded sites. Pack out your trash. Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Stay at least 6 feet apart. Stay home if you're sick.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Visit the Bureau of Land Management website for official news and links to help plan your visit.
The Bureau of Land Management oversees the San Pedro Riparian NCA. This website provides links to Quick Facts, how to plan your visit, Partners, and official contact information.
VISIT THE FRIENDS OF THE SAN PEDRO RIVER WEBSITE FOR FUTURE DATES OF GUIDED TOURS AND INFORMATIVE NEWSLETTERS
Friends of the San Pedro River is a dynamic organization of enthusiastic river stewards and volunteers. Their tour schedule and educational events will resume after restrictions due to COVID are lifted. Go to their website for the latest news about the river, educational videos, past newsletters, and updated schedules.
TAKE THE KIDS FOR AN ON-SITE VISIT, AND PLAY THE AGENTS OF DISCOVERY GAME
HOW TO PLAY:
- At home, or where WIFI is available, download the free “Agents of Discovery” app from Google Play or the Apple App Store to your mobile device.
- Missions are available to play at 3 locations now: San Pedro House, Fairbank Historic Townsite, and Murray Springs Clovis Site.
- Visit each location to play the Mission.
- Open the “Agents of Discovery” app on your phone, select “Missions,” then select the appropriate Mission. You can also login to create an account where you can save your activity.
- HAVE FUN!
It is recommended that parents accompany children while playing this game. Until the San Pedro House Nature Store re-opens and volunteers are present to help you, refer questions to email fspr@sanpedroriver.org, or call 520-459-2555.
ENJOY A VIRTUAL OVERVIEW OF WHAT YOU WILL SEE AND LEARN ABOUT ON A VISIT BY WATCHING THIS 2-MINUTE VIDEO
Take a short tour of the unique riparian environment, history, cultural resources, and visitor destinations at the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area.
ENJOY A VIRTUAL TOUR FROM THE HUACHUCA MOUNTAINS DOWN TO THE SAN PEDRO RIVER IN THIS 22 MINUTE VIDEO
Southwest Wings (SWW) has commissioned local videographer Mike Foster to create a virtual birding and wildlife tour from the top of the Huachuca Mountains to the San Pedro River, not forgetting Whitewater Draw and other area birding and nature hotspots. This “Sky Islands” video highlights many of the unique birds and mammals in the area, including the Elegant Trogon.
VIEW AND PRINT DETAILED 11 X 17 TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS SHOWING DESTINATIONS, TRAILS, ROADS, AMENITIES AND OTHER INFORMATION
This set of seven detailed maps provides all the information you need to visit throughout the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area.
These maps are:
Map 1 of 7: Land Corral
Map 2 of 7: Terrenate-Fairbank-Boquillas
Map 3 of 7: Fairbank-Boquillas-Charleston
Map 4 of 7: Escapule-San Pedro House
Map 5 of 7: San Pedro House-Hereford
Map 6 of 7: Hereford
Map 7 of 7: Palominas
LOAD A DETAILED MAP OF THE ENTIRE AREA ON YOUR PHONE
Get a detailed map of the entire San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area on your cell phone using the link below.
Continue exploring the RIPARIAN NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA
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