anza trail

The Anza trail is historically very important to the area. We have cycled parts from Tumacacori to Tubac several times. If you start behind the presidio in Tubac it is well signed and you can go in different directions. We have seem people bicycling, hiking, walking and birding. The Santa Cruz river does in places provide a challenge especially after rain falls.

My wife and I (both 60-ish) walked the Anza Trail from Tumacacori to Tubac. We dropped off our bikes at the Presidio in Tubac, drove to the Tumacacori Mission/Historic Site, walked the trail south to north, and then rode our bicycles back to the car at Tumacacori via the frontage road.All in all, the trail was very enjoyable. We especially found the southern half to be more picturesque - a meandering double-track trail through the wetlands, with trees and shrubs quite close to the trail. About half way up the trail, it became quite wet due to a heavy downpour several days earlier. We took off our socks and shoes and forded a stream but continuing on, it all became very muddy. Closer to Tubac the trail is up above the riparian area so it again became dry.We enjoyed the walk but had we known how much slogging through mud and jumping over streams there would be, we would only have done the southern half and then doubled back to Tumacacori. A tip would be to inquire at the Tubac Presidio and at the Tumamacori Mission for an update on the condition of the trail. All in all, it was an enjoyable 4.5 mile / 7 km. walk - although we now have our muddy shoes to clean!

This hike has almost zero elevation gain. The footing is good and the hike is scenic. Quite a few birds for birders to watch as well. The access from Tubac is quite a walk and the first part is past the backyards of quite a few houses for the first mile. Then the scenery changes and becomes quite an enjoyable little hike.

Great for watching birds in season.Easy level trail that is maintained.Fun to hear the Cottonwood tree leaves chattering in the wind.Lots of wildlife sign - footprints, etc.

We finally found the trail and once on it had no trouble following it. However, there were no maps available to judge access points or distances and it is clearly a trail that locals prefer to keep to themselves. The habitat was interesting and fairly birdy but I'm not sure a midsummer hike would be as productive. There are no restrooms or even designated parking areas.

The best time of year to walk the easy and picturesque Anza Trail between Tubac and Tumacácori is in early April. It's not too hot yet, and there is still lots of greenery from the early spring bloom. The shedding cottonwoods make it look like snow on the ground. You'll see lots of birds, the occasional coyote, and watch out for large snakes! And who knew you'd find ferns in the desert in this beautiful riparian area.

We have spent many hours hiking the Anza Trail between Rio Rico and Tubac. The birding is great in all seasons, the dogs enjoy it, and it has the feeling of being away from everything, even though you're quite close to the lovely village of Tubac

This well maintained trail runs along the Santa Cruz river and there are several good access points. Tubac near the Presidio is a good choice. Good birding area with some exotic species possible.

The trail heading south out of Tubac is a wonderful autumn walk. The river is low and can easily be crossed as you head down to the Tumacacori Mission. We encountered almost no one, only birds, butterflies, and grasshoppers. The only downer was due to the Government shut down the mission was closed and so was the trail when it got close.

The Anza Trail follows the Santa Cruz River Valley from Tubac, Arizona up to Ajo and Tucson area, then off to California. For 10 miles or so around Tubac, you can follow this trail thru lush Cottonwood stands and cattle ranches which attrack a variety of wildlife. The trail runs between the Tumacacori Mts and Santa Rita Mts ranges. The trail is well preserved for this 10 mile stretch. Park at the Tumacacori State Park for easy access to the trail.

Due to summer flooding, logs, trash and boards with rusty nails are piled up at the point where the trail crosses the river. Crossing at this time is not recommended. A member of our party fell through the debris sustaining minor injury. Water under the jam is filthy as are the banks of the river in that area.

We visited the trail several times during March and April of 2012 -- the birding is awesome. We met no mosquitoes. Trash problem is very minor -- gets worse sometimes if you leave the beaten path. We saw warblers, flycatchers, raptors, woodpeckers -- a great pleasure to bird. The local birders meet every Tuesday morning at 8 am at the local coffee shop to bird the bridge and the trail. The town of Tubac has some great shops if you like southwestern stuff.

Quiet flat trail, very few other visitors in the morning, especially at the north end, many varieties of birds in season. If you follow the side trail past the gate into the woods, beware of the cattle. Those bulls get hostile.

I saw a vermilion flycatcher within minutes of starting on the trail outside of tubac. They are hard to miss-brighter red than a cardinal. It's a very peaceful trail with glimpses of the Santa Cruz River leading from Tubac to Tumacacori.

Besides having a wonderful historic value to the area, it is beautiful. There are birds, water, beautiful mesquite bosques and enormous cotton wood trees. It is a wonderful walk, not just through history, but through an area you won't find in very many places. The walk is not arduous and so families and a variety of generations can hike or stroll.