Sonoita & Elgin

The settlements of Sonoita and Elgin were founded when the Santa Fe Railroad built an 88-mile-long line that ran the full length of Sonoita Creek, from Benson to Nogales, in 1882. Walking the elevated berm upon which the Railroad Trail is built is one of the many attractions of the area.

The Sonoita area’s 4,970 foot elevation, high rolling grasslands, surrounded by spectacular mountains and canyons, provide some of Arizona’s most beautiful weather and landscapes. Mount Wrightson, one of the tallest peaks in Arizona, dominates the horizon.

A rich and varied human history is a magnet for archeologists, anthropologists and others tantalized by the historical mosaic. Limited archaeological investigations have revealed the presence of several prehistoric cultures including Archaic sites dating from 2000 BC to 500 BC, Hohokam sites from 900 to 1400 AD, and possible Sobaipuri sites.

Sonoita and Elgin’s rich ranching history dates back to the 1800s when as many as 3,000 head of cattle a day were shipped from local ranches by rail to markets in the East. Fort Buchanan and Fort Crittenden were established in the area in 1857-1867 to protect settlers from marauding Apaches. Ranching is still an active industry with some families working the same land for five generations.

Filmmakers have chosen the charming old west atmosphere and beauty of the Sonoita area for several films including, “Oklahoma,” “Red River,” and more recently, “Tin Cup,” “The Young Guns,” “The Fantastiks,” “Broken Lance,” “Tom Horn” and television series such as, “The Young Riders” and “Gunsmoke.”

Sonoita, Arizona’s Wine Country is home to several wineries that offer some of the best wines found outside of France. These vineyards represent a rapidly growing industry, which began some four decades in the Sonoita Valley. Each vineyard produces unique vintages which reflect the personalities and attitudes of their owners, from colorful picnic-style wine to serious award winning varietals.

The Empire Cienega Ranch, once one of the largest and most prosperous cattle operations in the southwest, is now managed by the Bureau of Land Management as an antelope preserve, which is open to the public. Its historic building and corrals, including the ranch house which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, are being restored and preserved in order to understand the culture and history of ranching life in this area.

Plan your visit to include one or more of the annual events. In April, the Blessing of the Vineyards takes place at Sonoita Vineyards. Sonoita Quarter Horse Show, in spring, is the oldest Quarter horse show in the nation. The Santa Cruz County Fair takes place the last weekend in September and features exhibits, food vendors, family entertainment and carnival rides.

Modern Sonoita has the charm of the old west with some of the finest restaurants and shops in Arizona. Shoppers will find classic authentic Native American jewelry, fine apparel, Mexican pottery, and wonderful eclectic gift shops. Travelers will experience scenic splendor and enjoy the peace and charm of the west while staying at one of the local elegant bed-and-breakfasts locations.

Sonoita Creek State Natural Area

Outdoor Activities and Learning Opportunities

Sonoita Creek State Natural Area has grown in acreage and activity since 1994 when Arizona State Parks purchased the first parcel to protect a fragile ecosystem. Partnerships with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Arizona Department of Game and Fish and The Trust for Public Lands has allowed the Natural Area to expand to almost 10,000 acres of riparian and upland habitat located between Patagonia Lake State Park and Rio Rico, Arizona.

For those interested in the cultural aspect of Southeastern Arizona, there are several daytime and evening opportunities to gain archeological insight and discover the historical background of Patagonia Lake and the dam, the New Mexico & Arizona Railroads, and Local Ghost Towns.

To enter the natural Area, a permit is required from the visitor center. Thirty permits are available each day and there is no additional cost after admittance to Patagonia Lake Sate Park. Over 20 miles of trail and three backcountry campsites await exploring.

The most popular events are the guided bird and the bout tours. The Twilight Boat Tours are known for the views of the seamless water surface, hillsides glowing in the colors of sunset and the star-filled sky.

Regularly Scheduled Events

Avian Adventure Pontoon Boat Tour
Wed, Sat, Sun,; 9 am & 10:15 am
Registration recommended, $3 upon arrival

Lake Discovery Pontoon Boat Tour
Wed, Sat, Sun,; 11:30 am
Registration recommended, $3 upon arrival

Twilight Pontoon Boat Tour
Sat, launch times vary with sunset
Registration recommended, $3 upon arrival

Bird Walk with Guide
Mon, 8 am (call first); Tues, 9 am; Thurs, 9 am
No registration required, no fee.

Junior Ranger Activity
Sat, at 2 pm, Sun, at 10:30 am
No registration required, no fee.

Evening Program
Tues, and Thurs, 7 pm – 8 pm
No registration required, no fee.

In addition to the regular entrance fees, there is a charge for some activities as stated above. Regular park fees are $7 per car. For more information or to make reservations, call the Sonoita Creek State National Area Visitor Center at (520) 287 – 2791. Hours of operation are 8:00 to 4:30 daily.