Santa Cruz County Arizona Specialists

The river from which Santa Cruz County derives its name begins in the San Rafael Valley, winds south through Mexico, then makes a surprising north turn to re-enter Arizona at Nogales only to disappear north of Picacho Peak where, underground, it joins the Gila River that flows through Phoenix. Santa Cruz County and its river are the place where it all began, the first Europeans inhabited this area of Arizona. According to the mythology, in the 17th century, Father Kino named the region Santa Cruz, or 'holy cross', based on the odd flow of the river. Each community in Santa Cruz County has a unique character, we hope you will visit and enjoy them all. Nogales, the county seat, is one of the major gateways between the United States and Mexico. When people think of Nogales, the picture that comes to mind is usually of the sister city, south of the border, Nogales, Sonora. Like sisters the cities share many traits and are different in delightful ways. Each deserves a visit with enough time to savor the similarities and differences.

Interstate 19 and the Santa Cruz River Valley bisect the county's 1,245 square miles. And over half of the county is part of the Coronado National Forest. Bicyclists enjoy the area's challenges, whether mountain biking the Ruby Road Loop or touring Scenic Highway 82 from Nogales through Patagonia to Sonotia. On the northwest side of the Santa Rita Mountains is Madera Canyon with easy trail access, campgrounds and picnic areas. For those who enjoy the imprints of time, there are several attractions that tell the history of the state. Arizona's first state park, Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, tell the story of perseverance and determination. The Tubac Presidio, built as a result of a 1751 battle between the Pima Indians and the Spanish, endured many difficult times. Tubac, a town with many claims to fame, is also the home of the first state newspaper, 'The Weekly Arizonian.' A short three miles south of Tubac is the Tumacacori National Historic Park. In 1908, the Tumacacori mission, built in 1823 and then abandoned in 1828 by Mexican decree, became a national monument. If you like fishing, swimming, or relaxing on warm shores, Patagonia State Park is ideal. The 640-acre park sparkles with a 265-acre lake as its crowning jewel. Bass, bluegill and catfish can be found in these waters. Stay for a while; there is a campground and picnic area available. Bring the binoculars to enjoy the wonderful birds of the lake and surrounding area after a day on the water. Approximately 20 mile southeast of Patagonia is the San Rafael Valley, one of the few intact high elevation grasslands left in America. Its rolling grasslands and wide-open spaces were featured in the 1955 Hollywood movie version of the Rogers and Hammerstein musical, 'Oklahoma!'

For wine connoisseurs, the Sonoita Valley provides an exciting experience in tasting unique local wines. The area's warm days and cool nights provide ideal conditions for the rapidly growing wine industry in Southeastern Arizona. Try some delicious wine from Callaghan Vineyards, Elgin Winery, Sonoita Vineyards. Santa Cruz County is brimming with unique, quality restaurants, B&Bs and galleries. A shoppers' utopia, the county is home to unique and unusual items, from south-of-the-border treasures like pottery and Mexico's antiques to hand-crafted arts. Enjoy the dining experience with the exceptional, diverse cuisine of world-class restaurants offering Italian, French Country, Greek, Mexican, European, Innovative Southwestern, Western Cowboy and more. From the golf resorts at Rio Rico to the many unique, comfortable and elegant B&Bs sprinkled throughout Santa Cruz County, convenient lodging is available. Refer to each community section for suggestions on dining, lodging and shopping. After a long, challenging history, Santa Cruz County is a place whose time has come anew. With so much to enjoy and a sunny, moderate year-round climate, you'll want to discover Santa Cruz County again and again! Discover Santa Cruz County 2001