If you love exploring state parks in Arizona, we have another one for your bucket list. Sonoita Creek State Natural Area is a nearly 5,000-acre paradise tucked away in the small town of Patagonia, and it doesn’t get nearly the amount of recognition it deserves. This pristine oasis offers miles of hiking and equestrian trails, a campground, and best of all, plenty of solitude that encourages and allows for communion with nature.

Situated on nearly 5,000 sprawling acres of Arizona desert landscape, Sonoita Creek State Natural Area is a hidden gem that every outdoorsperson should visit at least once.
Arizona State Parks
The park is located just downstream from the much more popular Patagonia Lake State Park, and because of this, it remains a little-known slice of heaven that you just may have all to yourself.
Arizona State Parks
A staggering 20 miles of well-marked hiking trails traverse the park, eight of which are shared with equestrians.
Google/Todd Mowen

Related Stories

The Natural Waterpark In Arizona That's The Perfect Place To Spend A Summer's Day

The Natural Waterpark In Arizona That's The Perfect Place To Spend A Summer's Day

 The Most Remote State Park In Arizona Is The Perfect Place To Escape

The Most Remote State Park In Arizona Is The Perfect Place To Escape

 Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona, Is Home To One Of The Best Hikes In The U.S. (And We Did It)

Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona, Is Home To One Of The Best Hikes In The U.S. (And We Did It)
Trails vary in length and difficulty - one of the shortest and easiest is the 1.5-mile Overlook Trail, which offers incredible, 360-degree views.
Google/Wally Kulak
Most of the trails are very remote, making you feel like the last person on Earth. The shortest round-trip hike that leads to the creek is a three-mile jaunt on the Sonoita Creek Trail.
Google/Kurt Langheld
During the warmer months, you'll often see people enjoying the pristine creek waters. Thanks to the park's seclusion, you can expect a relaxing soak - we can't imagine a better way to cool off.
Google/Hany Abutaleb
A clean and well-maintained campground, visitor center, and small park store are also available to guests. Oh, and don't forget your binoculars, as this is one of Arizona's premier birdwatching spots.
Google/Suzanne Williams

For more information about Sonoita Creek State Natural Area, visit the Arizona State Parks website.

Have you ever visited this hidden gem? What are your favorite state parks in Arizona? Tell us in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn about the nearby town of Nogales. Straddling the U.S.-Mexico border, the town is full of charm, history, and culture, and it makes a perfect day trip destination.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Arizona

Featured Addresses
Sonoita Creek State Natural Area, 400 Patagonia Lake Rd, Patagonia, AZ 85624, USA