Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area
Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area

Explore the NHA through Scenic Routes

The Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area is very large, encompassing more than 3,300 miles throughout Southern Arizona. Being so large and filled with such unique and beautiful scenery, we are fortunate to have two scenic routes that can be explored within our borders. You can explore these routes any day of the year and they are both a quick trip away from either Tucson or Nogales. Both of these routes are the perfect way to experience the unique aspects of the SCVNHA, including Sky Islands and Desert Seas, Bird Habitats, Streams in the Desert, and more! Along your way see the natural beauties of our National Heritage Area, pause at various pitstops along the way to enjoy the full experience!

 

See below for more information about the two scenic routes you can explore today.

Sky Island Scenic Byway

Distance: 27.2 Miles

Time: While the byway itself should not take more than an hour, it is recommended to plan for three to six hours to drive up and down the mountain, including backtracking.

Start your journey among the giant saguaro cacti of the Sonoran desert and climb to shady conifer forests at nearly 9,000 feet, passing biological diversity equivalent to a drive from Mexico to Canada in just 27 miles. Enjoy spectacular views and recreational opportunities from hiking and camping to picnicking and skiing. Roads may be closed due to weather in the winter season so plan ahead and check for closures. This is the perfect way to escape the desert heat below and do some great sightseeing.

You can learn more about the Sky Island Scenic Byway at nsbfoundation.com.

Patagonia-Sonoita Scenic Road

Distance: 52.5 Miles

Time: 2-4 hours

The Patagonia-Sonoita Scenic Road was designated by the Arizona Department of Transportation on September 20, 1985. The road travels through the Santa Cruz River Basin and features semi-arid valleys and narrow canyons separated by mountain ranges rising abruptly from the desert floor. The natural beauty of the Patagonia-Sonoita Scenic Road is evident in the varied scenery as the road winds across the desert floor through rolling hills and surrounding mountain ranges rise that to more than 9,000 feet. To get the full experience, make sure you stop by natural features such as Patagonia Lake State Park and the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Sanctuary.

You can learn more about the Patagonia-Sonoita Scenic Road at scenicbyways.info.

 Tour the Cienega Watershed

Distance: 53 Miles

Time: 2 hours

The Cienega Watershed is a green oasis within the Sonoran desert teeming with plant and animal biodiversity and human history. You’ll hear history peppered throughout the tour on the region’s mining, ranching, outdoor recreation and wine making. Explore five of the rarest plant communities in the arid Southwest — an Eden just outside of high desert Tucson. Start your journey driving down the Sonoita Mountain View Highway and witness the many different habitats along the way: grasslands, wetlands, mesquite tree forests, and springs shrouded by cottonwood and willow trees. You’ll learn about the area’s important biodiversity of plants and animals. It’s home to the rare Western yellow-billed cuckoo and Southwestern willow flycatcher birds, plus the federally endangered snoring Chiricahua leopard frog.

You can learn more about the Cienega Watershed at travelstorys.com.