Sonoita Creek State Natural Area
- Status
- Status not posted
- Entrance fee
- $20 per vehicleAnnual pass available
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below
- Camping
- Yes
- Official site
- azstateparks.com(520) 287-2791
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Sonoita Creek State Natural Area is a natural area in Santa Cruz County, about 24 miles west of Sierra Vista.
Popular activities here are horseback riding, swimming, biking, fishing, and hiking. Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites and primitive or hike-in sites.
Fees and passes
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Per vehicle (1-4 adults) Monday-Thursday | $20 |
| Per vehicle (1-4 adults) Fridays-Sundays and holidays | $25 |
| Individual/bicycle | $5 · walk-in |
| Camping fees: Primitive hike-in site | $25 |
Official wording
Pay at Patagonia Lake SP entrance station *Your fee covers entrance to both Patagonia Lake and the State Natural Area Per vehicle (1-4 adults) Monday-Thursday: $20 Per vehicle (1-4 adults) Fridays-Sundays and holidays: $25 Individual/bicycle: $5 Camping fees: Primitive hike-in site: $25 Visitors are required to obtain a pass and pay at the main gate. Annual pass holders must check in at the main gate.
Arizona park passes
- Annual Day Use Pass — $200. Day-use access for up to four people at state parks across Arizona (with listed exceptions) Details
- 100% Military Disabled Veterans pass — Free. Free day-use for 100% service-connected disabled veterans and up to three accompanying adults Details
- Active duty / retired / service-disabled veteran discount — 50% off day-use. Day-use entrance discount (not tours or special fees) Details
From the Arizona state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- Arizona State Parks reservations (Tyler Technologies; reached via azstateparks.com/reserve/)
- Phone
- (877) 697-2757
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
See the park’s wording
All dogs must be kept on leashes. Please pick up after your pet. • All dogs must be kept on leashes. Please pick up after your pet.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
Hike-in Camping Sites
One private back-country hike-in camping site is available. The closest site is about 4 miles from the trailhead. Six people maximum per site. There is a two-night maximum stay in Sonoita Creek State Natural Area. No horses overnight. $25 per night. There are three tent pads and a steel fire ring at each site. Campfires allowed in designated fire rings. Dead and down wood may be gathered for fires, but there may be fire restrictions in effect. Campers, please secure your food as there are nimble-fingered ringtails about.
Obtain Day Use permit and Camp Site Reservation at the Visitor Center or Patagonia Lake State Park gatehouse, depending on the season.
Read more from the park
Backcountry Camping with Conservation in Mind
Sonoita Creek offers primitive backcountry campsites. Please be aware of the following.
- Plan your trip: look at a map and know the route to your destination. Bring proper gear and resources. Let others know your plans.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces: Stay on trails and camp only in designated campsites.
- Protect sensitive habitats: places like Coal Mine Springs are home to special status species. Do not swim, bathe or wash dishes in springs, creeks or washes.
- Dispose of waste properly: Pack in and pack out the garbage. Bury human waste in a shallow hole (4-6 inches deep) at least 200 feet from water, dry washes, trails, or campsites. Carry out toilet paper and feminine products.
- Minimize campfire impacts: Use established fire rings and burn only dead fallen timber. Keep fires small.
- Be considerate of other visitors: Prevent disturbing others by keeping noise to a minimum.
Agency Rules & Regulations
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
HikingBikingHorseback ridingSwimmingFishingCamping
Trails
Equestrian Trails
Bring your own horse; no horses are for rent at the park. The Horse Corral Trail leads from a large parking area near Patagonia Lake and joins the Sonoita Creek trail which meets the New Mexico and Arizona Railroad Trail after the first creek crossing. Horses must stay on these designated sections. Other trails are not built to horse specifications and can be easily damaged by horse use. The Railroad Trail is a favorite of riders because it follows Sonoita Creek for almost five miles and is in shade in the summer months. Depending on the water level, there are three creek crossings. The Railroad Trail can also be accessed from Coatimundi Drive in Rio Rico. Check with staff for high water warnings and closures.
Download Printable map of trails at Sonoita Creek State Natural Area (1.9 MB PDF)
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Picnic areas
- Visitor center
- Nature center or museum
- Park or camp store
Camping
- Tent camping
- Primitive or backcountry camping
Recreation
- Horse trails
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
The Visitor Center has two modern, handicap accessible restrooms.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Rules and permits
Park Rules
Please familiarize yourself with the park rules and help us preserve this irreplaceable resource.
- Sonoita Creek State Natural Area is a fee area.
- Permits are required to enter SCSNA and can be obtained at the Visitor Center in Patagonia Lake State Park. A permit is needed for each person and each horse.
- Camp in designated campsites and have a proper permit. Six campers per campsite maximum. There is a two-night limit in backcountry campsites. Campsites should be vacated by 11 a.m.
- Fires are allowed at campsites in designated fire rings.
- The area is closed to motorized and mechanized vehicles, including bicycles.
- Trash should be packed out and disposed of properly.
- Respect nature by enjoying wildlife from a distance and leaving plants intact.
- Cultural and historical sites and artifacts are protected by law. Leave them undisturbed.
- Trails may be closed to protect certain species or areas. Closing information will be posted.
- Please respect private property and stay on the trail.
- All dogs must be kept on leashes. Please pick up after your pet.
- Horses must remain on designated trails and cannot stay overnight. Feed horses weed-free hay for seven days prior to arrival at the park.
Getting there
- Address
- 400 Lake Patagonia Rd
Patagonia, AZ 85624 - Nearest town
- Sierra Vista — about 24 mi west (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 31.6539, -110.7100
- Phone
- (520) 287-2791
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Arizona State Parks & Trails — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- Arizona State Parks & Trails 'Find a Park' page (one .location block per park with features, reservation links and Google Maps coordinates); sitemap.xml lists the same park slugs
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology