[et_pb_section][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” animation=”off” sticky=”off” src=”https://friendsofsantacruzriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/rambler_cottonwood.jpg” alt=”Pen and Ink Sketch of Cottonwood and Willow along the Santa Cruz” title_text=”Pen and Ink Sketch of Cottonwood and Willow along the Santa Cruz” /][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left”]

A Rambler’s Guide to the Life of the Santa Cruz River

Our original field guide to the river’s riparian zone, the “Rambler’s Guide,” is intended to be carried with you as you explore the river. It introduces those not familiar with the particularly abundant and various plants and animals often found nowhere else but along rare riparian zones like ours. The best place to ramble the river is along the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail between Rio Rico and Tubac, with trailhead access at:

•  Tubac Presidio State Park,
•  Tumacacori Mission National Park,
•  Santa Gertrudis Lane, off of the East Frontage Road about 1/8 mile south of Tumacacori National Park, and
•  Just east of the bridge on Palo Parado Road in Rio Rico.

An overview of the Trail can be seen on the National Park Service website at: http://www.nps.gov/juba/planyourvisit/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&PageID=108584. You can also download a map from the local Anza Trail Coalition, which put the Trail on the ground through sheer hard work and persistence, and continues to maintain this spectacular equestrian/hiking path: http://www.anzatrail.org/docs/Trail_Map_Handout_Back.pdf. The Guide is free with a membership, or you can buy a copy for $3.00 (contact us at [email protected] to purchase copies).

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