The visitor center at Tumacácori National Historical Park is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
The entrance fee at Tumacácori National Historical Park is $10 per person aged 16 or older, valid for 7 days. An annual pass costs $35, admitting the pass holder and up to three additional adults. Children under 16 enter free.
From Tucson, take Interstate 19 south for 45 miles, exiting at 29, to reach this historic oasis in the Santa Cruz River valley, just north of Nogales.
The parking lot at Tumacácori National Historical Park is spacious, accommodating cars, RVs up to 21 feet, and motorcycles. There are designated spaces for disabled visitors. No overnight parking is allowed. Free off-street parking is available, with no additional fees beyond the $10 park entrance fee.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Tumacácori National Historical Park, situated in the upper Santa Cruz River Valley of southern Arizona, is a tapestry of cultural and natural splendor. This 360-acre park, established in 1990, protects the ruins of three Spanish mission communities, including the historic missions of San José de Tumacácori and Los Santos Ángeles de Guevavi, established in 1691, and San Cayetano de Calabazas, founded in 1756.
As you wander through the park, the timeworn paths lead you through a rare cottonwood-willow riparian forest, a habitat for endangered species like the Gila topminnow and the Yellow-billed cuckoo. The landscape is vibrant with the sounds of the Santa Cruz River, which passes through the park, providing a constant source of life and sustenance. The area’s rich cultural heritage is evident in the mingling of O’odham, Yaqui, and Apache peoples with European Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries.
Visitors can explore the 1937 Tumacácori Museum, a National Historic Landmark, and delve into the history of Spanish exploration and colonization. The park is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, offering a serene escape just 45 miles south of Tucson and 19 miles north of Nogales.
For those seeking a deeper connection, the park occasionally hosts events such as illuminating women’s histories and conservation workshops. Nearby, the artisan town of Tubac offers a charming blend of art galleries, studios, and historic architecture. Local outfitters provide opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding landscape, making Tumacácori National Historical Park a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in history, culture, and the natural beauty of the American Southwest.
- Area (mi²)
- 1
- Annual visitors
- 40 000
- Established year
- 1908
Top 3 Facts about Tumacácori National Historical Park
The site protects the ruins of three ancient Spanish colonial missions, with the oldest, San José de Tumacácori and Los Santos Angeles de Guevavi, established in 1691, marking over 333 years of cultural and historical significance.
In this arid yet vibrant landscape, mesquite and palo verde trees shade the terrain, their bright yellow flowers blooming in spring. Ironwood trees, with their pale purple blossoms, stand tall near desert washes. The air is filled with the songs of cactus wrens and the humming of Anna’s hummingbirds. Desert wildlife, including javelinas, coyotes, and horned toads, roam freely. The Santa Cruz River, which runs through the area, supports a diverse array of aquatic life and attracts a variety of birds, making this a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
In the heart of the Santa Cruz River Valley, the landscape is defined by the gentle flow of the river, whose waters carve through a desert region characterized by linked mountain ranges. The surrounding mountains, part of the Pimería Alta, rise dramatically, shaping a terrain that is both arid and surprisingly verdant. The river’s riparian habitat, preserved within the park, supports a vibrant ecosystem, with temperatures often soaring during the day and dropping sharply at night, highlighting the stark beauty of this desert landscape.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Self-guided Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Living History & Cultural Demos
- Night Sky & Astronomy
- Family Camping & Overnight
- Arts & Crafts
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Plan a few days in spring to explore extensive trails and historical sites. Arrive early, park near the visitor center, and anticipate rocky terrain. Rest frequently, pack meals, and catch the Fiesta de la Vendimia in August for a memorable experience.
Pack Appropriately
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and refillable water bottles. Bring snacks like granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit. Include a lightweight rain jacket for unexpected storms and layers for cooler evenings. Don’t forget sunscreen and a backpack for essentials.
Respect Wildlife
Maintain a safe distance from wildlife, using binoculars for closer views. Avoid feeding or approaching animals. Stay on marked paths to prevent soil erosion and respect nesting sites, especially during turtle hatching seasons. Keep pets leashed and carry out all trash.
Stay Informed
Stay on marked trails, avoid ledges and water, and check weather conditions. Follow signs and park rules. For emergencies, call 911 or park authorities at 520-377-5060.
Seasons
In spring, bask in mild temperatures (70s-80s°F) and sunny skies. Attend the Historic Craft Demonstrations in April, showcasing traditional crafts amidst blooming desert flora. Ideal time for outdoor exploration before the summer heat.
Explore historic mission grounds in summer’s warm temperatures (90s-100s°F) amidst intense sunshine. While summer is hot, it’s ideal for stargazing events and self-guided tours. Visit in April for historic craft demonstrations and mission tours, or await the cooler December Fiesta celebrations.
Visit in fall for mild temperatures (60s-80s°F) and clear skies. Experience the 52nd annual Fiesta, a celebration of multicultural heritage with live entertainment, food, and craft booths, always the first full weekend in December, but plan ahead as autumn sets the stage for this vibrant event.
Visit from January to March when mild winter temperatures, often in the 60s and 70s, make for ideal exploration. Guided tours of historic mission sites are available, and the cooler weather enhances the scenic beauty of the Sonoran Desert landscape.
Where to stay
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Tumacácori National Historical Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The closest city to Tumacácori National Historical Park is Tucson, Arizona, which is about 45 miles to the north. Tucson is Arizona’s second-largest city and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. It is a significant urban center with a rich history and cultural attractions.
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The Anza Trail from Tumacácori to Tubac is a relatively flat and shaded 4- to 6-mile hike that follows the Santa Cruz River through a lush cottonwood-willow riparian forest and mesquite bosque. This trail offers historic sites and a diverse landscape, making it a favorite for hikers and birders. It is maintained by the Anza Trail Coalition of Arizona and provides shade, though temperatures can be extreme, so preparation with water and protective clothing is advised.
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Dogs are allowed on the Anza Trail as long as they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet, but they are not permitted in any buildings or on the mission grounds. They can also be in parking areas and along paved roads. Dogs must wear a collar with current tags at all times.
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You cannot park an RV or any type of camper, trailer, or motorhome within the park. However, you can camp at nearby locations such as Patagonia Lake State Park or Mountain View RV Park, which are equipped to handle various sizes of RVs.
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The park features the oldest Spanish Colonial Jesuit missions in southern Arizona, established by Father Eusebio Kino in 1691, including Mission San Cayetano de Tumacácori and Mission Los Santos Ángeles de Guevavi. The Franciscan church of Mission San José de Tumacácori was built in the 1750s, and Mission San Cayetano de Calabazas was established in 1756. The site was also part of the 1775-1776 Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition and was protected as a national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 before being redesignated as a National Historical Park in 1990.