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Please register for this event at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SARATour04112026.Join us for a special Arizona250 celebration at San Rafael Ranch Historic District, located within the San Rafael State Natural Area.
This commemorative event invites the public to experience one of Arizona’s most significant historic ranching sites while celebrating Arizona’s rich heritage, landscapes, and communities. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore the historic ranch house, learn about the San Rafael Valley’s ranching and conservation legacy, and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding short-grass prairie.
The park is not currently open to the public for general visitation, so this commemorative event is a do-not-miss. Connect with Arizona’s past while supporting the preservation of this remarkable place for future generations!
This event is brought to you by the Friends of San Rafael Valley and Arizona State Parks and Trails. Visit their website at https://fosrv.org. Stay tuned for updates on programming offered and educational partners joining the celebration.
Self guided ranch house tours and educational displays will be offered throughout the day. A dedication of property as an Important Bird Area will be held at 10 a.m.
Know before you go! This location is in a remote area with no amenities, approximately 2 hours south of Tucson, east of Patagonia, Arizona. Plan ahead by bringing plenty of drinking water and fuel. Drive only on designated motor vehicle routes (includes dirt road surface suitable for most vehicles in regular conditions). See an area map and additional information from the Patagonia Mountains and the San Rafael Valley Recreation Opportunity Guide by the USFS - Coronado National Forest at https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/r03/coronado/publication/PatagoniaMountainsROG_RG-R3-05-38_MAY2025.pdf.
This is an Outdoors250 event: a proud part of America250, a nationwide initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States and reflecting on our shared history, values, and future. Learn more at AZStateParks.com/Outdoors250.
EVENT OFFERINGS
- International Bird Area dedication at 10 a.m.
- Self-guided ranch house tours
- Educational displays
- Guided bird walks
- Live music by Andy Hersey and Bruce Andre
- Food for purchase by Las Vigas Steak Ranch and Food Truck
PARTNERS and SPECIAL GUESTS
- 4-H Youth Development - UA Cooperative Extension
- Arizona Antelope Foundation
- Arizona Game and Fish Department
- Arizona Land and Water Trust
- Audubon Southwest
- Bowman Stradling Museum
- Empire Ranch Foundation
- Friends of San Rafael Valley
- Mescal Movie Set
- Pimeria Alta Historical Society
- Rio Rico Historical Society
- Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area
- Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
- Tucson Bird Alliance
- USFS — Coronado National Forest and special guest, Smokey Bear
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Event Venue
San Rafael State Natural Area, 2036 Duquesne Rd, Patagonia, AZ 85624-6007, United States
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
