El Rio Preserve

The El Rio Preserve is a lush, green oasis along the Santa Cruz River which is one of the top birding hotspots in Southern Arizona. The preserve restores and protects 104 acres of riparian habitat, which only about 100 years ago, could be found all along the banks of the Santa Cruz River. The Preserve’s wetlands support a variety of reptiles, mammals, birds, insects, and plants. It is one of the best and most easily-accessible locations in Southern Arizona to observe wildlife.

250 species of birds have been identified at the El Rio Preserve! These include many shore birds, including kingfishers, vireos, herons, ibises, and many duck species, to name a few. You can also see resident Sonoran Desert birds including roadrunners, woodpeckers, house finches, hawks, and hummingbirds. You’re most likely to see the greatest diversity of species during the two migration seasons, mid-April through mid-May, and early August.

Marana Parks & Recreation offers frequent birding tours and nature treks at the preserve hosted by expert guides, and in early August, there are guided field trips to the Preserve as part of the Southeast Arizona Birding Festival.

In addition to being a nature hotspot, the El Rio Preserve has historical significance. It is located just to the north of Los Morteros, a Hohokam-era village site that supported hundreds of people, and contains an ancient ballcourt, remains of buildings, petroglyphs, and mortar holes used to grind seeds. Residents of the village dug canals to the Santa Cruz River to irrigate their crops. In October 1775, the Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition camped at Puerto del Azotado, which is located on the grounds of the El Rio Preserve and is noted by a historical marker.

Getting There

The El Rio Preserve is located at the north end of the Continental Ranch neighborhood. It is easily accessible via the Twin Peaks Road exit off Interstate 10, and then heading west towards Coachline Blvd. The Preserve is also connected to the Chuck Huckelberry Loop, a paved multi-use path running 137 miles around Pima County, including northwest Marana! The Preserve has paved parking, shaded picnic ramadas, an accessible observation platform, interpretive signs, and gravel walking paths.

Learn More

In November 2024, local photographer and birding expert Henry Johnson wrote an article about the El Rio Preserve and some of the bird species you can find there! Click here to check it out.