Juan Bautista de Anza Trail

The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic trail traces the route of the 1775-1776 expedition from Sinaloa, Mexico to San Francisco, California; led by the trail’s namesake, Juan Bautista de Anza.

While following the route of the Santa Cruz River, the expedition passed through present-day Marana, stopping to camp at two sites, known as Puerto del Azotado and Oit Par. They also stopped to rest near Marana Heritage River Park. The Anza Trail generally follows the route of the expedition, connecting culturally and historically significant sites along the way.

There is also an auto route which connects several of the historic sites, including the ones in Marana and Southern Arizona, following the route of the expedition up to San Francisco.

Click here for a map of the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail in Marana and northern Pima County

Puerto del Azotado is located at the present-day El Rio Preserve and is marked by an interpretive sign. Oit Par is located just beyond the Marana town limits, where Trico Road crosses the Santa Cruz River, and is also marked with interpretive signage and a shaded area. There also is an interpretive sign along The Loop at Marana Heritage River Park.

The Loop Shared Use Path follows part of the route of the trail and can be accessed at the Puerto del Azotado Trailhead in the southwest corner of the El Rio Preserve, just off Coachline Blvd. Los Morteros Conservation Area, a well-preserved example of a Hohokam village site is located just to the south. The Loop can also be accessed from Marana Heritage River Park, and there is an Anza trail marker.

The Loop is now fully connected through Marana!