The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Las Cienegas National Conservation Area is a national treasure in Southern Arizona. What makes it such a special area is the Cienegas Creek which flows year-round. In a region dominated by dry creeks and seasonal washes, Las Cienegas translates as The Marshes. This riparian gem is home to a ribbon of green vegetation that contrasts vividly with the surrounding high desert of Southern Arizona. The string of marshes is home to a wide variety of wildlife and vegetation and a historic cattle ranch. The Empire Ranch has been in continual operation since the 1870s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic ranch buildings are now owned by the Bureau of Land Management and are open to visitors daily.
The Las Cienegas National Conservation Area was established with the assistance of a local group called the Sonoita Valley Planning Partnership in 2000. The group promoted community-wide participation in conserving the land and lifestyle of the area. As a result, the conservation area still includes an operating cattle ranch. Visitors must keep an eye out for roaming cattle in addition to wildlife that lives in the area.
This portion of the trail begins at the Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead. The trail meanders south, utilizing historic roads and two-track trails. Hikers will pass under the Old Sonoita Highway as the trail leads past Twin Tanks to the section's end at Lakes Road.
Length: 12.7 miles
Intensity: Easy to Moderate
Biking the Arizona Trail from Three Bridges to Lakes is a local favorite. This single-track trail is fast and flowing. Grades of five to ten percent provided a lot of up and down motion. The course is well designed and maintained.
Length: 13 miles out and back. 26 miles total.
Intensity: Intermediate
You can experience several rare animals firsthand in Las Cienegas. Unique animals are the pronghorn antelope and black-tailed prairie dogs. Birds include the yellow-billed cuckoo and the Southwestern willow flycatcher. The area is home to several amphibians and fish as a riparian habitat. The Chiricahua leopard frog makes the marsh its home, as do the endangered Gila topminnow and pupfish.
There are several picnicking areas in Las Cienegas. The stone corral at Empire Ranch has shade and access to restrooms. You can pump your drinking water the old-fashioned way with a hand pump at Empire Ranch. For a more rustic lunch, spread out in the shade of the cottonwood trees at Empire Gulch.
What would a working cattle ranch be without horseback riding? Riding the range or trails is allowed throughout Las Cienegas. Due to the fragile nature of the riparian habitat, only make water crossings at cement crossings. Fences and gates are an essential element of any ranch. Please close any gate you may open while riding the range.
Managed hunting is available within the conservation area. Hunts for deer, javelina, and other game are established by Arizona Game and Fish. Hunts are limited and do require a license.
There is no RV camping within Las Cienegas. To find BLM RV Camping sites, visit the BLM website, or do an Internet search for "BLM Camping near me" when you reach your destination. There are several privately owned RV campgrounds nearby. Sleeping Dog Ranch is just a few miles south of Empire Ranch on Hwy 83. They provide boondocking spots as well as full hookups. The RV Park at Pima County Fair is a pet-friendly, full-service park off I-10 near South Tucson. There are several other RV parks in the area.
There are several free Bureau of Land Management Campgrounds within Las Cienegas.
Camping at Maternity Well, Cieneguita, Road Canyon, Airstrip, and Oak Tree campsites can not exceed 14 days. Campfires are allowed, except in times of extreme fire danger. You must provide your own firewood.
When planning a visit to Las Cienegas, have a variety of clothing available. For most of the year, Southern Arizona is hot and dry. Light clothes and straw hats are a good choice. In late summer, hot days can be followed by evening monsoon storms. Temperatures can drop rapidly. The desert can be quite chilly in the winter, especially at night.
If you plan to camp in a BLM campground, remember that these are primitive sites. Pack plenty of water for drinking and cleaning. The nearest town can be several miles away and may have limited facilities. Be prepared. Check out our notes on BLM Camping for helpful tips. Also, check the BLM Web Site for updates or news about the site you plan to visit. Permits are not required for visits to Las Cienegas. However, the Arizona Trail does leave BLM Property. Traveling into Arizona State Trust Land may require a permit.
Natural treasures like Las Cienegas are sensitive habitats. Read and follow the BLM’s Code of Outdoor Ethics and Leave No Trace guidelines. Help preserve this landscape as nature gave it to us. Do not leave anything that you brought, and do not take anything you did not bring with you. The next visitor will benefit from your good stewardship.
To reach Las Cienegas Natural Conservation Area from Tucson, head east on Interstate 10, then south on Route 83. You will see the wildlife turnoff on the east side of the road near milepost 40.
Ready to visit Las Cienegas National Conservation Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day of exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
