Ciénega Creek Natural Preserve is a 4,010-acre site that preserves a portion of Ciénega Creek watershed flowing through eastern Pima County. This unexpected landscape, with quiet pools, seeps, and springs shaded with cottonwood, willow and high cliffs, supports exceptional biodiversity.
Now is the time, while Ciénega Creek has water running and the temperature there is suitable for hiking. More information about that Preserve:
https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/c0a288b6-37b3-428f-8fa4-fcbe7a56e78a
https://tucsonaudubon.org/festival-events/cienega-creek-davidson-canyon-with-pima-county-naturalist-jeff-babson/
I obtained a few hiking permits for Saturday, March 28th, 2026. We will do an easy downstream hike of a section of the Ciénega Creek at the Natural Preserve. It is about a 6 miles hike with 100 feet elevation change. Below is the hiking track of that section of Ciénega Creek:
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=12.7/-110.6199/32.0115&pubLink=axdVAQzOpUhmRyeb9FrCv8nL&trackId=1f247377-6956-46bb-8c60-a88e1dfbeb69
We will meet at 8am, at Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead, 16248 E Marsh Station Rd, Vail, AZ 85641 (32.01403763233667, -110.64758954663905) to carpool. We will caravan the hikers to Pantano Townsite dirt parking lot (32.00217153428495, -110.58213814718827). Then hike about 6 miles one way downstream from Pantano Townsite back to Gabe Zimmerman TH. We will shuttle the 'drivers' back to Pantano Townsite to pick up their vehicles.
The water level of the creek, in spring, is usually only ankle high, or less than knee high, be aware, we will hike in the water half of the time, so make sure you have water shoes or waterproof footwear. BE PREPARED!
Since it is a permit area, please sign up ONLY if you are serious about joining us. If you signed up but need to change your plan, please update your status ASAP, so your permit will not be wasted.
On Thursday, March 26th, the permit will be emailed to those who signed up for the hike. Please print your copy of the permit for hiking and parking at Pantano Townsite.
After the hike, if anyone is interested, we will meet for lunch at Montgomery's Grill & Saloon (13190 E Colossal Cave Rd, #190, Vail, AZ 85641)
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