You don’t have to go far to get outside and start exploring. You can wake up in the morning, step outside, and start your day with a historic hike. In fact, the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail runs right alongside the ranch.

The Story of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail(opens in a new tab) offers a unique opportunity to walk through history. This trail stretches over 1,200 miles from Sedona and passes through both California and Arizona. You can walk through the homelands of 70+ tribal communities. It follows the route of the 1775-1776 Spanish expedition led by Captain Juan Bautista de Anza, which started in Sonora, Mexico and ended in San Francisco, CA. The expedition included 30 soldiers, their wives, and more than 100 children.

Today, the Anza Trail is a peaceful path that is perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and even exploring with your dog. You can walk in history’s footsteps through our private access or many of its other entrances between Tubac and Tumacacori. This is easily one of the most meaningful southern Arizona hiking trails. As you explore, keep in mind that you’re in the desert, so watch out for cacti and rattlesnakes along the trail.

If you want to learn more, check out some of the Modern Stories(opens in a new tab) from individuals and communities on the trail.

Madera Canyon
The surrounding area offers a variety of trails for all experience levels. Madera Canyon, located in the Santa Rita Mountains near Green Valley, is one of southern Arizona’s most beloved hiking trails. It’s known for its cooler temperatures and lush desert mountain environment. It offers shaded trails, scenic overlooks, and a chance to spot unique wildlife along the way.

More Trails
Closer to Tubac, you’ll find additional trails weaving through the Santa Cruz River Valley, such as the Santa Gertrudis Lane Loop(opens in a new tab). These paths are perfect for a relaxed walk, picture taking, and birdwatching.

If you love birdwatching, you’ll feel right at home at Valle Verde Ranch.

The property itself is recognized as a Cardinal-level birding habitat by the Tucson Bird Alliance, with a private mesquite bosque and frequent sightings right on the property. Step outside and you may spot some Cactus Wren, Gila Woodpecker, Curve-billed Thrasher, Gambel’s Quail, Black-throated Sparrow, hummingbirds, and hawks—just a glimpse into what makes birding in Arizona such a unique experience.

The ranch is also located next to one of the area’s most exciting natural events: the Black Hawk migration viewing area. Each year, visitors gather to witness hundreds to thousands of birds moving through the region, making it a must-see experience for birding enthusiasts.

Nearby, you’ll find many well-known Arizona birding hotspots, such as:

• Tubac Nature Center(opens in a new tab): offers guided bird walks and insight into the Santa Cruz River ecosystem
• Paton Center for Hummingbirds(opens in a new tab): about an hour away and widely known for hummingbird viewing
• The Santa Cruz River corridor(opens in a new tab): a unique desert riparian habitat that supports a wide range of bird species and perfectly encapsulates the Tucson birding scene

Along with birds, it’s not uncommon to see javelinas, rabbits, and other native animals throughout the area. Reptiles such as lizards are commonly seen sunning along trails. Sometimes in the early morning or evening hours, you’ll see the occasional deer. If you’re lucky, you might spot a hawk or owl hunting at dusk. These everyday wildlife sightings are part of what makes your time here feel so special.

For those looking to deepen their experience, guided tours are available through companies such as Nature Insight(opens in a new tab) and FUN Birding Tours(opens in a new tab), both known for their knowledgeable Arizona guides and personalized outings.

For additional information about the 100 Lucy’s Warblers nesting boxes mounted on our property or birding in the Southwest, contact the Tucson Bird Alliance(opens in a new tab).

Tubac is known as one of the Southwest’s premier art destinations. The town is filled with Tubac art galleries, studios, and shops that feature both traditional and contemporary fine art. Here are some of the activities that we recommend checking out while you’re here:

The Tubac Festival of the Arts
The Tubac Festival of the Arts is a well known art festival in Tubac. Beginning in 1960, this is Southern Arizona’s longest-running art festival. It usually occurs in February, with over 250 regional and national artists. It brings in visitors from all over the country. The festival features live entertainment and diverse cuisine. You can find the exact dates for the festival here(opens in a new tab).

The Tubac Center of the Arts
This nonprofit arts organization(opens in a new tab) is a centre of creative expression and education, offering a variety of Tubac Center of the Arts events throughout the year. It was founded in the 1970s, and consists of rotating exhibits, workshops and classes, and performing arts. If you’re in the mood to shop, the gallery gift shop features original art, pottery, and jewelry.

Leslie Miller’s Tubac School of Fine Art
Tubac is a dream setting for artists. Sign up for a workshop at the Tubac School of Fine Art(opens in a new tab) and learn from instructors brought in from around the nation. Bring your palette box and brushes and plan on learning something new.

Tubac is a place where art and history meet. Founded in 1752 as a Spanish presidio, the town has cultural roots shaped by Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences. Today, you have the opportunity to explore the history of Tubac, Arizona through preserved sites and local landmarks.

Tumacácori National History Park & Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
For more history nearby, visit the Tumacácori National Historical Park(opens in a new tab), where you can explore the remains of a Spanish mission dating back to the late 1600s. You can also stop by Tubac Presidio State Historic Park(opens in a new tab), which is Arizona’s first state park. Prepare to be transported to another time, learning the story of how many cultures came together to create the current town. You’ll see the old Tubac Barrio, as well as Anza’s adobe house. If you’re visiting in February, don’t miss Anza Days, an annual reenactment of the expedition’s passage.

Rio Rico Historical Society Museum
This museum(opens in a new tab) features exhibits and artifacts that highlight the cultural and historical development of the Santa Cruz Valley.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Tubac, Arizona. Whether you’re planning an adventurous getaway or adding a stop to your Arizona road trip, Tubac offers something for everyone.

Savory Experiences
Stop by the Santa Cruz Chili and Spice Company(opens in a new tab), where you’ll take in the rich aromas of a variety of spices. For a casual dining experience, try Wisdom’s Cafe(opens in a new tab), which is a longtime favorite known for its Sonoran style dishes—especially its fruit burritos.

Other Activities
If you’re interested in craftsmanship, the Tumacacori Mesquite Sawmill(opens in a new tab) showcases native mesquite wood. You can browse (or even commission) custom pieces that capture the character of the desert.

The Tubac Arizona Golf Resort(opens in a new tab) offers scenic golf, dining, and some Hollywood history, as it is the filming location for the movie Tin Cup. It is also home to the Santa Cruz Valley Car Nuts Annual Car Show(opens in a new tab), which happens every January. The Tubac Center of the Arts Home Tour(opens in a new tab), also hosted annually in January, showcases five unique Tubac homes that everyone can enjoy.

The area is full of experiences waiting to be discovered. Be sure to check the Tubac Chamber of Commerce calendar(opens in a new tab) before you visit—you might find something unexpected to add to your stay.