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Agua Caliente Regional Park: A Desert Oasis

Discover a serene desert oasis at Agua Caliente Regional Park in Tucson, offering natural beauty, historical charm, and diverse wildlife encounters.

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Escape to Agua Caliente Regional Park, a unique 101-acre haven in Tucson featuring a perennial warm spring, three ponds, and diverse wildlife. With a history stretching back 5,500 years, this tranquil park offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and nature walks.

A brief summary to Agua Caliente Regional Park

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and optimal wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the designated picnic areas under the shade of mature trees.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the park features several walking trails best explored on foot.
  • Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning views and diverse wildlife.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, as temperatures can vary significantly depending on the season.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Saguaro National Park East (Rincon Mountain District), head west on E Valencia Rd towards S Houghton Rd. Continue on S Houghton Rd for approximately 11 miles until you reach the intersection with E Roger Rd. Turn left (east) onto E Roger Rd and continue for 4 miles. Agua Caliente Regional Park will be on your right at 12325 E Roger Rd. Parking is free and plentiful.

  • Public Transport

    From a starting point in Tucson, utilize the Sun Tran bus service. Transfer at a central hub, such as the Ronstadt Transit Center, to a bus route heading towards East Tucson. Alight at the bus stop nearest to E Roger Rd. From there, walk approximately 1 mile east to reach Agua Caliente Regional Park at 12325 E Roger Rd. A single bus fare is approximately $1.75.

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Discover more about Agua Caliente Regional Park

Agua Caliente Regional Park, meaning 'hot water' in Spanish, is a unique and historic oasis nestled on the northeast edge of Tucson, Arizona. This 101-acre park boasts a perennial warm spring that feeds three ponds, creating a rich aquatic and riparian habitat in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Human habitation at Agua Caliente dates back approximately 5,500 years, with evidence suggesting use by hunters and gatherers. In more recent history, the area was developed as a ranch and health resort in 1873, capitalizing on the purported curative properties of the warm springs. In 1984, Roy P. Drachman donated over $200,000 to Pima County to purchase the property, ensuring its preservation as a public park. Today, visitors can explore the park's network of accessible paved and gravel trails, discovering interpretive signs that detail the geology, natural history, and human history of the site. The Ranch House Visitor Center and Art Gallery, housed in a renovated 1870s building, offers a glimpse into the park's past. Birdwatchers will delight in the diverse avian species that call the park home, while others may spot turtles, mule deer, and coyotes. The park's ponds, though subject to fluctuating water levels, continue to support a variety of fish and wildlife. Whether you're seeking a peaceful escape, a family outing, or a chance to connect with nature, Agua Caliente Regional Park provides a serene and picturesque setting.

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