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Agua Caliente Regional Park: Tucson's Desert Oasis

Discover a serene desert oasis at Agua Caliente Regional Park in Tucson, where history, wildlife, and tranquil ponds create a unique escape.

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Agua Caliente Regional Park, meaning 'hot water' in Spanish, is a unique 101-acre park on Tucson's northeast side. It features a perennial warm spring that feeds three ponds, creating a haven for diverse wildlife and offering visitors a tranquil escape with historical significance dating back 5,500 years.

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 water and snacks, as amenities within the park are limited.
  • Check the Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation website for scheduled events and guided tours.
  • Take time to explore the Ranch House Visitor Center and Art Gallery to learn about the park's history.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Agua Caliente Regional Park is located at 12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson, AZ 85749. From Saguaro National Park East (Rincon Mountain District), head west on E Valencia Rd towards S Houghton Rd. Continue on S Houghton Rd for about 11 miles until you reach the intersection with E Roger Rd. Turn left (east) onto E Roger Rd. Continue for approximately 4 miles. Parking is available at the park.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Agua Caliente Regional Park via public transportation from central Tucson, use the Sun Tran bus service. Board a bus that heads towards E Roger Rd. Check the current bus schedule for times, as they may vary. After arriving at the bus stop closest to E Roger Rd, proceed east on foot for approximately 0.5 miles to reach Agua Caliente Regional Park. A single ride fare is typically around $1.75.

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Discover more about Agua Caliente Regional Park

Agua Caliente Regional Park is a hidden gem tucked away in a quiet, residential area on the northeast side of Tucson. The 101-acre park, whose name means 'hot water' in Spanish, is built around a natural warm spring that once served as a health resort. While the original hot spring no longer exists due to blasting in the 1930s, the park still maintains a unique oasis atmosphere with three ponds connected by an artificial stream. Human habitation in the area dates back roughly 5,500 years, with evidence suggesting use by hunter-gatherers and later a Hohokam village. In 1873, a ranch and health resort were established, capitalizing on the warm springs' purported curative properties. In 1984, Roy P. Drachman donated funds to Pima County to purchase the land, and the park opened to the public in 1985, named in his honor. The Agua Caliente Ranch Rural Historic Landscape was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 9, 2009. Today, visitors can explore the park's network of accessible paved and gravel trails, observing a rich mix of plants and animals. The park is known for attracting a variety of wildlife, including turtles, herons, bats, and various bird species. The renovated 1870s Ranch House serves as a visitor center and art gallery. While there are no playgrounds or sporting fields, the park is popular for picnics, nature studies, and family photos. The Friends of Agua Caliente organize occasional astronomy nights, bird walks, and wildlife walks.

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