H. Dunn shared this photo of one of Arizona’s hidden treasures!
It has been said that when you arrive at Patagonia Lake, you won’t believe you’re in Arizona. Located in Patagonia Lake State Park, the lake was created by the damming of Sonoita Creek, and is habitat for bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. It is also stocked with rainbow trout during the winter.
Besides fishing, the park is also perfect for camping, picnicking, hiking, and bird watching. Hikers can stroll along the beautiful creek trail and see a variety of birds such as the canyon towhee, Inca dove, vermilion flycatcher, black vulture, and several species of hummingbirds. A beautiful arched wooden bridge allows hikers to walk from one peninsula to another.
Located adjacent to the Patagonia State Park is the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area. Established in 1994, this was Arizona’s first major natural area to be designated. It is a pristine riparian area located in a transitional zone between the Sonoran Desert and the Chihuahuan Desert, and offers 5,000 acres of cottonwoods, willows, sycamores and mesquites, nesting black hawks and endangered species.
Take Hwy 82 south, 7 miles past the town of Patagonia.
This photo by H. Dunn is just one of over 1,000 submittals for our Spring 2014 Celebrate AZ Water Photo Contest. It provided a stunning opportunity to celebrate the importance and wonder of water in Arizona and to reflect on one of our region’s most precious resources.