Rio Rico, Arizona

Rio Rico, Arizona
located in Arizona's Tucson & Southern Region
Rio Rico, golf haven.

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Attractions & Activities in Rio Rico

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About Rio Rico

Located in the lush, green Santa Cruz River Valley in the Sonoran Desert, Rio Rico has a rustic, unspoiled beauty that enjoys a cool summer and mild winter climate. It is located just 12 miles from Nogales and the charms of Mexico, and 45 minutes from Tucson.

There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, fishing, boating and golf all year round. The Esplendor Resort, surrounded by rugged mountains, offers superb cuisine and the Robert Trent Jones Sr. golf course, one of the finest in the state. The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, commemorating the explorers 1775-76 expedition from northern Mexico to the San Francisco Bay, follows the Santa Cruz River through the center of Rio Rico.

This rural community was once part of a land grant from the King of Spain. Rio Rico was also home to a pre-historic race known as "The Forgotten Ones". Their 18-acre village was rediscovered in 1954, partially rebuilt by the Upper Pima Indians.

Rio Rico Attractions & Activities

Robert Trent Jones Sr. Championship Golf Course. Esplendor Resort at Rio Rico features one of the few original Robert Trent Jones Senior designed golf courses remaining. Experience 18 magnificent holes beneath the shadows of the San Cayetano Mountains and amidst the beauty of the high Sonoran Desert. Consistently rated one of Arizona’s top public courses, the tree lined fairways play host to many large championship tournaments and locals who want to keep the course a Southern Arizona secret. The course is fair for all levels of experience, long off the tee but tee to green fairways, no forced desert carries as with so many of the newer desert courses. www.southwestblend.com/esplendor

Pimeria Alta Historical Society, Nogales, Arizona
Exhibits include photos depicting early history of the the Olde West and Mexico, the area and the city of Nogales. Includes a library, family history and archives.136 North Grand Ave. Nogales, Nogales 85628 520-287-4621

Pena Blanca Lake and Recreation Area
Forty-nine acres of water for boating and fishing, hiking in grassy Oak tree dotted hills, picnic and camping facilities available. http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/forest/recreation/lakes/pena_blanca.shtml

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
San Xavier del Bac Mission - Completed in 1797, it stands in the San Xavier District of Tohono O'odham Nation, one of the Sonoran Desert missions. San Xavier is still served by Franciscans, and still serves the Native community for which it was built; a museum including many artifacts of the church is attached.

Birding - Southern Arizona offers a variety of excellent birding opportunities. A wide variety of species can be observed all year long although the hummingbirds are especially plentiful-

Tumacacori Mission - Exhibits depict early Indian and Spanish history. Self-guided walks through the garden and church.

Tubac -The oldest European settlement in Arizona, a center for the arts and specialty shopping. St. Ann's Church, built in 1920 by a Bavarian carpenter, is on the same site as previous churches.

Tubac Presidio State Park - An underground exhibit reveals portions of the original Presidio. The Visitor Center, Old Tubac Schoolhouse and picnic grounds are located here.

Santa Cruz Chili & Spice Company - A wide variety of chili and other spice products; a collection of cooking and farming artifacts from the local area on display. Tours are available.

Smithsonian Whipple Observatory -Tours depart the Visitors Center at 9:00 am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Reservations are required and the tour lasts until 3:00 pm.

Patagonia- Situated in a narrow valley, protected by the Santa Rita Mountains. It is home to Lake Patagonia and some of the finest registered cattle and quarter horse ranches in the Southwest.

Sonoita - Located in the heart of “cattle country,” rich in heritage, has local wineries with some of Arizona's finest vintages.

Lake Patagonia - Popular fishing, swimming, paddleboating, hiking, and camping. Has a beach, boat rentals, boat ramps, and picnic sites. Off Hwy 82, 18 miles northeast of Nogales. 520-287-2791 www.pr.state.az.us

ASARCO Mineral Discovery Center - ASARCO mine museum and mine tour in Sahuarita's Calabasas Park.

Rio Rico Map & Directions

Nearby Towns & Cities
Amado, Green Valley, Nogales, Patagonia, Tubac, Tucson