One day road trip (or several)
If you have only a day to explore this area, drive south from the Tucson area of Interstate 10 on either I-19 or Hwy. 83. At Nogales, take the other option back toward Tucson to complete the loop. This post will explore the eastern leg of the loop, from the Sonoita area to Patagonia, and the next post will encompass features on the western half. This loop, with possible stops depending on your interests, for wine in the Sonoita/Elgin area or for shopping in artsy Tubac, makes a full day trip through this scenic area. As rich as the area is in scenery and history, a thorough exploration of the area could conceivably be expanded into several days (or a lifetime).
Sonoita area
Anyone unfamiliar with the lushness of the Sonoran Desert might have a stereotype of a desert as being all frizzled creosote bushes and dried bones. This day trip (or more, if you wish) through the area south of Tucson will change that stereotype forever. Arizona Hwy. 83 winds through gently rolling, high desert grassy ranch land and wine country near Sonoita and Elgin, and Hwy. 82 continues through scrub oaks and conifers between Sonoita and Patagonia.
I'll provide more details about the bones of this trip (Sonoita and Patagonia) after a brief diversion to introduce you to some of the biodiversity around Sonoita.
Some Sonoita side trips
A relatively short side trip south of Sonoita continues on Hwy. 83 through conifers and sycamores to Parker Canyon Lake, one of several lakes in the southeast corner of "Baja Arizona."
Parker Canyon Lake
Travelers wishing to see more mountainous regions can take another detour into the Santa Rita Mountains to the northwest of Sonoita (for instance, into Gardner Canyon), but will need a high clearance vehicle to travel beyond the foothills.
Parts of the Arizona Trail in the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains
Sonoita/Elgin Wine Country
For most people, the Sonoita/Elgin region means wine country, as there are about a dozen vineyards in the region. Each vineyard offers a wine tasting flight for about $5, less if you bring your own glass. A list of vineyards and a map are available at the Sonoita Mercantile, at the intersection of Highways 83 and 82, and other Sonoita shops. Tasting rooms range in terms of ambience from barn-like to neo-Tuscan villa, and the wines are likewise distinctive. Often visitors will find a vineyard they prefer and return to that one repeatedly; for the novice to the area, the fun is in discovering which you prefer.
If you decide to make an afternoon of exploring vineyards here, you probably will want to bunk down afterwards in one of several local lodging venues. The following description of three options provides you with an idea of the range available and is not necessarily an endorsement. The Sonoita Inn, southeast of the 83/82 intersection, offers a "country lodge" atmosphere and decor. Just south of the Inn, at 92 S. Los Encinos Rd., is the Xanadu Ranch Getaway, which also offers boarding for any horses the traveler might have brought with them. Farther south at 1490 Hwy. 83, Whisper's Ranch Bed and Breakfast provides a relaxing getaway amid a working horse sanctuary. Although it is a bit distant from the wine region, Whsiper's is perfectly situated for those who wish to venture farther south, to, say, perhaps Parker Canyon Lake or the incomparable San Rafael Ranch Natural Area (and State Park), a grass prairie preserve of more than 21,000 rolling acres of grassland. (For the latter, you need to be willing to drive many miles of well-maintained but unpaved roads). The Sonoita area offers many other bed and breakfast/guest ranch options. Be sure to search Sonoita AZ lodging on the internet for the best fit for your needs.
There are only a handful of restaurants in Sonoita, but they offer a variety of fares to fit your tastes and mood. For instance, if a grilled steak at the Steak Out doesn't suit you today, try the hearty Tuscan bean soup at Viaggio Italiano (both at Sonoita on Hwy. 82). As with accommodations, you might want to research on the internet before making a choice.
Tombstone side trip
If you have the time, and especially if this is your first visit to southern Arizona, consider a detour east on Hwy. 82 from Sonoita to Tombstone (on Hwy. 80), site of the notorious Gunfight at the OK Corral. In addition to daily reenactments of the shootout, the town also features seasonal special events, such as the Rendezvous in early September. The well-preserved main drag offers many specialty and memorabilia shops as well as several restaurants.
Patagonia
If you continue following Hwy. 82 south from Sonoita to Patagonia you will enjoy seeing miles of wooded hills and canyons and colorful mountain ranges that give the area its nickname of the Mountain Empire. The area is popular among artists and birding enthusiasts. To the northwest of the hamlet, the Nature Conservancy operates the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve (accessible by a dirt road). To the east and south of Patagonia are many lovely wooded canyons in the Patagonia Mountains (again, dirt roads).Farther south/southwest on Hwy. 82 is the turn-off for Patagonia Lake, another pleasant southeast Arizona lake that offers swimming, boating, and fishing. If you are a birding fan, the hike along the creek at the east end of the lake offers numerous opportunities to view a wide variety of birds not seen in any other part of the United States.
The Patagonia area has numerous bed and breakfast as well as several eating establishments. As always, research the options online for the ones best suited for you.
The next post will explore the completion of the loop, from Nogales north through Tumacacori, Tubac, San Xavier del Bac, with a side trip to Pena Blanca Lake in the rugged Tumacacori Mountains.
