Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

Description:

• The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail was authorized by Congress on August 15, 1990, the first such trail in the Western Region of the National Park Service. It is one of the long distance National Historic Trails in the United States. As originally planned it would run from Nogales, Arizona, to San Francisco, California, following as closely as possible the historic route taken by Anza and 240 immigrants in the winter of 1775-76. However, since the expedition started in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, plans are under way to include the 600 miles of the route that lie within Mexico to make it the first International Historic Trail in the world.

  Before the entire length of trail can be opened for public use, much planning and negotiating will be necessary, requiring several years. One section of the trail is open within the boundaries of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California. The first section to be opened to the public in Arizona lies between Tumacácori National Historical Park and Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. It is a hiking and equestrian trail only, but plans are underway for signage of a bike trail along the back roads from Nogales to Tubac. Eventually, signage of the route along the interstate will also be accomplished.

  Beware of the rattlesnakes, other desert dwellers, and prickly desert plants. The trail crosses the Santa Cruz River several times. River height may make crossing dangerous.