This hike occurs in Patagonia Lake State Park in the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area. Because it is in the State Park, a $10 permit per vehicle is required. So it is prudent to come in a minimum number of vehicles. Also, only 20 people per day are allowed into the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area per day and so it is wise to call ahead and make a reservation. Although it is a little risky, the hiking permits are available on a drop in basis.
There are no toilet facilities at the trailhead in the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area. There are modern toilet facilities in the Patagonia Lake State Park Vistor's Center and associated with the campgrounds there. There are also public flush toilet facilities in the nearby town of Patagonia. Often these facilities are the most convenient since one drives right by them on the way to Patagonia Lake State Park. The public toilet facilities are on the west side of Patagonia.
The Sonoita Creek Natural Area has a number of trails that are well marked in some areas and not so well marked in others. Hikers should be prepared to cross the stream and to hike in close proximity to grazing cattle. Basically, the hike involves hiking down to the stream from the trailhead-parking area, following allow the stream for a ways and then circling around and returning to the trailhead-parking area by another trail. One way is to hike down the service road and cross the spillway of the dam to rejoin the service road on the other side. After a short walk one will see the sign for the Blackhawk Trail on the left. If one goes down the Blackhawk Trail and returns on the Sonoita Creek Trail, the distance is about 2.75 miles (see the Trail Map). However, it is easy to make the hike longer by simply following the creek a little longer before turning back. The stream is pretty and the water is a bird magnet that attracts more birds than are usually seen hiking in the desert. The total elevation loss and then gain is about 240 feet verticle. Much of the hike is relatively level but there are sections where the climbing will be very noticeable. There is some up and down. The author of this page would describe the hike as easy with some moderate sections while climbing.
Patagonia Lake State Park is noted as a good "birding" site. In particular, there is a resident male Elegant Trogun in the park that attracts many visitors. The Visitor's Center can provide information about the most recent sightings of this rare bird. The Visitor's Center can also provide maps and bird lists for those interested in seeing the birds in this State Park.
On the way back from the hike, its fun to stop in Patagonia for coffee or ice cream at the "Common Grounds". There are also a number of shops where local artists sell their goods. Or, if you are a serious "birder" you might want to stop at Paton's House in the northwest corner of Patagonia where the Paton's fed birds for many years and attracted enough rare and unusual birds that people came from all over the US and even the world to sit in the back yard under the tent to see the birds. The Patons have now passed away, but the house is being managed by the Tucson Audabon Society and the birds are still coming with great regularity. To go to the Paton's house, drive north on 4th Avenue for two city blocks until you come to a "T". Turn left at the "T" onto Pennsylvania Avenue and drive west, through the wash for about 0.2 miles. The Paton's house is the first house on the left after the wash. Once at the Paton's house you can walk to the backyard where the tent is set up for watching the bird feeders.
