b'IN 1891, CIVIL WAR VETERAN and rancher R.R. Richardson began investing in mines in the Santa Rita and Patagonia mountains. In 1893, Richardson began to develop a portion of his ranch, where the new railroad crossed Sonoita Creek, into a town, eventually named Patagonia after the nearby mountains.B y 1900, Patagonia rated a two-story railroadWednesday through Sunday from 6:30 AM or depot and by WWI Patagonia had running7:30 AM (depending on the season) to 4:00 PM. water, an Opera House, three hotels, aIt is closed Monday and Tuesday. schoolhouse, two parks, and several stores and saloons. The mines closed decades ago, but the mountain townGuided walks are offered every Saturday has persevered thanks to tourism. Today its a hub formorning starting from the Visitor Center. artists and bird-watchers. The Nature Conservancys PatagoniaSonoita Creek Preserve dazzles with its abundance. Patagonia is appropriately proud of its history andThere are hundreds of bird species, such as distinctive character. Situated at over 4,000 feet elevationvermilion flycatchers and fan-tailed warblers, between the Santa Rita Mountains and the Patagonia130-year-old trees, and 873 acres of verdant Mountains summers are cooler there than in Tucsonfloodplain. Walk the one-mile, cottonwood-and Phoenix. To get there take I-10 East, toward Tucson.shaded Creek Trail to take in the lemon-Approximately 17 miles east of Tucson get off at theyellow butterflies, the rushing stream, and the Highway 83 exitSonoita/Patagonia. Head south on rising and falling calls of the cicadas, clicking Hwy 83 for 24 miles to the stop sign at the crossroads gently like castanets. The preserve is located of Hwy 83 and 82. Turn right (west) on Hwy 82.at 150 Blue Heaven Road. 520-394-2400Patagonia is 12 miles southwest of Sonoita.With their iridescent plumage and acrobatic flight, As the speed limit slows at the edge of town, take thathummingbirds inspire wonder. Spend time in theirapproach to Mount Wrightson provides beauty and as a signal to get out of your car and explore this quirkymidst at the Tucson Audubon Societys Paton Center fortranquility with endless inspiration for artists and nature Arizona town. Youll find charming coffee shops, aHummingbirds, a backyard turned national hummingbirdlovers of all ages. North Loop is a 2.1-mile hike close to throwback bar, and truly interesting retail stores.hot spot. Settle under the shade pavilion to keep watchdowntown Patagonia and takes about an hour. It is an for the violet-crowned, broad-billed, and blue-throatedideal before-breakfast walk for anyone staying locally.BIRDING varieties. The Paton Center for Hummingbirds is a Birding enthusiasts travel to Patagonia from all over theplace to explore and experience the special birds ofFor the more adventurous, the Arizona Trail winds over world in search of rare, exotic specimens. southeast Arizona. It is dedicated to the celebration and800 miles from the Mexican border to Utah and passes conservation of hummingbirdsand all of southeastthrough Patagonia. The Nature Conservancys Patagonia-Sonoita CreekArizonas astounding biodiversitythrough recreation, Preserve is renowned as a birding habitat that hosts moreeducation, and sustainable living. 213 bird species havePATAGONIA LAKE STATE PARKthan 300 species migrating through, nesting and livingbeen reported for this cozy home lot on the outskirts ofPatagonia Lake State Park was established in 1975 as in this lush, beautiful sanctuary. The Preserve is openPatagonia, including Violet-crowned Hummingbirds,a state park and is an ideal place to find whitetail deer Gray Hawks, Varied Buntings, Thick-billed Kingbirds,roaming the hills and great blue herons walking the and many more local specialties. shoreline. The park offers a campground, beach, picnic area with ramadas, tables and grills, a creek trail, boat Gates are open sunrise to sunset. Entry is free oframps, and a marina.charge, but your generous donations to the Sugar Fund help them maintain the grounds, feed theThe nearby Lakeside Market offers boat rentals and birds, improve the habitat, and provide educationsupplies. The campground overlooks the lake where and recreation programs. 477 Pennsylvania Ave. anglers catch crappie, bass, bluegill, catfish, and trout. The 520-415-6447 park is popular for boating, water skiing, fishing, camping, picnicking, swimming, and hiking.azstateparks.com/HIKINGpatagonia-lake/explore/facility-informationLocal hiking trails offer great opportunities to enjoy high desert nature at its finest like Red MountainTHE PATAGONIA MUSEUMwhere you can enjoy the scenery and some 17 toThe museum is currently closed while they tackle a 19 switchbacks (depending on who is counting) aslong list of projects.They are spiffing up the interior you follow the forest service road to the top.It is anwith new paint and lighting. Their curators will also be uphill hike most of the way, but once you reach theconstructing a series of new displays based on recent summit, the views are spectacular. Temporal Canyonacquisitions from the George Proctor and Bob Lenon which lies to the north between the town and thecollections. Theyve even acquired a few mysterious and/28 May 2020'