Santa Cruz County is packed full of plenty of things to explore and enjoy. Outdoor enthusiasts can choose from a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, birding, boating, swimming, waterskiing, fishing, hunting, mountain climbing and golfing.

Birds are a major component of a Santa Cruz Tourism Council campaign to draw visitors to Arizona's smallest county. The area is well known as a birders' hot spot, and the council is hoping to capitalize on that to make it a destination for others.

Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve is the centerpiece of Santa Cruz County's birding hot spots. This sanctuary, owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy, is one of the best birding spots in the Southwest. This lush riparian area provides habitat for over 200 species of birds plus rare fish, frogs and plants.

Whether you're visiting Arizona State Parks for the first time or are an old friend, this information is for YOU!