Cienega Creek Natural Preserve

Cienega Creek Access

This small paved lot provides access to the Cienega Creek Natural Preserve and Davidson Canyon. The Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon trailhead is located just off Marsh Station Road a short distance west of Three Bridges. Note: A permit is required to access the preserve. Open dawn to dusk. Details: 520-877-6000 (Pima County). Call (520) 877-6158 for permit information. These permits are free.

From Tucson on eastbound I-10, exit 281 (Sonoita/Patagonia), turn left to cross I-10 to Marsh Station Road. From westbound I-10, exit 281, loop exit to Marsh Station Road. Travel northeast on Marsh Station approximately 3 miles and watch for first lot (trailhead parking) sign on right. Park and walk around locked service gate, following trail. At "Y" bear right and follow trial down to creek. This is a 10-car lot.

Three Bridges or the second parking lot is 3 blocks farther up on Marsh Station Road, on the left side and just before railroad tracks. Parking is allowed on front portion of lot. Do not go under tressel (railroad property). Road to third lot is right across Marsh Station Road from second lot and holds approximately 5 cars.

Note: Lots 2 and 3 are recommended for viewing and photographing trains only. NRPR cautions against crossing railroad tracks to enter preserve. Please use lot 1 as main entrance.

Vail Access to Cienega Creek

From I-10 east or west, take exit 279 (Vail/Wentworth), head north on Colossal Cave Road approximately 2.6 miles to parking lot on right side just before bridge.

Cienega Creek Natural Preserve Bird List