Cienega Creek Natural Preserve
Marsh Station Road
Vail, AZ 85641
Open: Dawn - Dusk
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Warning! This area is subject to FLASH FLOODING conditions. Please check weather updates via the National Weather Service and be aware of storm developments in the surrounding areas. Plan ahead and note areas of access to higher ground. In the event of rising water levels, seek higher ground immediately. Areas that are subject to flooding conditions, may have hazards such as unstable banks, loose sand, falling trees, and vegetative debris. Please be aware of your surroundings, and avoid walking along the wash channel or its banks to help avoid tripping, falling or sinking hazards.
Features/Amenities
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Cienega Creek Access
The Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead parking lot provides access to the Cienega Creek Natural Preserve and Davidson Canyon. This is a 10-car lot. The trailhead is located just off Marsh Station Road. Note: A permit is required to access the preserve however, no permit is required if you are only utilizing the Arizona Trail. The permit is free. Open dawn to dusk. Details: 520-724-5000 (Pima County).
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 Road approximately 3 miles and watch for the Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead sign on the right. After parking, walk through the gate and go left (northeast) on the trail. At "Y" go right and follow trial down to creek.
Three Bridges or the second parking lot is 0.3 miles 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: these two lots are recommended for viewing and photographing trains only. NRPR cautions against crossing railroad tracks to enter preserve.
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.