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Recreation Region: Santa Rita Mountains

Casa Blanca Canyon Trailhead

The Casa Blanca Canyon Trailhead provides access to Casa Blanca Canyons #161 (Arizona National Scenic Trail Passage 4), which climbs to the northwest after .3 miles one way. An underpass near the trailhead also provides access to the Arizona Trail Canelo Hills #131 (Arizona National Scenic Trail Passage 3) on the east side of State Route 82. The trailhead is managed by the Borderlands Wildlife Preserve in cooperation with the Arizona Trail Association. The trailhead is not located on National Forest System lands. Visit www.borderlandswildlifepreserve.org for information about the Preserve and trail descriptions.

There is no fee or pass required to park at this location. There is ample parking available for horse trailers. An information kiosk has a map of the area, as well as information about the natural and cultural history of the area. No camping at the trailhead. No amenities. Bring plenty of water, and please pack out all trash.

General Information

Year-round

No camping at trailhead. 

Dogs are not permitted off leash anywhere within the preserve.

Entry sign outside of the Nogales Ranger Station. The sign reads: "Nogales Ranger Station. Coronado National Forest."

Address: 303 Old Tucson Rd. Nogales, AZ 85621
Phone: (520) 761-6000
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Elevation

4,200 feet

Directions

From Patagonia, Arizona -
Drive 4 miles north on State Route 82. Turn left (west) on Casa Blanca Canyon Road and continue for 0.25 miles to the trailhead on the left (south) side of the road.  

From Tucson, Arizona -
Take I-10 east for approximately 17 miles to exit 281 for AZ 83 south to Sonoita and Patagonia. Take State Route 83 south for 24 miles to Sonoita. Turn right (west) at the Sonoita intersection onto State Route 82 and drive 8 miles to Casa Blanca Canyon Road. Turn right (west) on Casa Blanca Canyon Road and continue for 0.25 miles to the trailhead on the left (south) side of the road.

Travel Considerations

The road is paved until you enter the Borderlands Wildlife Preserve, where it will become a dirt road and parking area.

Parking

No day use fee

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are not available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are not available at this site.

Horse/Pack Animal Information

Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.

Horses are permitted on the Cross Corridor and Arizona Trail.

Nearby Trails

Recreation Opportunities

Biking - Mountain Info

Mountain bikes are permitted on the Cross Corridor and Arizona Trail.

Viewing Wildlife Info

The Borderlands Wildlife Preserve (BWP) is a 1,800-acre and growing protected and managed critical wildlife habitat that maintains and protects a safe route for migratory species. Management of the preserve considers the well-being of local wildlife to be of foremost importance. All individual plant and animal species are equally valued and require the utmost respect from visitors. Hunting, collecting of wildlife or plant materials is not allowed.

Recreation Groups

Little Casa Trail_20231205

The first 13 passages of the Arizona National Scenic Trail pass through the Coronado National Forest. 

Last updated October 28, 2025