Arizona’s Grassland Sanctuary
Why Visit
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge offers a rare blend of solitude, scenic beauty, and accessible overlanding adventure. Its wide-open grasslands, framed by mountain backdrops, invite exploration without crowds. Visitors can spot pronghorn and quail, explore quiet backroads steeped in ranching history, and camp under a vast desert sky filled with stars. Whether you come for photography, wildlife viewing, or the simple peace of the open desert, this refuge delivers a sense of space and freedom that’s uniquely southern Arizona.
Overview
Tucked between the rugged Baboquivari Mountains to the west and the San Luis Mountains to the east, the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge protects 118,000 acres of restored desert grasslands and wildlife habitat. Established in 1985, the refuge was created to reintroduce the masked bobwhite quail and support the Sonoran pronghorn. The visitor center—set in the 1864 adobe ranch built by Pedro Aguirre Jr.—anchors a landscape shaped by “good air,” constant desert winds, and endless open space.
Getting There
The refuge lies about 60 miles southwest of Tucson near Arivaca and Sasabe, two small towns offering limited supplies and fuel. Most refuge roads are graded and suitable for passenger vehicles in dry weather, though summer monsoons can make them challenging. Visitors can stop by the refuge headquarters for maps and wildlife information before venturing into the backcountry.
Trails
The Buenos Aires refuge is crisscrossed with scenic drives and historic ranch roads. Of all the routes, a few stand out as must-drives for their beauty, solitude, and sense of discovery:
- Castle Rock Tank Road begins inside the refuge and winds into the Coronado National Forest, where sweeping mountain views and groves of ocotillo mark the transition from grasslands to rugged foothills.
- Big Bertha (271/203/205) traces the refuge’s western edge past relics of its ranching history—old corrals, windmills, and water tanks—before arriving at a shaded multi-rig campsite with mountain views.
- Pronghorn Loop is the refuge’s best-known scenic route. This easy, well-maintained loop passes through prime feeding grounds for deer and pronghorn and showcases the vast open grasslands dotted with mesquite.
- Puertocito Wash Road explores the refuge’s northwestern corner, following a broad wash lined with desert willows and mesquite. The route passes the historic Secondino Ranch site and connects to several large campsites ideal for RVs or trailers.
Camping
With over 80 designated campsites, the refuge offers some of the quietest overnight spots in southern Arizona. Camping is free for up to 14 days within a 30-day period and limited to marked sites only. Most camps feature fire rings or grills, level ground, and room for vehicles or tents. Shade is scarce, but the trade-off is unmatched stargazing and peaceful isolation under an open desert sky.
Wildlife & Seasons
Winter through spring offers the best conditions for exploring. Grasslands are green, wildlife is active, and temperatures are comfortable. Summer brings the dramatic monsoon season, transforming dry washes into temporary rivers and painting the skies with towering clouds. Visitors should stay on marked roads, respect seasonal closures, and always pack out trash.
Nearby Attractions
Pair your visit with stops at Arivaca Cienega Trail, Tumacácori National Historical Park, or Baboquivari Peak Wilderness for hiking, birding, and photography. Whether you’re chasing solitude, wildlife, or a glimpse into Arizona’s ranching past, the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge delivers a perfect mix of adventure and serenity.