AZ-Circle+Z+Ranch


 * =Birding in Arizona=

Santa Cruz County
=Circle Z Ranch= Patagonia, Arizona 85624 Circle Z Ranch website

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Circle Z Ranch (private)
Coordinates: 31.4991835, -110.8121181 eBird links: Hotspot map View details Recent visits My eBird links: Location life list Submit data

About Circle Z Ranch
The Circle Z Ranch, which started as a sheep-herding operation in the 1880’s, was developed as a dude ranch in the 1920’s. It is the oldest continuously operating dude ranch in Arizona.

Topographical details often act as magnets that draw people and events to a specific location. If there is one such item in the area of the Circle Z, it is most certainly Sonoita Creek. This is one of the few streams in Arizona which flows throughout the entire year. In the southwest, water has always been one of the most prized resources.

Across the creek from the present ranch, complex rises another landmark, Sanford Butte, known to ranch guests as Circle Z Mountain. Distinguishable from a fair distance in most directions, it serves as a guide for riders seeking the ranch huddled at its base. This butte has probably always served as a guiding sentinel since the days of the earliest Indians. High upon its southern flank is a small cave dating prior to any recorded history of the area. Ancient pot shards and arrowheads have been found in the refuse on its floor. Evidence of prehistoric farming and pottery making settlements is found along the creek; the cave’s origin most likely spans to that prehistoric period. Today it is only inhabited by an occasional javelina or gila monster. A hike to the top of Circle Z Mountain will provide the climber with a panoramic view of the Santa Rita Mountains to the north, the Santa Cruz Valley to the west, the Patagonia Mountains to the east, and Mexico to the south. A register is on the very top of the mountain, where your climbing effort is not left unrecorded, as many before you have undoubtedly been. From Circle Z Ranch website

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media type="custom" key="29290761" || L2702039 US US-AZ US-AZ-023 31.4991835 -110.8121181 Circle Z Ranch (private)