Tumacácori to Tubac: Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

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Walking from Tumacácori to Tubac on the Anza National Historic Trail in Arizona is a must-do when visiting the Tubac, Arizona!

The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail traces the 1,200-mile historic route of Juan Bautista de Anza who left Mexico in 1775 and – along with 300 colonists – traveled all the way to California, creating an overland route to what we now call San Francisco. 

The trail, which is the first international historic trail, is drivable in portions and, in Arizona, there is a four-mile stretch of the Anza Trail from Tumacácori to Tubac in Arizona where you can walk – and earn two National Parks passport stamps and a pin!  

Walking the Anza Trail from Tumacácori National Historical Park to Tubac Presidio State Park is a pleasant (and easy!) way to remember the tangled history of the land where Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries traded with and clashed with the O’odham and Apache. It is here where Juan Bautista and his 300 colonists stopped en route from Mexico to California to plan for their historic journey west and to be blessed at the mission.

Don’t miss the remains of the church at the Mission San José de Tumacácori.

Location of Tumacácori National Historical Park:

Start at the visitor center of either the Tumacácori National Historical Park (1895 E Frontage Road, Tumacacori, AZ) or the Tubac Presidio State Park (One Burruel Street, Tubac)

Length of the Anza Trail from Tumacácori to Tubac:

It is just over four miles from Tumacácori to Tubac.

How Much Time Does to Walk?

Two hours one way.

Difficulty Level on this Walk on the Anza Trail:

Easy and flat! Bring water, though, it gets hot out there.

Fun Fact about Walking the Anza Trail between Tumacácori to Tubac:

If you walk four miles along the trail, you get a pin!  

Not-So-Fun Fact:

The shuttle between the park isn’t always running so you might need to turn around and walk back! Check before you go.

Cancellation Stamps Earned for Your National Parks Passport:

Tumacácori National Historical Park and Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.

Perks of Visiting Tumacácori National Historical Park:

A bonus visit to Tubac Presidio State Park and an “I Hike for Health” pin if you walk four miles.

How Do You Pronounce Tumacácori?

See below:

For more Arizona hikes and travel tips visit here. For more national parks to explore, visit here. And for hikes, walkabouts, and strolls around the world, visit here!