Tubac Presidio State Park in Arizona

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I’m on a mission to get as many stamps in my National Parks passport as possible, so I was pretty excited to hear that I could get two stamps for walking the Anza Trail from Tumacácori to Tubac Presidio. AND a pin!

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I parked at Tumacácori National Historical Park and took a free shuttle to Tubac Presidio State Park before walking back to Tumacácori (the shuttle doesn’t always run – check with the parks for the schedule). 

Don’t miss the history at Tubac Presidio State Park, which is not only Arizona’s first State Park but also the military garrison where the Jesuit missionaries retreated after an attack by the O’odham in 1751.

Hike the Anza Trail

Then set out on the four-mile trail between Tumacácori National Historical Park and Tubac Presidio State Park, which offers a flat, shady stroll along the Santa Cruz River. The trail traces the 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 Anza Trail from Tumacácori to Tubac Presidio State Park is part of the 1,200-mile Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, which stretches from Mexico to San Francisco, ending in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (and the site of a future National Parks passport stamp!) 

The larger Anza Trail is the first international historic trail and, to keep adding to the historic credentials of the Anza Trail from Tumacácori to Tubac, it’s also the first four miles of the Anza Trail to be formally established in Arizona.

Walking the Anza Trail here is a pleasant (and easy!) way to remember the tangled history of the land where Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries both traded with and clashed with the O’odham and Apache. And where Juan Bautista and his 300 colonists stopped to plan for their historic journey west. 

If walking from Tubac Presidio to Tumacácori, the one-way, four-mile trail ends at the remains of the church of the Mission San José de Tumacácori. It’s a fascinating way to end a walk through history.

If you’re lucky like I was on the day that I visited, there will be a shuttle to take you one way and you may even get a taste of warm, homemade tortillas outside the mission at Tumacácori.

Quick Facts on Walking Between Tumacácori and Tubac Presidio

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 Presidio:

It is just over four miles from Tumacácori to Tubac. Of course, you can also drive! It’s just a seven-minute drive.

How Much Time Does it Take to Go Between Tumacácori and Tubac Presidio State Park:

Two hours one way to walk. Seven minutes to drive.

Difficulty Level of the Anza Trail from Tumacácori to Tubac Presidio State Park:

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

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

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

Not-So-Fun Fact about Walking the Anza Trail between Tumacácori to Tubac:

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. Tubac Presidio State Park does not have a stamp as it’s a state park.

Perks of Visiting Tubac Presidio State Park:

A bonus visit to Tumacácori National Historical Park, and an “I Hike for Health” pin if you walk the four-mile portion of the Anza Trail between the parks.

How Do You Pronounce Tumacácori?

See below:

Where to Stay Near Tubac Presidio:

Check out these apartments for rent and hotels near the park:

Now you’re ready to go! Please remember to always hike prepared with your essential hiking survival kit (download a free printout of the kit below):