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Arivaca Creek facts for kids

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Arivaca Creek
Arivaca Creek Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge 2015.JPG
Arivaca Creek, overgrown with water weeds.
Country United States
Location Pima County, Arizona
Physical characteristics
Main source Arivaca Valley
River mouth Brawley Wash
Length 5.5 mi (8.9 km)
Basin features
River system Colorado River

Arivaca Creek is a small, special stream located in southern Pima County, Arizona. It stretches for about 5.5 miles (8.8 kilometers). This creek starts in the Arivaca Valley and flows into a larger stream system known as Brawley Wash.

Arivaca Creek is a seasonal stream. This means it doesn't flow all year long. Most years, it only has water for about two miles of its length. The creek's strongest flow happens during the winter and the summer Monsoon season. The monsoon brings heavy rains to the area.

Discover Arivaca Creek's Special Places

Most of Arivaca Creek is a protected area. It's part of the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge (Buenos Aires NWR). This refuge helps protect the creek and the special plants and animals that live along its banks. This area is called a riparian corridor. It's a green, watery strip of land that is very important for wildlife in the desert.

What is Arivaca Cienega?

A very rare and unique wetland area is found at the upper part of Arivaca Creek. It's called Arivaca Cienega. A cienega is like a swampy desert wetland. This special spot is the easternmost part of the Buenos Aires NWR. It's a vital habitat for many different species.

Exploring the Creek and Cienega

Both Arivaca Creek and the Arivaca Cienega are open to the public. You can visit these areas to enjoy nature. Popular activities include hiking along the trails and bird watching. Many different kinds of birds and other wildlife can be seen here.

The small town of Arivaca, Arizona is located right along the creek's banks. It sits between the Arivaca Cienega to the east and the Arivaca Creek trailhead to the west. This makes it easy for visitors to access these natural wonders.

  • Trail Sign Arivaca Creek Arizona 2015

    Sign at the Arivaca Creek trailhead.

  • Arivaca Creek Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge Arizona 2015

    Arivaca Creek, near the ruins of the historic Wilbur Ranch House.

  • Lizard Arivaca Creek Trail Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge 2015

    Lizard along the trail.

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