Story and photos by Cheryl Hartz
Patagonia Lake State Park was opened and dedicated on April 1, 1975, but it is anything but an April Fool’s Day joke.
Most folks visiting Arizona – and many who live here – don’t expect to see a permanent large lake in its southernmost desert. But that’s just what you’ll find at this state park at an elevation of 3,750 feet.
An incorporated group of citizens, the Lake Patagonia Recreation Association, constructed the lake in the 1960s. (Historical footnote: beneath the lake lie the tracks of the New Mexico/Arizona railroad.)
With the area’s mild climate and the scenic Sonoita Creek watershed, the lake attracted way more recreational users than the Association could handle, so they eventually sold it to the State Parks.
November and December daytime high temperatures range in the low 60s to low 70s, with nighttime lows hovering around freezing. So while you probably won’t want to swim or water ski, the opportunities for hiking, boating and wildlife spotting are abundant.
The park’s mild winter begins in mid-December and ends in mid-March. Snow might fall a couple of times, but it melts quickly. This is a popular bird-watching time with numerous species overwintering here.
A half-mile hiking trail leads to Sonoita Creek. More trails are accessible in the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area. Whitetail deer are abundant.
As for hiking around the lake, a high arched bridge over a cove provides a bonus aerobic workout to its apex where you’ll have a terrific view of the lake and distant mountains.
Fisher folk can catch catfish, crappie, bass, bluegill, and trout. Great blue herons and cormorants enjoy fishing Patagonia Lake, as well. Curious coots paddle around the lake edges, sometimes waddling on shore to check out humans at the lower campsites.
A vermillion flycatcher kept attacking himself in our truck side mirrors. A woodpecker tried to steal sips from the hummingbird feeder when the tiny guardian wasn’t there. Some parks post signs that feeding wildlife, even putting up bird feeders, is a felony. We didn’t see any notices about that here. Other campers wanted to ensure our feathered friends had sustenance, too. Plus, birds are just fun to observe!
The drive to secluded Patagonia Lake State Park is well worth the effort.
Happy mild winter camping, hiking, and boating!
