Tumacácori National Historical Park

Tumacácori National Historical Park is a national historical park run by the National Park Service in Arizona.

In the park service’s words

Tumacácori sits at a cultural crossroads in the Santa Cruz River valley. Here O’odham, Yaqui, and Apache people met and mingled with European Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries, settlers, and soldiers, sometimes in conflict and sometimes in cooperation. Follow the timeworn paths and discover stories that connect us to enduring relationships, vibrant cultures, and traditions of long ago.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• See More Missions (4 Hours): Tumacácori National Historical Park actually includes THREE missions, not just one. Plan ahead to see Guevavi and Calabazas, two other sites south of the Tumacácori unit, but still part of the larger mission story.
• Become a Tumacácori Junior Ranger (30 to 60 Minutes): The complex narrative of Tumacácori doesn't have to be dry or confusing. You just need the right feathered guide! Pancho the Vermilion Flycatcher will guide young Junior Rangers through the park. Older children explore the park following a visual treasure hunt.
• Explore the Mission Grounds (10 to 60 Minutes): The biggest draw to Tumacácori will likely be the grand, 3-story adobe church at its center. But a mission was much more than just a church. Explore the rest of the grounds, including the cemetery, orchard, and O'odham ki to get a fuller picture of what mission life entailed.
• Hike the Santa Cruz River (30 Minutes): The Santa Cruz River forms a ribbon of life in the Pimería Alta. Whether walking to its edge or along its length, visitors will encounter the fundamental building blocks of nature and human civilization.
• Join a Guided Tour (1 to 4 Hours): Guided tours of various types may be offered throughout the year. In park whose story is complex and nuanced, sometimes a knowledgeable guide can be a valuable asset. Join us!
• Hike the Anza Trail from Tumacácori to Tubac, AZ (2 to 6 Hours): Hike through shady cottonwood galleries and mesquite bosques along this six-mile stretch of the Anza Trail between Tumacácori National Historic Park and Tubac Presidio State Historic Park.
• Indulge Your Senses: A visit to Tumacácori may include a truly sensory experience with one of our historic craft demonstrators. These artisans demonstrate traditional crafts on the grounds of Mission San José de Tumacácori. Demonstrations may include tortilla making, paper flower making, O'odham basket weaving, leather working, or iron wor
• Catch a Special Event (30 to 120 Minutes): Live events like the annual La Fiesta de Tumacácori, bring history into the present. Demonstrations, performances, and activities can be found for all ages and abilities throughout the year.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: $10 per person. The America the Beautiful pass covers it.

Hours: Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. These hours apply to the visitor center and mission grounds. The Anza Trail, which runs through the park, can be accessed 24/7 from other trailheads.

Getting there

Tumacácori National Historical Park is located off of Exit 29 of Interstate 19, forty-five miles (80 kilometers) south of Tucson, Arizona, and eighteen miles (26 kilometers) north of Nogales, Arizona.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• Tumacácori Visitor Center and Museum: Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Weather

Located above the heat of the low desert, Tumacácori National Historical Park is in the mesquite highlands, close to 3,300 feet in elevation, where temperatures are five to ten degrees cooler than Tucson or Phoenix. Visiting the park in this moderate climate is pleasurable during any season of the year but remember to prepare accordingly. Bring layered clothing and drink plenty of water.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Saguaro, about 57 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Tumacácori National Historical Park (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.