About Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge
Spanning the 117,464-acre refuge are several distinct groups of plants and animals known as biotic communities, that are dependent on each other. Visitors will enjoy the semi-desert grasslands that blend into the cottonwoods and willow that line riverbanks and wetlands within the refuge. Settled in amongst the grasslands and wetlands is a beautiful sycamore-shaded canyon of extraordinary diversity. Brown Canyon is home to 200-million-year-old volcanic rocks that support a distinct variety of plants and animals that have evolved within this amazing sky island ecosystem. Established in 1985, the refuge was created under the authority of the Endangered Species Act. Open to the public, visitors can enjoy wildlife watching and photography, hunting, fishing, wildlife photography and special wildlife-related events. It is one of more than 560 refuges that comprise the National Wildlife Refuge System, a national network of public lands and waters set aside for the benefit of wildlife and you!
How to Get There
From Tucson, go west on Ajo Way (Highway 86) to Three Points. Travel 38 miles south of Three Points on Highway 286 to milepost 7.5. If traveling on Interstate 19, take the Amado/Arivaca exit west, turn right at the T, and then left at the Longhorn Grill and Saloon onto Arivaca Road. Proceed west 35 miles on the Arivaca Road to Highway 286 and turn left at milepost 7.5.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1322) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge?
From Tucson, go west on Ajo Way (Highway 86) to Three Points. Travel 38 miles south of Three Points on Highway 286 to milepost 7.5. If traveling on Interstate 19, take the Amado/Arivaca exit west, turn right at the T, and then left at the Longhorn Grill and Saloon onto Arivaca Road. Proceed west 35 miles on the Arivaca Road to Highway 286 and turn left at milepost 7.5.
How do I contact Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 520-823-4247 or email: banwr@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
