Photo courtesy of darkerview.com

More than 45,000 acres of rolling grasslands and woodlands in Arizona’ Pima and Santa Cruz counties are protected as a National Conservation Area. Here lies Las Cienegas.

The National Conservation (NCA) area is located in the transitional zone between  the Sonoran Desert and Chihuahuan Desert.

The region’s rolling grasslands, oak-studded hills that connect several mountain ranges and lush riparian corridors provide a great home for wildlife and a beautiful place to visit for Arizona travelers.

The Cienega Creek forms the lifeblood of the NCA and supports a diverse plant and animal community.

Feel free to camp just outside of the NCA, as there is no developed camping or picnicking facilities within the NCA. Camping at least one-quarter mile away from wildlife and livestock watering areas is allowed for up to 14 days. The two designated primitive camp and picnic areas are Cieneguita Camp Area and Road Canyon Camp Area.

If you decide to postpone this trip, Las Cienegas provides a spectacular view of the night sky during the winter.