Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge is a nature reserve in southern Arizona featuring semi-desert grasslands interspersed with cottonwood and willow trees along waterways. The landscape combines open fields, riverbank vegetation, and rugged terrain that create habitats for hundreds of animal species.

The refuge was established in 1985 to protect a section of native grassland that once covered the Altar Valley. Its creation marked an effort to preserve this landscape before development and agricultural changes could destroy the natural conditions of the area.

The refuge serves as a living classroom where visitors encounter the natural patterns of the Sonoran Desert and learn how local habitats support diverse wildlife year-round. The place shows how people can work to preserve wild spaces in a region where development and nature exist side by side.

Multiple hiking trails are available for visitors, with varying difficulty and length depending on your preference and fitness level. Some border areas may be restricted, so checking conditions before you go helps you plan your time more effectively.

The refuge may serve as a passage for jaguars traveling between Mexico and the United States, providing a rare wildlife corridor for these large cats. Sightings are uncommon, but the presence of suitable habitat makes this place significant for the species' survival in the region.

Location: Pima County

Operator: US Fish and Wildlife Service

GPS coordinates: 31.64464,-111.44929

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:47