Arivaca Lake, Waterbody in Pima County, Arizona
Arivaca Lake is a small reservoir in southern Pima County, Arizona, sitting at about 3,800 feet (1,150 meters) elevation in grassland and rocky terrain. The lake spans roughly 90 acres (36 hectares) and offers calm conditions for fishing and boating with basic facilities including a boat ramp and simple restroom.
The reservoir was constructed in the mid-1900s to store water for farming in this dry region. The site itself takes its name from the Tohono O'odham language, reflecting a long history of indigenous peoples inhabiting this area.
The name Arivaca comes from the Tohono O'odham language and means "little spring." Today, visitors can feel the community's deep connection to this desert landscape, especially when watching birds at the lake, where local conservation efforts shape daily life. Monthly street fairs from October through May bring locals and travelers together to celebrate art, crafts, and music in a way that reflects the region's relaxed pace.
The area is quite remote with no shops or services nearby, so plan to bring everything you might need. Carry plenty of water and insect repellent, as summer heat can be intense and mosquitoes are common near the water.
This spot ranks among Arizona's top birding locations, with more than 300 bird species documented in the region. The mix of grassland, water, and rocky terrain creates habitats that support rare bird species rarely seen elsewhere in the state.
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