Arivaca Creek is a small valley stream in southern Pima County, Arizona, that is approximately 5.5 miles (8.9 km) long from its origin in Arivaca Valley to its confluence with the Brawley Wash stream system. As a seasonal stream, Arivaca Creek is perennial for only about two miles most years and experiences its greatest stream-flow during winter and the summer Monsoon season.[1][2]
Arivaca Creek | |
---|---|
Arivaca Creek, overgrown with water weeds. | |
Location | |
Country | United States |
Location | Pima County, Arizona |
Physical characteristics | |
Source | |
• location | Arivaca Valley |
Mouth | |
• location | Brawley Wash |
Length | 5.5 mi (8.9 km) |
Basin features | |
River system | Colorado River |
Most of Arivaca Creek and the riparian corridor it supports is protected as part of the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge (Buenos Aires NWR). A rare swamp-like desert wetland area called Arivaca Cienega is located in the upper reaches of the creek and makes up the easternmost part of the Buenos Aires NWR. Both areas are open to the public for hiking, bird watching and other outdoor recreational activities. The small community of Arivaca, Arizona, is located along the banks of the creek, in between the Arivaca Cienega just east of town and the Arivaca Creek trailhead to the west.[1][3]
![]() |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Arivaca Creek. |
Rivers and streams of Arizona | |
---|---|
Apache County |
|
Cochise County | |
Coconino County |
|
Gila County | |
Graham County | |
Greenlee County |
|
La Paz County | |
Maricopa County | |
Mohave County | |
Navajo County |
|
Pima County | |
Pinal County | |
Santa Cruz County | |
Yavapai County | |
Yuma County |
|