Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge - Arivaca, AZ - Nature reservation

The Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge is a 118,000 acre reserve that`s home to countless species of plants, birds and animals, many of which are on the endangered list. Located in Arivaca, Arizona, it's the perfect place for nature lovers all kinds, and with plenty of photo opportunities being available and with the scenery changing throughout the year there's never a good time not to go.

The Wildlife Refuge is home to numerous habitats that are just perfect for all types of plant and animal life, with wetlands, grasslands, streambeds, woods and mountain canyons combining to create a unique environment for a huge array of species. The prairies are flanked by mountains offering yet more stunning scenery and some wonderful examples of bird and animal life.

Over 300 species of birds and animals can be seen at the reserve throughout the year, with several being endangered or species of concern. Some of the animals that can be seen include deer, ringtail cats, pronghorns, badgers, mountain lions and even jaguars. It's also a great place for bird watchers with just some of the species on offer including woodpeckers, hawks, peregrine falcons, nightjars and kingbirds, to name but a few.

The reserve is well looked after, with prescribed fires often being seen to help maintain and restore the grassland areas. Most of the refuge is left to flourish as nature intended, and it does so with spectacular effect.

Main recreational activities at the refuge include hiking, camping, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. There are a number of hiking and nature trails on offer that will give visitors the chance to see the refuge from the best angles possible, and of course seasoned hikers are more than welcome to find their own way through the plains.

The refuge is open 24 hours a day throughout the year, with no set restrictions on how long visitors can stay. This means that visitors are able to camp and have the opportunity to return each season to see how the habitats have changed.

The refuge is also home to a Headquarters Visitors Center that's open 7 days a week from 7:30am to 4pm, giving visitors all the information they could need for an enjoyable trip. There's even an Environmental Education Center at the reserve, located in Brown Canyon, to offer even more to the visit. However, the canyon can only be accessed by appointment so make sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

The Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge is a stunning example of nature at its best, with a huge selection of plant, bird and animal species covering a whole host of different ecosystems. It's the perfect place to go for nature lovers of all kinds, and even for those just wanting a relaxing day in the great outdoors. Make sure to take a trip there on any visit to Arivaca and you're bound to be impressed by what's on offer.