June Field Trip: Herping in the Pajarito Mountains
Join the Tucson Herpetological Society on June 5th and 6th for an overnight herping field trip in the Pajarito Mountains of Santa Cruz County, Arizona.
Logistical Lead and Contact Info: Larry Jones. 520-730-5254; gilaman@comcast.net
Date(s): We are tentatively planning to meet at White Rock Campground at 4 PM on Wednesday, 5 June 2019, and leaving the next day after we get our fill, but other days, particularly during that week, could be selected. Stay tuned. NOTE: Date may change due to weather or other factors, so watch this space for updates.
Length of Trip: One night, then following morning. We gather at the rendezvous point at 4 PM. Those wishing to camp can set up their tents or campers then. If others only wish to look for snakes at night, they can meet at the rendezvous point, then head home when they are done for the evening. For campers, we will cruise roads at night or do walking searches, then return to camp, then the following morning, look for snakes and lizards until it gets too hot. Those who only want to do the diurnal portion need to get an early start and meet us at the rendezvous point by 7 AM. If anyone wishes to stay there longer, be our guest—just be at the rendezvous point on time to make plans.
Directions to Rendezvous Point: From Tucson, take I-10 to I-19; take I-19 south to exit 12; head west on Ruby Road. The rendezvous point is White Rock Campground about 9 miles to the west—right past the end of the pavement. If you stay on the pavement, you will go a short distance to the right to access Pena Blanca Lake—that means you have gone too far.
Accommodations (e.g., campground): White Rock Campground is first-come, first served. It costs $10/night but is half price for those with a senior pass. I will have a Red Jeep 4-door Wrangler AZ “Lagarto,” so if you find me, stop by and say “hi” and clinch your campsite, if camping. I can’t hold a campsite for anyone but me, so you might have to fend for yourself. I can use the kiosk there to post messages, so check it if you don’t find me. White Rock is just onto the dirt on Ruby Rd, right after ending of the pavement. If there is not enough room there, there are alternate undeveloped sites nearby. White Rock is a developed campground with a few sites, picnic tables, and a pit toilet, but there is NO WATER, so bring your own. There are no RV hookups, electricity, or sewage. Dry camping only. THS does not allow dogs while looking for herps (unless they are in your car or you are by yourself). Although they are welcome at the campground, it is logistically best to leave Fido at home.
If you want to camp, but don’t like developed campgrounds, there are many dispersed camping opportunities around, like up Peña Blanca Canyon. Alternatively, people have the option to stay at hotels nearby in Nogales or a bit farther away in Tubac or Rio Rico. Please make any hotel reservations on your own. People can also commute from their home, if they prefer. Just be at the rendezvous point on Day 1 at 4 PM and Day 2 at 7 AM.
Facilities: There is a truck stop with fast food (Wendy’s) and gasoline at the junction of Ruby Road and I-19, on the east side of the freeway. Nogales, Arizona, is a few miles to the south along I-19. There are many options for food, drinks, and supplies. There are picnic grounds and restrooms and boating at the nearby Peña Blanca Lake.
Carpooling: Because camping is involved, we will mostly drive individually and meet on Ruby Road. We can determine carpools for going to sites and road-cruising once we are at the staging area.
