Scenic Drive

Southern Arizona
Tres Bellotas Road
In the old days, the story goes, three oak trees marked the U.S.–Mexico border at the end of a broad, shallow canyon south of Arivaca. No one knows for sure whether that’s how Tres Bellotas Canyon — Spanish for “three acorns” — got its name, but there’s no doubt about the scenery along Tres Bellotas Road, which winds through mountains and desert washes en route to its namesake landform.

This drive begins just west of the Arivaca Dancehall and La Gitana Cantina. From there, head south on Ruby Road, past tall cottonwoods on the right and the trailhead for the Arivaca Cienega Nature Trail, part of Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, on the left. You’ll soon come to a “Y” intersection; bear right onto unpaved Fraguita Road, which later becomes Tres Bellotas Road — and, when it enters the Coronado National Forest, Forest Road 216.
 

The road is wide and smooth early on, and mesquites crowd the roadsides as you climb toward Fraguita Peak, the high point (5,364 feet) of a topographical formation called the Cobre Ridge. You’ll see plenty of that mountain on this drive, and around Mile 2, you’ll also get a brief look, on the right, at Baboquivari Peak to the distant northwest.

More mountain views, including a hillside full of ocotillos at Mile 4, are next up, and you’ll start seeing prickly pear and barrel cactuses along the road. Shortly thereafter, you’ll descend into Fraguita Wash, which the road follows for a couple of miles. It’s here you’ll understand why high clearance is a must for this drive: Over the next 2 miles, you’ll navigate a rocky, rutted roadbed, along with several areas where shallow water might be running across the road. Thankfully, if you’re a careful driver, you won’t need four-wheel-drive unless there’s been a recent downpour — in which case you shouldn’t be out here anyway.

After the road climbs out of the wash, it dries out significantly, but you’ll still deal with rocks and ruts for a few more miles. They’re worth it for the views of a rolling landscape of mesquites and ocotillos; at Mile 7.5, the hills part to reveal the mountains of Mexico in the distance. A mile later comes the only confusing part of the drive: an unsigned “Y” intersection. Going right will take you down the similarly named Tres Boleros Road, which eventually leads to the sleepy border town of Sasabe. Instead, go left to stay on Tres Bellotas Road.
 

You’ll climb a bit from the “Y,” then descend through a handful of hairpin curves and steep drops on the right side of the road. The curves offer several panoramas, but be sure to keep your eyes on the road, both because it’s narrow here and because cattle often congregate along it. By Mile 10, you’ll be on the floor of Tres Bellotas Canyon, where the road smooths significantly as it passes countless mesquites, prickly pears and tall grasses.

The days of sanctioned crossings in this area are long gone, and you won’t be going all the way to the border today, either. The route ends at Mile 13, at a gate that marks the entrance of the Tres Bellotas Ranch, a longtime cattle outfit that’s still operating. It’s a good place to stretch your legs ahead of the return trip, which offers a new perspective on this unique landscape. It’ll give you a chance to spot some oaks in the canyon, too. At least three of them.

ADDITIONAL READING: For more adventure, pick up a copy of our book Arizona Highways Scenic Drives, which features 40 of the state's most beautiful back roads. To order, visit www.shoparizonahighways.com/100scenicdrives.
 

Tour Guide
Note: Mileages are approximate.

Length: 13 miles one way (from Arivaca)

Directions: From the intersection of Fifth Street and Ruby Road in Arivaca, go south on Ruby Road for 0.6 miles to a “Y” intersection. Bear right onto Fraguita Road, which later becomes Tres Bellotas Road (Forest Road 216), and continue 12.4 miles to the Tres Bellotas Ranch gate.

Vehicle Requirements: A high-clearance vehicle, such as an SUV or truck, is required, but four-wheel-drive is not necessary in good weather. The route crosses several washes, so do not attempt the drive after recent heavy rain or if rain is in the forecast.

Special Consideration: While this area is safe to visit, crossings and other illegal activities do occur along the U.S.–Mexico border. Stay on official roads, do not pick up hitchhikers, and report any suspicious behavior or distressed people you encounter to the U.S. Border Patrol, which maintains a presence along this route.

Warning: Back-road travel can be hazardous, so be aware of weather and road conditions. Carry plenty of water. Don’t travel alone, and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.

Information: Nogales Ranger District, 520-761-6000 or www.fs.usda.gov/coronado

Travelers in Arizona can visit www.az511.gov or dial 511 to get information on road closures, construction, delays, weather and more.