Discover the Arts and Sky Islands of Patagonia, AZ
Riding your motorcycle all the way to Patagonia at the tip of South America is an enormous undertaking that most riders can’t do. Fortunately, there’s a much easier place to get to where you can have a great time and still say you went to Patagonia.
Just ride over to Patagonia, AZ.
This town of around 800 residents is named after the South American region, though. The mountains of the area reminded Welsh miners arriving here of those they’d seen in Patagonia, and so they began calling the region by the same name.
This anecdote highlights the colorful history of Patagonia and its surrounding areas. Since the days of its original Native American Tohono O’odham residents, the town has transformed from a silver mining town to a railroad and trading hub for the region’s ranches and mines.
Today, if there’s one word to describe Patagonia, it’s “quirky.” The town’s character is apparent immediately from the brightly colored storefronts that line its main street.
Patagonia boasts a vibrant local arts scene. If you like handicrafts, you can find stunning works of pottery, painting, jewelry, and completely out there avant-garde sculptures.
Outdoorsmen will have a hoot in Patagonia as well. With its location at 4,050 feet up in the mountains, the temperatures even in summer are much milder than in the hellish Arizona desert below. You can explore the local trails in comfort.
Great Outdoors and Arts
Speaking of outdoor activities, birding is one of Patagonia’s biggest draws. The region surrounding the town is home to a staggering number of bird species due to its geography.
Patagonia is surrounded by “sky islands,” which are isolated mountain ranges rising abruptly from the surrounding flat desert. The high-altitude havens support incredible biodiversity that’s unique on a global scale.
The nearby Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve and Patagonia Lake State Park are the top spots for birding, as they host 300 species of feathered creatures. The latter is also great for swimming and boating.
Riders who want to see birds but prefer staying closer to civilization should head over to the Paton Center for Hummingbirds just outside town. And for those who want to get away from civilization, Patagonia sits near the southern terminus of the famous Arizona Trail.
In the downtown area, you can explore local arts in the brightly colored stores that line the streets. Some places you shouldn’t miss are the Global Arts Gallery and its collections of jewelry and decor, and the Patagonia Trading Post with works from local artists.
If you happen to be around in the fall, the Patagonia Fall Festival (organized on the second weekend of October) attracts more than 140 art exhibitors into town.
Finally, the Patagonia Museum—housed in the oldest continuously used elementary school in Arizona—lets you explore the area’s rich history. The hours are very limited, though, so plan your visit accordingly.
And I haven’t even mentioned Patagonia’s proximity to Arizona wine country and easy access to larger cities like Tucson. With stunning mountain views, eclectic arts, and excellent outdoor activities, you’ll be glad you motored here instead of traversing the entire continent.
Facts & Info
Nearby Attractions
- Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve
- Paton Center for Hummingbirds
- Global Arts Gallery
- Patagonia Museum
Nearby Roads
The many fun roads with sweeping curves and entertaining elevation changes around Patagonia will make you feel like a motorized cowboy as you plow through the desert. The most easily accessible one is SR 82 which goes through Patagonia and takes you to excellent mountain views and other historical Wild West towns.
SR 83 branches off SR 82 in Sonoita and leads you to even more stupendous vistas (although the surface is quite worn and rough). SR 82 eventually terminates at SR 80, which continues the desert joyride. The town of Tombstone is also near the SR 80/82 intersection.
Venture a bit farther west and you’ll find Arivaca Rd and its sweepers. You could also motor up north to hit the Catalina Hwy for a wonderfully twisty and scenic 30 miles up Mount Lemmon (I thoroughly recommend making this trip).
Recommended Lodging: Stage Stop Inn
Stage Stop Inn in downtown Patagonia is your gateway to everything the town and its surroundings have to offer. The rooms are nicely sized for spreading your gear out, and the building retains a good deal of that Wild West vibe.
The inn offers laundry services in case your gear has gotten completely caked in dust and mud. The excellent air conditioning gives a cool place to rest in Arizona heat.
With its central location, all of Patagonia’s eateries and attractions are within quick access. Not that you need to go far, as the adjoined Wild Horse Restaurant will keep you fed.
Food & Dining
Arizona is famous for its Southwestern cuisine, blending Mexican and American cuisines in creative ways. From huevos rancheros to tacos and burritos, fans of Mexican and Mexican-style cooking will find it very easy to pack on a few extra pounds in this region.
- Wild Horse Restaurant: Attached to the Stage Stop Inn, Wild Horse Restaurant serves you a delightful variety of Southwestern flavors, without forgetting classics like tasty burgers. Find it at 309 W McKeown Ave, Patagonia, AZ.
- Velvet Elvis: Velvet Elvis shows that the Southwest is about more than tacos. Their quirky menu of gourmet pizzas includes such oddities as the Ein Kartoffel baked potato pizza and an Inca Quinoa Pizza (which requires a 24-hour notice). Find it at 335 McKeown Ave, Patagonia, AZ.
- Gathering Grounds: Gathering Grounds is the local gathering grounds for a hot cup of Joe in the mornings. They also serve excellent breakfast. Find it at 319 McKeown Ave, Patagonia, AZ.
Best Time to Travel
Patagonia is a great motorcycle travel destination nearly all year round. In fact, if you’re coming to Arizona in the summer, this is where you should head to get out of the scorching desert.
That said, fall brings with it Patagonia local festival that gathers dozens of artists to the town. Winter can be doable, but be prepared for surprisingly cold temperatures in the mountains—and there may even be snow.