Chivo Tank Road

Scout Route
4/5 (1 reviews)

Every trail guide in full detail for $0.80/week*

Get access to thousands of Trails Offroadâ„¢ Trail Guides with
  • Detailed Waypoints
  • Photos and video on the trail
  • Comprehensive list of concerns
  • Community trail reviews
  • PLUS Trails Offroadâ„¢ Scout Routes
Check out a nearby All-Access Preview trail guide:
*Billed annually at $39.99/year
Hero: Chivo Tank Road
small-sr Icon

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge in southern Arizona was established in 1985 for the reintroduction of masked bobwhite quail and the restoration of natural landscapes and their native wildlife, including the Sonoran Pronghorn. The 118,000-acre refuge lies in a broad Altar Valley between the Baboquivari Mountains, with their prominent main peak in the west, and the lower San Luis Mountains to the east. In the 1850s, Pedro Aguirre, Jr. built a homestead here in 1864 and named it Buenos Ayres, or "good air," because of the constant winds. His ranch changed hands several times before being purchased to form today's wildlife refuge. The refuge's visitor center is located in the adobe ranch house.

The refuge has over 80 designated campsites identified by a numbered sign. Camping is free and allowed for 14 days in a 30-day period, but only in the designated campsites. Most campsites have a fire ring/grill. Site sizes vary from a single vehicle to large enough for multiple RVs and trailers. Most are suitable for tents.

Fuel and limited supplies are available in the nearby small towns of Sasabe and Arivaca.

Chivo Tank Road, 215, runs along a ridgeline on the southwestern side of the refuge. The elevation provides expansive views of the refuge and beyond. There are groves of prickly pear cacti because of the slightly higher elevation. There is no camping along this road.