The Gravel House Guidebook
Sightseeing
The Patagonia -Sonoita Creek Preserve is a wonderful place to go hiking and bird watching. A mile down Blue Haven road from the front door of The Gravel House, this beautiful preserve is a quiet and relaxing place to hang out, paint or just lounge in the field.
7 locals recommend
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve Visitor Center
150 Blue Heaven RoadThe Patagonia -Sonoita Creek Preserve is a wonderful place to go hiking and bird watching. A mile down Blue Haven road from the front door of The Gravel House, this beautiful preserve is a quiet and relaxing place to hang out, paint or just lounge in the field.
The San Rafael Valley (SRV) helped inspire The Gravel House. Its vast dirt road network is incredible for a day's drive, short or longer gravel road cycling routes and access to the Arizona Trail. The SRV is home to one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. If and when you travel through this magical landscape, please be mindful of private property. There are 14 private ranches that operate cattle here, year round. Thank you for respecting their lifestyles.
San Rafael Valley
The San Rafael Valley (SRV) helped inspire The Gravel House. Its vast dirt road network is incredible for a day's drive, short or longer gravel road cycling routes and access to the Arizona Trail. The SRV is home to one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. If and when you travel through this magical landscape, please be mindful of private property. There are 14 private ranches that operate cattle here, year round. Thank you for respecting their lifestyles.
Visit Parker Canyon Lake during week days, it can be very busy on the weekends. Because it sits much higher in elevation than the surrounding area, including Tucson, weekend tourists flock. A beautiful place to relax, swim in the hotter months, and go boating.
27 locals recommend
Parker Canyon Lake Marina
9000 S Parker Canyon RdVisit Parker Canyon Lake during week days, it can be very busy on the weekends. Because it sits much higher in elevation than the surrounding area, including Tucson, weekend tourists flock. A beautiful place to relax, swim in the hotter months, and go boating.
Food scene
Cocina La lay has been a locals and visitors favorite for many years. Family owned and operated, this Sonoran street food restaurant isn't easy to find unless you have the local knowledge, so here you go! They are known for their fish tacos, fish soup and wonderful toppings bar. This restaurant is simple, take credit cards and has plenty of parking.
If you're into gravel cycling, chat with us about routes from The Gravel House to Cocina La Lay. It's a killer place to end a ride, enjoy some tacos and sip a cold, Mexican coke.
NOTE: No beer or wine. They close at 4pm
Cocina La Ley Restaurant
226 W 3rd StCocina La lay has been a locals and visitors favorite for many years. Family owned and operated, this Sonoran street food restaurant isn't easy to find unless you have the local knowledge, so here you go! They are known for their fish tacos, fish soup and wonderful toppings bar. This restaurant is simple, take credit cards and has plenty of parking.
If you're into gravel cycling, chat with us about routes from The Gravel House to Cocina La Lay. It's a killer place to end a ride, enjoy some tacos and sip a cold, Mexican coke.
NOTE: No beer or wine. They close at 4pm
Rune Wines is owned by vintner, James Callahan. James was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and moved to the borderland region to work in the vineyards of Wilcox, AZ before starting Rune in 2015. Rune Wines is an off the grid winery. They have an incredible outside seating area and tasting room, while currently constructing an indoor quonset hut for future tasting room and commercial kitchen. You won't be disappointed!
Stop in to buy wine to go by the bottle or the case.
23 locals recommend
Rune Wines
3969 AZ-82Rune Wines is owned by vintner, James Callahan. James was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and moved to the borderland region to work in the vineyards of Wilcox, AZ before starting Rune in 2015. Rune Wines is an off the grid winery. They have an incredible outside seating area and tasting room, while currently constructing an indoor quonset hut for future tasting room and commercial kitchen. You won't be disappointed!
Stop in to buy wine to go by the bottle or the case.
The Stage Stop Inn is a historical favorite in Patagonia. The only Hotel in town, their Wild Horse Saloon has a great bar, patio and delicious burgers and fries. Head over for a cold beer and watch main street from the patio.
Stage Stop Inn
303 McKeown AveThe Stage Stop Inn is a historical favorite in Patagonia. The only Hotel in town, their Wild Horse Saloon has a great bar, patio and delicious burgers and fries. Head over for a cold beer and watch main street from the patio.
Great spot for homemade breakfast and lunch. Family owned and operated, Gathering Grounds is a hub in Patagonia. They serve coffee drinks, wine and beer and have in house made ice cream!
18 locals recommend
Gathering Grounds
319 Mc Keown AveGreat spot for homemade breakfast and lunch. Family owned and operated, Gathering Grounds is a hub in Patagonia. They serve coffee drinks, wine and beer and have in house made ice cream!
City advice
What to pack
Bring a warm layer!
The high desert can be chilly in the mornings and evenings. Bring a warm layer and a pair of jeans to throw on after your day outside or lounging around. Even during the summer, Patagonia will be 10-15 degrees cooler than Tucson, Arizona.
Getting around
Don't speed!
Our local Marshals take speeding seriously. Patagonia is a tiny town, please drive the speed limit (25mph). We would hate for you to get a ticket!
Getting around
Cash only
Patagonia is a small town with 1 ATM machine. Most places take credit cards, but some don't. It's an easy town to navigate with some cash on hand. If shopping at Red Mountain Foods, our local grocery co-op, you can only use cash, or check.