You are venturing into hot and wild country. Be sure the gas tank is full and you have plenty of water.

Five-striped Sparrow, Buff-collared Nightjar, Montezuma Quail

California Gulch for many years was the most reliable spot in Arizona to find Five-striped Sparrow. Since then other more accessible locations have been discovered. It is still a delightful place to bird, however, with its stream providing some good habitat for some Mexican specialties. Park at the top of the hill and walk the old road down to the stream.

The road into the parking area can be challenging, but has become much better maintained in recent years due to the increased presence of the US Border Patrol.

To reach the site, coming from either Arivaca or Nogales, turn south off of Ruby Road onto California Gulch Road. Just past the dam on the east, nearly a mile and half south of Ruby Road, bear right at the fork in the road. In about a mile you will come to a three-way fork in the road. Bear left here and then bear right shortly thereafter. In just over another mile, you will see the old Oro Blanco Mine. Just beyond here there is a hard left turn onto the road which climbs to the parking spot.