The Santa Cruz Flats encompasses an area roughly bordered on the south by the Samaniego Hills and West Silverbell Mountains, the west by the Sawtooth Mountains, the north by Houser Road, and the east by I-10 from Red Rock to Wheeler Road and then Wheeler Road to Houser Road. This area encompasses about 300 square miles. It includes 4 towns: Eloy, Arizona City, Red Rock, and Picacho. The elevation ranges from 1,850 feet near the town of Red Rock to 1,450 feet in the northeast corner of the area. Much of the acreage at the Flats is state trust land leased by farmers or is private property.

The Santa Cruz Flats is a well-known and heavily birded area in south-central Arizona. Hundreds of birders check out this expansive agricultural location every year, primarily during the winter months.