Welcome To The Santa Cruz Valley
National Heritage Area

Situated along an ancient and currently vital trade route, the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area (SCVNHA) honors and celebrates the natural environment, cultural traditions, historic places, and working landscapes of the watershed of the Santa Cruz River which comprises 3,300 square miles in Pima and Santa Cruz counties in southeastern Arizona.

Here, along the Santa Cruz River, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Mexican, and American Territorial heritages and traditions intersect with the natural landscape in ways unique to the American story. These remain a source of the identity and vitality of the region, and we invite you to explore this valley, experience our cultural and natural resources, and enjoy the memories and stories that you will create while doing so.

While here, please recognize and respect the original inhabitants of this landscape, the O’odham and the Yaqui (Yoeme), and their descendants who remain thriving on both sides of what is today the United States-Mexico border. Learn more about our commitment to our Indigenous communities here.