Beautiful summer road in Southern Arizona. USA
The San Rafael State Natural Area is a unique area with rolling hills, native grasses, and oak and cottonwood trees. This beautiful valley is the headwaters of the Santa Cruz River, which flows into Mexico then turns north back into the United States and eventually joins the Gila River. The riparian areas and native grass prairie are home to many species of plants and animals. One of the endangered plants, Huachuca Water Umbel grows in the river area. One can also see Mule Deer, Javalina, Antelope, Bobcats, Cougar, Coyote and many birds unique to the prairie. The ranch was a Mexican Land Grant, San Rafael de la Zanja, purchased by Colin Cameron and partners in the late 1800s. In 1903 it was sold to William C. Greene, better known as Colonel Greene the “Copper Skyrocket”. William Greene had many properties totaling over 600,000 acres. This ranch extended into Mexico and at one time it was recorded that over 4,000 calves had been branded on this ranch in one year. Registered Hereford cattle were raised here for market and breeding.
Size: 4256px × 2831px
Location: San Rafael Valley, Southern Arizona
Photo credit: © Morey Milbradt / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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