About 95% of Arizona's riparian habitat has become victim to overgrazing, logging and development, so what little riverfront ecosystem remains is incredibly important to the state's ecological health. Some 350 bird species (many endangered), more than 80 mammal species and more than 40 species of reptiles and amphibians have been recorded along the 40-mile stretch of the San Pedro River within the conservation area. It's a vital riparian ecosystem. Unfortunately, it's also become a corridor for drug smuggling from Mexico, so suspicious activity should be reported.
The visitor center, in the 1930s San Pedro House, is 6 miles east of Sierra Vista on Fry Blvd. From here you can access several hiking trails.
