Arivaca is in Southern Arizona . It is in Pima County. The town is situated to the north of the San Luis Mountains. The best way to reach the community from Tucson is to take Interstate 19 south toward Nogales. Once you pass Green Valley, take exit 48 at the town of Amado. Then, make a right turn and head down Arivaca Road. Arivaca Road is a bumpy path that travels approximately 25 miles into Arivaca. The town is located approximately 11 miles from the Mexican border and 56 miles southwest of Tucson.

Overview:
Arivaca began as a mining town and has moved to being a small ranching community. The town sits at an elevation of 3,640 feet. The southwestern climate has a winter low Temperature of 40 degrees and a summer high Temperature of 100 degrees. Its location in the scenic high desert with wonderful natural beauty has made it a great spot for outdoor activities.
Community Features:
a great attraction is the Tumacacori National Monument, just 30 miles to the southeast in Tubac. The Tumacacori National Monument mission was most active during 1791 and 1812. Father Kino made his visit to Tumacacori in 1691. Today, the monument allows a look back to Spanish colonial times. The monument includes three mission sites. Visitors will see the San Jose deTucacacori built in 1800, the walls of the visita of San Cayetano de Calabazas and a portion of Los Santos Angeles de Guevavi built in 1751. There are interpretive specialists dressed in native costume to create a realistic scene.

There are several outdoor activities near Arivaca. Arivaca Lake is a 90-acre well-stocked lake built by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. If you decide to make the trip, you should be prepared for the rough drive out and the very primitive facilities once you arrive. Visitors will find only a boat ramp and toilets.

The lake is a relaxed site that is ideal for bird watching and lakeside walks. Those dropping their line will find large-mouthed bass, bluegill and catfish. You may reach the lake from Arivaca by taking Forest Service Road 39 east for five miles to the lake. Buenos Aries National Wildlife Refuge includes over 300 species of birds. It is a birder's paradise. You might spot a gray hawk, buff-collared nightjar, thick-billed kingbird or a Strickland's woodpecker. You can reach of refuge by following Arivaca Road until it dead-ends at State Highway 286. It is best to check in the town of Arivaca for exact directions.
History:
Father Eusebio Kino traveled through this area in 1695. During his passage, he saw a Pima Indian village.
Then in 1833, the Mexican government approved a petition from Tomas and Ignacio Ortiz. They soon gained ownership of 8,677 acres near where Arivaca is today. The brothers built the Aribac Ranch and raised cattle and horses. “La Aribac” is an Indian word meaning “small springs.”

In 1856, the Ortiz brothers sold the land to the Sonora Exploring and Mining Company. The company worked several mines in and around Arivaca and the town of Tubac. The Aribac Ranch soon became the site of the reduction works for one the mines called the Heintzelman. When the mines played out and closed, those working the mines left. The area was abandoned.

Charles Poston known as the “Father of Arizona ” acquired the property in 1870. Poston eventually asked the United States Government to recognize his right to the land. Unfortunately, the United States surveyor general did not. The government, however, did not take any action toward Poston.

Later on, Poston's rights were transferred to the Arivaca Land and Cattle Company. The company in turn, asked the United States Court of Private Land Claims to approve Poston's land claim. The court refused, stating it was impossible to find the origin of the land grant. The United States Supreme Court also upheld the decision in 1902. The land became public domain.

Arivaca's first post office was established in 1878. Today, it is unincorporated and is the new home of about eight cattle ranches. The region is ideal for cattle grazing and orchards. The town itself has a community center, two tennis courts, two softball fields and a library.