This should be a fun, scenic drive to a lakeside BBQ at Parker Canyon Lake. The route is in good condition, well paved but a little tight, and most of the potholes have been filled in along the way. It is primarily two-lane highway. The higher elevation typically provides cooler temperatures in late June.

Once we arrive at the lake, we will grill hamburgers, brats, and veggie burgers on request. The chapter is providing utensils, condiments, and beverages: iced sodas, teas and water.

Please bring a side dish or a dessert to share.

We have three locations where you can join the drive tour. Please let us know where you will join when you RSVP.

At Sonoita Hwy 83

• It is exit 281 off Interstate 10.   We will be meeting in the westside parking lot that has an obelisk.  Also known as the Lamar Cobb memorial.
• We will meet at 9:30am, sign insurance waivers and then leave for our next stop in Sonoita around 9:45am.  Our next stop is 25 miles south on HWY 83.

At the Sonoita Fairgrounds just south of the intersection of HWY 82 and HWY 83 in Sonoita.

• We should arrive there by 10:15am.
• There are clean ladies’ bathrooms, well marked, nearby. The mens’ toilets are stand-alone brick structures also nearby.
• If anyone new meets us there we will have them sign insurance waivers and then leave for Parker Canyon Lake by 10:30am
• We will have a group photo before resuming the drive.

At Parker Canyon Lake.

• Google Maps indicates the drive from Sonoita to the lake at about 1 hr 15 mins, so we should be at the lake between 11:45 and noon.
• Portions of this road are newly sealed. There are some rough spots and some cattle guards, but generally it is well-paved, and most of the potholes have been filled.
• Cellular coverage south of Sonoita is “sketchy”.
• We are driving to the Marina parking lot. There is a parking fee of $8 per day. If you have a National Parks Pass, that will cover your parking.
• Once we arrive, we can claim picnic tables in the shade by the lake and begin grilling.

The Sonora Chapter BMW CCA reserved a camping lot for June 25, 2023. We now realize it is not suitable for a BBQ, as it is more of a wilderness campsite. The campsite is reserved for overnight use and there’s plenty of room.