The river begins its course south of Cananea and continues south along the western side of the Sierra Madre Occidental. It only reaches the Pacific, specifically the Bahía de Kino, during periods of high water.

The river is 402 kilometers long and flows south and then southwest of the city of Hermosillo. It serves as a refuge for many bird species. 

The Sonora River creates a special place with mountains, wide valleys, and deep canyons.