Birding & Wildlife

On 49,120 acres of rugged semi-desert grasslands, the Muleshoe Ranch Preserve straddles the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts. The Plant diversity ranges from giant Saguaro cactus to Ponderosa pine forest and conatains some of Arizona's best remaining na

The San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge is located on the U.S.-Mexican border in Cochise County, Arizona, 17 miles east of Douglas. Situated at 3,720 to 3,920 feet elevation in the bottom of a wide valley, the Refuge encompasses a portion of the he

The Verde Canyon Railroad takes you on a trip through Southwest regions rich with indigenous flora and fauna throughout the Verde Valley. Asphalt, concrete and tension drift away as you cruise from Clarkdale to Perkinsville at a smooth 12 miles per hou

Alamo Lake State Park is one of the best places to fish for bass in Arizona. The crystal clear lake is surrounded by mountainous terrain speckled with brush, wildflowers and cacti making for a visually pleasing experience. The area has good wildlife viewing opportunities, and you may even spot a bald or golden eagle during your time here.

Recreationists will find opportunities for many activities in a unique setting. The Swansea Ghost Town site is also nearby.

The perennial waters of Aravaipa Creek have carved a scenic canyon through the Sonoran Desert at the northern end of the Galiuro Mountains in southeastern Arizona.

There are few places where one can stand, look at a Saguaro cactus, a cattail stand and a cottonwood tree together. This unique blend of upland desert, marsh, and desert riparian haitat provides for a diverse array of birds, mammals and reptiles.

Imperial National Wildlife Refuge protects wildlife habitat along 30 miles of the lower Colorado River in Arizona and California, including the last unchannelized section before the river enters Mexico. The river and its associated backwater lakes and wetlands are a green oasis, contrasting with the surrounding desert mountains. More than 15,000 acres of Imperial National Wildlfie Refuge is designated as wilderness. Wilderness is protected to ensure that nature, not people is the primary influence on this quiet, scenic place.

Explore more than 700 miles of shoreline at Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States. With a wealth of activities and a beautiful desert environment, this enormous lake can hold as much as 9 trillion gallons of water – giving you ample opportunity to boat, swim, fish and generally soak up the sunshine.

Buckskin Mountain State Park is situated along the Parker Strip, an 18-mile stretch of land that runs along the Colorado River and divides parts of Arizona and California. Filled with gorgeous scenery, countless water activities and many indigenous wildlife, Buckskin Mountain State Park is a delightful respite where you can relax and enjoy yourself.

Situated along Lake Havasu, Cattail Cove State Park offers countless activities along one of Arizona's most popular lakes. From sun-bathing on the shoreline to bass fishing, you're sure to find an activity that will float your boat.

Part apple orchard, part natural water slide, Slide Rock State Park is a must-see destination when you visit Sedona. For a thrill, shimmy down the rock water slide that cascades into a series of glistening swimming holes, or simply wade in the water and enjoy the century-old irrigation system.

Located less than a mile north of Buckskin State Park, River Island State Park offers a scenic area to camp, boat, swim, jets ski, fish, swim and more along Parker, Arizona's beautiful stretch of the Colorado River.

Replete with natural wonder, Roper Lake State Park is an obvious choice for your next camping vacation. Enjoy five miles of nature trails that wind through desert landscapes and lead to stunning mountain views.

At more than six miles long and nearly 480 acres in total size, the Verde River Greenway is an impressive and beautiful natural wonder. Located high in North Central Arizona, near Cottonwood, the elevation provides a mild climate ideal for summer hiking and other outdoor activities including canoeing and fishing.

The Ahakhav Tribal Preserve, located just outside Parker, was established in 1995 and currently consists of 1,253 acres of wilderness area and a 3.5-acre park. The preserve is centered around a reconstructed Colorado River backwater, which offers a variety of activities including fishing, canoeing, birding and swimming.

From desert bighorn sheep to the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher, birds and other animals thrive at Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge protects 30 river miles and 300 miles of shoreline from Needles, California, to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. One of the last remaining natural stretches of the lower Colorado River flows through the 20-mile-long Topock Gorge.

Nestled among the cool pines of the Coconino National Forest, the Page Springs Fish Hatchery offers a cool retreat from the desert during hot summer months. Families enjoy hiking the nature trail bordering Oak Creek, and kids like visiting the show ponds to see the hatchery's finest and largest trout.

Jacques Marsh Wildlife Area is located two miles north of Lakeside and consists of 130 acres of National Forest land. Pond areas total 96 acres containing seven ponds and 18 islands.

Martinez Lake is located just north of Yuma on the Colorado River. Known for the many species of wildlife that populate the lake year-round, this area is a relaxing retreat perfect for a weekend getaway.

The Luna Lake Wildlife Area is nestled in the White Mountains, near Springerville, offering a cool, high-elevation escape from desert heat in summer. The area provides opportunities for the whole family, from trout fishing and waterfowl hunting to just plain relaxing.

A world-renowned location for bird watching, Madera Canyon is a major resting place for migrating species, while the extensive trail system of the Santa Rita Mountains is easily accessed from the Canyon's campground and picnic areas.

Mormon Lake is the largest natural lake in Arizona...sometimes. During droughts, it's frequently not so large, and occasionally even dry. But when it's a lake, which is most of the time, Mormon Lake is an excellent place to fish, boat, windsurf and birdwatch.

Lake Mohave is situated on Arizona's West Coast and divides portions of Nevada and Arizona. It is a part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and is located less than 50 miles northwest of Kingman, Arizona.

In this beautiful desert park, located within the Coronado National Forest less than 20 miles north of Tucson, is a self-guided, signed trail leading through Romero Ruin that includes a prehistoric Hohokam village with a ballcourt as well as the histor