8 Best Destinations For Wildlife Spotting in Arizona

From nature lovers to hiking enthusiasts, everyone can enjoy a memorable and safe encounter with local wildlife. From butterflies fluttering amongst the flora to distant black bears meandering through the woods, Arizona offers many opportunities for wildlife sightings. Visitors can choose from a selection of national parks and local wildlife centers, all located in the Grand Canyon State. So, for anyone looking to get up close and personal with the animals, here are eight unique spots for wildlife viewing in Arizona.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park in Northern Arizona is a vast and beautiful stretch of land home to a wide array of wildlife. From backcountry hiking to river trips, travelers will have no trouble stumbling upon a few wild animals while they explore the park. According to the National Parks website, Grand Canyon National Park is home to more than 400 species of birds, 91 species of mammals, nearly 50 types of reptiles, and around 10 types of amphibians. Of course, there are countless varieties of insects and spiders throughout the park as well. On any given day, you might see bats, bighorn sheep, bison, elk, and mountain lions, to name just a few mammals. Additionally, the park is considered a ‘Globally Important Bird Area’ so park visitors may see some rare, nearly extinct birds on their travels as well.

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center

Those who don’t have the time or desire to hike through a national park can see plenty of wildlife at the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center. The Conservation Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, is committed to rescuing and rehabilitating injured and displaced wildlife. There are typically around 90 animals on site that range from beavers and ringtails to foxes and mountain lions. Other animals commonly housed here include black bears, Mexican Gray Wolves, deer, bobcats, owls, hawks, Javelinas, and coatimundis. The center hosts various tours and events, including the popular Walk With Wildlife tour and the Friday Night Wildlife Twilight tour.

Bearizona Wildlife Park

Nearly 175 miles away from Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, travelers will find the equally exciting Bearizona Wildlife Park. Bearizona in Williams, Arizona, promotes the conservation and preservation of various North American wildlife. As the name implies, the park is an excellent spot to see black and grizzly bears, but there are a wide variety of other animals on-site as well. These include various types of wolves, jaguars, snakes, donkeys, deer, and otters. Visitors can choose from drive-through or walk-through experiences to get an up-close look at the animals who call this park home.

Red Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park in Sedona, Arizona, is beloved for its stunning redstone canyon and winding hiking trails. But there is far more to see here than beautiful rock formations. Wildlife sightings are common in the park, with visitors commonly spotting animals, including Mule deer, javelina, coyotes, and bobcats. In addition to those, there are also a number of resident and migratory birds throughout the park. Those interested in bird watching will be happy to know that the park hosts regular bird walk events where visitors are encouraged to bring their own binoculars and appropriate hiking gear. Birds can also be admired anywhere along the park's 5-mile trail network for those who’d rather explore on their own.

Ramsey Canyon Preserve

Speaking of birds, the Ramsey Canyon Preserve in Hereford, Arizona, is a beautiful spot to admire hummingbirds. As the preserve’s website indicates, the best time for bird watching here is between April and September when the weather conditions are ideal. Visitors interested in seeing the bright and buzzing hummingbirds can do so from the visitor's center. For all other wildlife viewing, it is best to hit up the Hamburg Trail. The trail runs alongside Ramsey Creek, eventually leading to a scenic overlook with breathtaking views of the Coronado National Forest. Along the way, expect to see wildlife, including Coatimundi, butterflies, Blue-winged warblers, bats, and rattlesnakes.

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde, Arizona, is ideal for an easy outing with guaranteed wildlife sightings. The park, which was founded back in 1988, is home to a wide array of animals, including bears, leopards, zebras, wolves, monkeys, rhinos, antelopes, and hyenas, to name a few. Once at the park, visitors will have a few activities to choose from when it comes to seeing the animals up close. These activities include riding a safari bus, watching the predator feedings, wandering the wildlife preserve, and exploring the reptile resort.

Chiricahua National Monument

Set amongst the Chiricahua Mountains in Willcox, Arizona, the Chiricahua National Monument is dubbed a “wonderland of rocks.” An appropriate nickname given the caves, mountains, and other unique rock formations that cover the 12,025-acre grounds. Of course, there is more to enjoy here than the scenery. The national monument is home to a wide array of wildlife ranging from turtles and rattlesnakes to deer and black bears. Other animals visitors are likely to see include white-nosed coatis, Chiricahua fox squirrels, jaguars, skunks, ringtails, raccoons, foxes, and bobcats.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Roughly 250 miles from Chiricahua National Monument in Scottsdale, Arizona, travelers will find the serene McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This vast stretch of desert land is a protected area featuring a winding trail network and an impressive list of wild animals. With 225 miles worth of hiking trails, there is plenty of land to explore in the preserve. But, before hitting the trails, it’s important to be familiar with safety protocols as it is not uncommon to encounter a rattlesnake while hiking here. Other animals visitors may see include a variety of birds and snakes, bats, jackrabbits, cougars, foxes, bobcats, Collared peccaries, and mule deer.

Discover the Wild Side of Arizona

Arizona is a beautiful state home to a diverse terrain ideal for thriving wildlife. Amidst the mountains, plateaus, and deserts, travelers are likely to encounter a wide variety of animals and insects along their journey. Whether at a national park or in one of the state's many zoos or conservation areas, there’s never a dull moment when exploring the Grand Canyon State.