5 Wild Animal Hotspots In Arizona

Arizona’s wildlife is as diverse as its landscapes, boasting the highest biodiversity of any inland state. Home to arid deserts and lush streams, the state supports over 800 wildlife species across its vast terrain. From the mighty American bison to 17 delicate hummingbird species, big or small, Arizona’s wildlife is enthralling. With wildcats prowling the mountainsides and rattlesnakes slithering across the canyon floors, sightseeing and wildlife watching are intertwined in Arizona.

Salt River

Surrounded by canyon walls and a segment of Tonto National Forest, Arizona’s Salt River is a bewitching waterway where horses run wild. While they are not native to Arizona, the untamed mustangs look right at home, evoking images of the Wild West. Known as the Salt River herd, these free-roaming beauties are possibly descendants of the horses once owned by the Akimel O’odham, or the “River People.” Originating from 15th-century Spanish explorers and 19th-century settlers, the horses we see today remain sacred to the Akimel O’odham tribes.

The Lower Salt River is the most common place to spot these striking creatures, whether kayaking solo or tubing with companies like Salt River Tubing in Mesa. Alternatively, a Tonto National Forest recreation pass grants access to viewpoints like Coon Bluff and Granite Reef. As for timing, your best chance of spotting the Salt River herd is near sunrise or sunset, as the horses often avoid the midday heat. However, the mustangs can sometimes be spotted outside these hours, cooling off in the water or grazing along the river’s edge.

Grand Canyon National Park

About an hour north of Williams, hundreds of species roam without limits in Grand Canyon National Park. Desert bighorn sheep can often be spotted from the canyon’s South Rim and West Rim, while bison prefer the Kaibab Plateau near the scenic North Rim. Many of the park’s 450 bird species can also frequently be admired flying overhead, from the common raven to the mighty bald eagle. As for reptiles and amphibians, the most common place to see a desert tortoise or canyon tree frog is on the canyon floor near the winding Colorado River.

Even with the park’s colossal size, wildlife spotting is a year-round attraction in the approximately 1.22 million-acre wilderness. Still, timing can determine an animal’s level of activity and the likelihood of spotting one. Many species prefer the cooler temperatures of early morning and late evening, especially during scorching summers. Spring and autumn also fall in line with peak bird migration, making it a popular time for birders. Alternatively, winter sees fewer tourist crowds, keeping the park more peaceful. As a result, elk and mule deer sightings often increase along the canyon’s snowy rims.

Red Rock State Park

Sightseeing and wildlife viewing go hand in hand at Red Rock State Park, a nature preserve near Sedona. While the park is mainly known for its spellbinding red-rock formations, it also encompasses lush desert meadows and sections of the spring-fed Oak Creek. These diverse habitats allow wildlife to thrive, including coyotes, bobcats, mule deer, and javelina, which can be spotted year-round along the park’s 5-mile trail network. If you visit during warmer months, more elusive creatures may also be seen, including tarantulas and blacktail rattlesnakes.

Oak Creek’s riparian habitat also allows birdlife to thrive. Many species are permanent residents, such as great blue herons, red-tailed hawks, mallards, and Anna’s hummingbirds. Other species live here during certain seasons, such as summer’s black-chinned hummingbirds and winter’s rarer bald eagle. Visitors can birdwatch from trails, stroll the park's Hummingbird Garden, or attend Guided Bird Walks, which are scheduled throughout the year.

Sonoran Desert National Monument

In 2001, the Sonoran Desert National Monument was established to protect the region’s extraordinary range of plants and animals. Spanning around 496,400 acres, the Monument encompasses a range of awe-inspiring landscapes, including the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area. Desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, and jackrabbits are frequently spotted throughout the region. Hikers exploring the Margies Cove West Trailhead can also see wildlife like mule deer, desert tortoises, and javelina.

Elsewhere, the Monument’s southeastern section spans the majestic Table Top Wilderness. Boasting a 4,373-foot summit, Table Top Mountain’s flat-topped peak is surrounded by saguaro cacti, desert scrub, and volcanic landscapes. The Table Top Trail leads hikers from the Vekol Valley floor to Table Top’s panoramic summit in 3.5 miles, with plenty of wildlife viewing along the way. Possible sightings include desert bighorn sheep, Ajo Mountain whipsnakes, and giant spotted whiptail lizards, to name a few.

Oatman

For a less intense wildlife encounter, the Arizona town of Oatman offers a unique way to see wild burros roaming free. Situated in the Black Mountains, this historic mining town is an iconic stop along Route 66. Oatman’s main strip feels frozen in time, boasting Wild West storefronts and staged shootouts performed by the Oatman Outlaws. Adding to its rugged atmosphere, Oatman’s famous wild burros wander the main street without reins.

With only around 100 permanent residents, Oatman is home to more burros than people. Descending from the hard-working donkeys used by former gold miners, these burros are a beloved fixture of the town. Unlike their ancestors, the donkeys are undomesticated, coming and going as they please. Even so, many are habituated to human interaction, and visitors can feed them approved food sold in town.

Explore Arizona’s Wild Side

Dramatic and surreal, Arizona’s landscapes are even more exciting when paired with wildlife watching. At Grand Canyon National Park, a soaring bald eagle can catch your eye just as a herd of bighorn sheep wanders by atop a canyon ridge. In Oatman, a wild burro will eat right from your hand, while Red Rock's rattlesnakes should only be watched from afar. All in all, whether hiking with friends, hiring a wildlife guide, or road tripping through Route 66, Arizona’s wild side is waiting to amaze you.