Upper Verde River Wildlife Area
A riparian area spanning 1,800-acres along upper Verde River and lower Granite Creek. There are hiking trails and river recreation (e.g. swimming, canoeing) is permitted.
South of the Colorado River, the Verde River represents the most significant perennial waterway in the northern 1/3 of the state. Aside from supporting rare or priority riparian breeding species, it serves as an important stopover and/or wintering grounds for a host of migratory birds. It provides breeding habitat for species of conservation concern (special status species) in Arizona, including the: Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Yellow Warbler, and Lucy’s Warbler, all which occur in significant numbers.
This is also particularly important as a wintering area for many Arizona breeding species of higher elevations.
Designated as an Arizona Important Bird Area (IBA).
Site Information
Region: North Central
County: Yavapai
Directions: Located approximately eight miles north of Chino Valley.
Latitude: 34.894614
Longitude: -112.398753
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: None
Habitats: Stream or river
Know Before You Go
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Abert’s Towhee, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Juniper TItmouse, Lucy’s Warbler, Painted Redstart, Pinyon Jay, Sage Thrasher, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Charismatic: Summer Tanager
Contact Information
Arizona Game and Fish Department
5000 W. Carefree Highway
Phoenix, AZ 85086
Phone: 602-942-3000
Website: https://awcs.azgfd.com/conservation-opportunity-areas/terrestrial/upper-verde-river
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L11687425
Additional Resources:
Arizona Important Bird Areas Program
