Arlington Wildlife Area
The Arlington Wildlife Area (AWA) comprises approximately 1,500 acres along the banks of the Gila River. There are two ponds totaling about 10 acres, an extensive stand of salt cedar, and about 4 miles of river channel including running water, cattails and other emergent vegetation, sand and gravel bars and riparian trees such as cottonwood, willow and salt cedar.
The salt cedar bosque provides nesting habitat for red-winged and yellow-headed blackbirds, doves, and other riparian bird species. Yuma Ridgway’s rails nest on the site.
Site Information
Region: Phoenix and Central
County: Maricopa
Directions: Exit I-10 at exit 112, go south on SR 85 about 5 miles. Exit State Hwy. 85 to west onto Old US 80 and follow about 15 miles to Arlington School Road. Turn right (south) and go to end of pavement at Desert Rose Lane. Follow the farm field road ½ mile further south along the same alignment as Arlington School Road to the wildlife area entrance.
Latitude: 33.271161
Longitude: -112.780457
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: Fall, Winter, and Spring
Habitats: Agriculture or Cropland, Desert, Marsh or Wetland
Know Before You Go
Access is on a dirt road to get to the parking area, it may be difficult for a non 4x4 vehicle after it rains as it will be muddy with deep ruts
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, Bendire’s Thrasher, Lucy’s Warbler, Mexican Duck, Ridgway’s Rail, Sagebrush Sparrow
Charismatic: American Kestrel, Anna’s Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Black-throated Sparrow, Burrowing Owl, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Gambel’s Quail, Gila Woodpecker, Greater Roadrunner, Lesser Goldfinch, Lesser Nighthawk, Loggerhead Shrike, Ruby-crowned Kinglet , Verdin, Vermilion Flycatcher, White-winged Dove, Yellow-headed Blackbird
Contact Information
Arizona Game and Fish Department
5000 W. Carefree Highway
Phoenix, AZ 85086
Phone: 480-324-3552
Website: https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/viewing/wheretogo/arlington/
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L280700
Additional Resources:
Arlington State Wildlife Area
