Becker Lake Wildlife Area
Becker Lake Wildlife Area is composed of a variety of habitats, including streamside, wet meadow, stream riparian, lake, and plains grassland community on the uplands. Becker Lake is surrounded by the 622-acre Becker Lake Wildlife Area. Bald Eagles can be seen during winter as well as up to 20 species of waterfowl in the winter. Breeding birds include Gray Catbirds, Blue and Black-headed Grosbeaks, and Yellow-breasted Chats.
Lakeview Trail is a 1-mile loop along the western edge of the lake. It leads to an observation platform overlooking the marshy end of the lake where migratory birds can be observed, including Bald Eagles. River Walk Trail is a half-mile trail along the Little Colorado River where wildlife is often seen including mule deer. The surrounding grasslands hold herds of Pronghorn Antelope. River Walk Trailheads with small parking lots are off Hwy 60/180 a mile or so south of the Becker Lake entrance (outhouses and picnic tables at both sites) and off Airport Rd a mile or so west of the Safeway in Springerville (picnic tables, no outhouses).
Site Information
Region: Northern
County: Apache
Directions: Located on the west side of U.S. Route 60, Becker Lake Wildlife Area is located two miles northwest of Springerville in the Arizona White Mountains off the west side of Highway 60.
Latitude: 34.1555
Longitude: -109.3061
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: Spring, summer, and fall are the best times to bird.
Habitats: Grassland, Marsh or Wetland, Lake or Pond, Pinyon-juniper Forest
Know Before You Go
The lake can be birded by car from the parking lot. Not much shade at the site.
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: Mexican Duck
Charismatic: American Kestrel, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Lesser Goldfinch, Ruby-crowned Kinglet , Western Kingbird, Yellow-headed Blackbird
Contact Information
Pinetop Region
Arizona Game and Fish Department
2878 E White Mountain Blvd
Pinetop, AZ 85935
Phone: 928-367-4281
Website: https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/viewing/wheretogo/becker/
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L263435
Additional Resources:
White Mountain Audubon Birding Hotspots
