Bubbling Ponds
Located amidst the beautiful scenery of lower Oak Creek, Bubbling Ponds Preserve offers outstanding birding, wildlife viewing and recreational opportunities. The Preserve is part of the Page Springs Fish Hatchery, an Arizona Game & Fish Department (AGFD) facility. Northern Arizona Audubon has partnered with AGFD to provide a wonderful wildlife sanctuary designed for easy public access.
The 1.8-mile Black Hawk nature trail meanders through a mix of habitats and along Oak Creek. Educational signs describe riparian habitat, wildlife, and the unique geology responsible for the many springs that provide water to the Hatchery. A rich mix of habitats attract nesting and migratory species. In winter, the many hatchery ponds attract a variety of waterfowl and often an overwintering Common Black Hawk. Other amenities include a large ramada, two viewing decks, an outdoor educational area and convenient seating areas along the trail. A bird checklist with map is available on site.
Part of Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area.
Site Information
Region: North Central
County: Yavapai
Directions: Bubbling Ponds parking area is located on Page Springs Road, less than a mile north of the main entrance to Page Springs Fish Hatchery.
Latitude: 34.761753
Longitude: -111.901703
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: The birding is good any time of year but mid-April though early June is best for nesting species and winter best for waterfowl.
Habitats: Grassland, Marsh or Wetland, Lake or Pond, Stream or river
Know Before You Go
There are no restrooms at Bubbling Ponds and people may want to first stop at Page Springs Fish Hatchery to use the very nice public facilities there before hiking the trails at Bubbling Ponds. While the trails are not wheelchair accessible, the area is mostly very level with well groomed and mulched trails suitable for those with limited mobility.
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, Bridled Titmouse, Common Black Hawk, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Charismatic: Anna’s Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Gila Woodpecker, Greater Roadrunner, Lesser Goldfinch, Phainopepla, Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Contact Information
Bubbling Ponds Fish Hatchery
Arizona Game and Fish Department
1970 N Page Springs Rd
Cornville, AZ 86325
Phone: 928-634-4466
Website: http://northernarizonaaudubon.org/NAAS/bubbling-ponds-preserve/
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L266621
Additional Resources:
Birding in the Verde Valley
Arizona Important Bird Areas Program
Arizona Watchable Wildlife Experience (AWWE) Tour