Christmas Recreation Site
Very dense mesquite and willow riparian area along the Gila River northeast of Winkleman in the Gila River recreation area. The site is a riparian area of mesquite-willow and cottonwood woodland, in a Sonoran desert canyon with saguaro, mesquite and palo verde covered hills. The Gila River can be accessed by walking to the north or south from the restrooms.
Very good habitat for a variety of resident and migrating warblers, sparrows, small hawks, raptors and waterfowl.
Site Information
Region: Phoenix and Central
County: Pinal
Directions: From Winkleman, take SR77 east to milepost 144. Turn off is on the East side of the highway and is not conspicuous. Site is immediately obvious and includes signage and restrooms. Use caution leaving the site. Visibility is limited for oncoming traffic.
Latitude: 33.060207
Longitude: -110.721811
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: Spring, winter and fall. Can be hot and humid during summer months.
Habitats: Desert, Stream or river
Know Before You Go
Area heavily used by locals for camping and playing in the river, especially on weekends.
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: Varied Bunting
Charismatic: Curve-billed Thrasher, Gambel’s Quail, Lesser Goldfinch, Ruby-crowned Kinglet , Verdin
Contact Information
Bureau of Land Management
3201 E. Universal Way
Tucson, AZ 85756
Phone: 520-258-7200
Website: https://www.blm.gov/visit/christmas
Email: blm_az_tfoweb@blm.gov
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2305894
