Granite Reef
During breeding season, look for Lucy’s Warbler, Bell’s Vireo, Bullock’s Oriole, and Vermilion and Ash-throated Flycatchers in the picnic area’s mesquite bosque. Walk west towards the dam 0.5 miles through the riparian and mesquite habitat for resident and migrating passerines, including Crissal Thrasher. In late fall and winter, look for Gray Flycatcher in mesquite and scan the river for wintering waterfowl which may be abundant, especially near the dam. Scan snags on the north side of the river for Osprey and Bald Eagle. A scope would be helpful.
Site Information
Region: Phoenix and Central
County: Maricopa
Directions: This site is located 14 miles northeast of Mesa. From Mesa, travel 7 miles east on the Superstition Freeway (US 60) to Power Road/Bush Highway/Forest Road (FR) 204 and turn north. Follow Bush Highway for 7 miles to the site. This is the first site next to the river coming from the west on Bush Highway.
Latitude: 33.5138839
Longitude: -111.6830875
Operational Hours: Open all year, dawn til dusk
Admission or Fees: Tonto Daily Pass, Discovery Pass, or America the Beautiful Pass
Best time to visit: This site is productive in all seasons, especially in the winter, spring, and fall.
Habitats: Desert, Stream or river
Know Before You Go
During the summer it is the last stop for tubers floating on the river and kayakers. Parking in the lot is extremely limited, but there are some overflow area nearby.
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, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Canyon Wren, Costa’s Hummingbird, Gilded Flicker, Harris’s Hawk, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Lucy’s Warbler, Pyrrhuloxia, Virginia’s Warbler, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Zone-tailed Hawk
Charismatic: American Kestrel, Anna’s Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Black-throated Sparrow, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Gambel’s Quail, Gila Woodpecker, Greater Roadrunner, Lesser Goldfinch, Lesser Nighthawk, Loggerhead Shrike, Phainopepla, Ruby-crowned Kinglet , Summer Tanager, Verdin, Vermilion Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, White-winged Dove
Contact Information
Tonto National Forest - Mesa Ranger District
US Forest Service
5140 E Ingram St
Mesa, Arizona 85205
Phone: 480-610-3300
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/null/recarea?recid=35395&actid=43
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L300609
Additional Resources:
Birding Granite Reef
