Robbins Butte Wildlife Area
This 1,681-acre wildlife area includes a diversity of habitats due to the proximity to the Gila River. It draws large populations of resident and migratory wildlife. From the top of Robbins Butte, one can see a broad overview of the Gila River corridor and adjacent desert regions. Robbins Butte is farmed to provide food crops for doves and other migratory birds as well as a variety of species like javelina, mule deer and rabbits. Bird diversity and abundance increase dramatically during the winter, with the Gila River Christmas Bird Count regularly exceeding 140 species.
Site Information
Region: Phoenix and Central
County: Maricopa
Directions: Take I-10 to exit 112, go south on SR 85 for 6 miles. Turn west at milepost 147 to enter to the wildlife area. Follow the dirt road, stay to the right along the fields.
Latitude: 33.315944
Longitude: -112.642778
Operational Hours:
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: Fall, Winter, Spring
Habitats: Agriculture or Cropland, Desert, Marsh or Wetland, Lake or Pond
Know Before You Go
There is vehicle access and dirt farm roads. No facilities on 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: Abert’s Towhee, Gilded Flicker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Lucy’s Warbler, Sage Thrasher, Sagebrush Sparrow
Charismatic: American Kestrel, Anna’s Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Gambel’s Quail, Gila Woodpecker, Greater Roadrunner, Lesser Goldfinch, Lesser Nighthawk, Loggerhead Shrike, Phainopepla, Ruby-crowned Kinglet , Verdin
Contact Information
Arizona Game and Fish Department
5000 W Carefree Highway
Phoenix, AZ 85086
Phone: 602-942-3000
Website: https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/viewing/wheretogo/robbins/
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L383794
Additional Resources:
Extensive areas adjacent to the river are broad, almost impenetrable thickets of deciduous tamarisk (or salt cedar) variously interspersed with native willows, cottonwoods, and mesquites. Every decade or so the Gila River overflows. Here there are large mesquites, blue palo verde, and gray thorn bushes.
