Tavasci Marsh
One of northern Arizona’s largest freshwater marshes away from the Colorado River with
a variety of diverse habitat, birds and wildlife, this site is an oasis and simply lovely spot to
view birds, relax and reflect. A benefit of the marsh are two routes in, each offering
unique views, habitat and birds. From Tuzigoot National Monument the trail winds
through desert scrub, Mesquite Bosque, large Cottonwoods skirting the marsh and
eventually lands you to the Tavasci Marsh sign where everything transforms into a lush,
green wonderland. From Dead Horse State Park, the trail offers great overlooks of the
Verde River as it too winds through similar habitat to the Marsh. When you reach the trail
where railroad ties border the trail, look to the right at the skeleton of what is purported to
be one of the oldest Cottonwoods that grew in Arizona. End of trails will be a nice
observation deck, benches with spectacular views of the marsh, Mingus Mountains,
Jerome and Tuzigoot National Monument. Behind you will be tall limestone cliffs home to
wrens and soaring raptors.
Site Information
Region: North Central
County: Yavapai
Directions: The web page will have site linked to Google maps. However sometimes extra info can be helpful. Add 2-3 sentences of brief directions to the site. Point out anything that might not be so obvious to a visitor. From Tuzigoot National Monument take the trail from the Visitor Center briefly to a large dirt road heading down - follow this trail as it loops around the marsh to a bridge where you will go left. From Dead Horse State Park, take a left on Flycatcher Road where it dead ends. Park here and hike the dirt road heading north.
Latitude: 34.772131
Longitude: -112.022744
Operational Hours:
Admission or Fees: Free admission. However, if you choose to access through Dead Horse Ranch State Park, a park fee of $7.50 will be charged.
Best time to visit: Spring, as usual, is optimal, but Winter and migration are excellent as well. A nice spot during Summer months once you reach the Marsh where it can be cool with shade
Habitats: Desert, Marsh or Wetland, Lake or Pond, Stream or river
Know Before You Go
From the Monument, the trail is over 2 miles to the Marsh; from Dead Horse State Park it is about 1 mile During wet months, the last segment of the trail nearing observation deck could be wet and muddy
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: Bendire’s Thrasher, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Common Black Hawk, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Woodhouse’s Scrub-jay
Charismatic: American Kestrel, Anna’s Hummingbird, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Summer Tanager
Contact Information
Tuzigoot National Monument
National Park Service
25 Tuzigoot Rd
Clarkdale, AZ 86324
Phone: 928-634-5564
Website: https://www.nps.gov/tuzi/index.htm
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L302351
Additional Resources:
Arizona Watchable Wildlife Experience (AWWE) Tour
