Wenima Wildlife Area
Wenima Wildlife Area is a 355-acres area acquired by Arizona Game and Fish for the water rights and to protect endangered fish. There is good birding here due to the variety of vegetation and the riparian area. Junipers and grasses cover the canyon sides. Walnut trees, wild rose, wild grape, and numerous shrubs grow at the canyon/field edges.
Archery hunting in season is allowed on the property. Arizona Game and Fish Department introduced California Quail here and they have successfully reproduced. They can occasionally be seen and heard along with occasional Montezuma Quail.
Site Information
Region: Northern
County: Apache
Directions: Located in east-central Arizona, approximately three miles northwest of the towns of Springerville and Eagar. Take U.S. Highway 60 a couple miles west going out of Springerville. At the junction of U.S. Highways 60 and 180/191, go a quarter mile north on Highway 180/191 and look to turn right onto a graded dirt road going northeast. After 1.5 miles, the graded road drops a short distance into the Little Colorado River canyon corridor.
Latitude: 34.1873
Longitude: -109.3045
Operational Hours: Open all year, dawn til dusk
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: Year-round, but best in spring, summer, and fall.
Habitats: Grassland, Marsh or Wetland, Pinyon-juniper Forest, Stream or river
Know Before You Go
Archery hunting in season is allowed on the property. The short drop of the gravel road to the river is a narrow curve without guard rails and many recommend a 4-wheel-drive vehicle.
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: Canyon Wren, Montezuma’s Quail, Sage Thrasher, Virginia’s Warbler, Woodhouse’s Scrub-jay
Charismatic: American Kestrel, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Lesser Goldfinch, Loggerhead Shrike, Phainopepla, Ruby-crowned Kinglet , Western Kingbird, White-winged Dove, Yellow-headed Blackbird
Contact Information
Region 1 - Pinetop
Arizona Game and Fish Department
2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.
Pinetop, AZ 85935
Phone: 928 367-4281
Website: https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/viewing/wheretogo/wenima/
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L362009
Additional Resources:
Map of the area
