Willcox Lakes
Willcox’s Twin Lakes are a hot spot for migrating and wintering birds in the northern Sulphur Springs Valley. In summer and early fall, Lake Cochise, the larger of the two lakes, is a great spot to observe migrating shorebirds. In winter the same lake hosts many ducks, as does the smaller lake next to the golf course. The sites also hosts thousands of Sandhill Cranes in the winter months. Lake Cochise can be birder from the unpaved road that goes around the entire lake. The surrounding desert grassland provides the chance for Northern Harrier and many sparrows in winter.
Designated site of Arizona Important Bird Areas Program,
Site Information
Region: Tucson and Southern
County: Cochise
Directions: Turn right at the green and white Twin Lakes Golf Course sign off Route 186 and proceed to Lake Cochise, at the end of the road. To get to the smaller pond, turn right at the cattle guard that is just past the golf course entrance.
Latitude: 32.233848
Longitude: -109.824789
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: July - September for shorebirds, October - March for waterfowl and Sandhill Crane
Habitats: Grassland, Lake or Pond
Know Before You Go
Road around Lake Cochise is very slippery when wet.
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: Mexican Duck, Pyrrhuloxia, Scaled Quail
Charismatic: Curve-billed Thrasher, Vermilion Flycatcher
Contact Information
City of Wilcox
S. Rex Allen Jr. Dr.
Willcox, AZ 85643
Phone: 520-384-4271
Website: https://willcox.az.gov/
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L266875
Additional Resources:
Arizona Important Bird Areas Program
Wings Over Willcox Birding Festival
Apache Station Wildlife Viewing Area
Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area
