Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area

About Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area

Bonita Creek offers some of the most outstanding birding opportunities in southeastern Arizona. There are over 200 species of birds within the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area. Optimum viewing season is spring and summer. This viewing deck offers a unique view at treetop levels on the rim of Bonita Creek. The deck is the only fully accessible year-round viewing area in southeast Arizona and Riverview Campground is within walking distance.Visit recreation sites within or nearby the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area:Riverview CampgroundOwl Creek CampgroundDry Canyon Picnic AreaSpring Canyon Picnic AreaLee Trail Picnic AreaSerna Cabin Picnic Area & Historical SiteSafford-Morenci TrailFlying W Group Day Use AreaCanyon Overlook Picnic AreaGila River Boat Put-InOld Safford Bridge Picnic Area

How to Get There

The Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area is located 20 miles northeast of Safford in Graham and Greenlee counties.From Safford to reach the west side, travel five miles east on U.S. Highway 70 to Solomon, AZ. At Solomon, turn left on the Sanchez Road and follow the road to the end of the pavement. From there, follow the signs to Bonita Creek and the lower end of the Gila Box. To reach the east side from Safford, take Highway 70 east 10 miles to its junction with U.S. Highway 191. Turn left and follow Highway 191 about 29 miles to milepost 160, which is four miles south of Clifton, AZ. Turn left onto the signed Black Hills Back Country Byway, and follow the road four miles to the conservation area.

Plan Your Visit to Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area

Heading to Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)