If you typically visit the zoo to see bats in Arizona, there’s a much more spectacular (not to mention free!) solution. Hiding beneath a Phoenix flood control tunnel is a massive colony of over 5,000 Mexican free-tailed bats who make a grand emergence nightly.

Very few people are aware that Arizona is home to 28 bat species, and even fewer know a population of about 5,000 lives under a flood control tunnel in Phoenix.
Google/Casey Smith
Although their emergence from beneath the bridge is usually confined to summertime, unseasonably warm temperatures have extended the spectacle a tad longer this year.
During the day, this is the last place one would assume houses a massive bat colony.
Google/Jeremy Peraza
A quick look inside, however, reveals thousands of them sleeping soundly to re-energize for a grand entrance once night falls.
Most people head out just before sunset to catch a glimpse of the picturesque scene.
Google/Eric Larkey
Because of this, you'll want to arrive early to snag a front row seat to all the action.

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You'll first hear the rhythmic flutter of wings, starting slow but quickly building into a powerful cacophony.
YouTube/Tom Polakis
Not long afterwards, the creatures will make themselves known and blanket the sky in darkness.
Here is a helpful illustration showing how exactly you can access the tunnel.
Google/Jon Harris
Feel free to save, print, or simply pull it up on your phone prior to making the trip.
Don't wait too long - the swarm will start tapering off any day now. Going a full year without seeing such an incredible phenomenon would be almost criminal.
YouTube/Tom Polakis
Address: 3698-3694 East Colter Street, Phoenix, AZ 85018.
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Check out this YouTube video to watch the bats in action:

Have you ever been to the Phoenix Bat Cave? If so, let us know your thoughts about the spectacle! Check out our previous article for more underground caverns to explore: Going Into These 7 Caves In Arizona Is Like Entering Another World.

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3698-3694 E Colter St, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA