Most People Don’t Realize These 9 Hauntingly Beautiful Wetlands Even Exist In Arizona

If you’re new to Arizona, you might be looking at that title and wondering if wetlands actually do exist in our state. The answer is yes! Some are restored areas where they naturally occurred before dams were built and others are completely human-made. They may not quite be the massive, swampy areas you’ll find in other areas of the country but these wetlands are beautiful and attract plenty of wildlife. Let’s take a look!

Arizona Traveler/Flickr

Located near Parker on Arizona’s "West Coast," this national wildlife refuge serves as a wildlife corridor and resting area. In addition to watching the abundant wildlife residing here, you can walk a few short trails, kayak, and even do some morning fishing with the birds.

Details: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Jason Crotty/Flickr

This wildlife refuge is located 1.5 hours south of Tucson and just a short drive from the U.S.-Mexico border. Secluded and quiet, the refuge shows off stunning desert scenery as well as wetlands you can explore while trekking along a boardwalk.

Details: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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Bureau of Reclamation/Flickr

Access to this wildlife refuge is on the California side of the Colorado River and this place is perfect to visit in the winter months. You’ll get to enjoy several trails of varying lengths where you can watch the birds and other wildlife in the lake, river, or marsh.

Details: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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Arizona Traveler/Flickr

Another wildlife refuge on the Colorado River, this marshy landscape has some stunning views and plenty to see and do. In the winter, you’ll encounter hundreds of birds resting in the waters while you canoe, fish, or shoot photos of the wildlife here.

Details: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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Located just south of Cibola National Wildlife Refuge, this refuge is home to miles of unchanneled river which creates a beautiful oasis for animals and humans. You will enjoy a day of fishing, boating, or walking the nature trails to explore more of this refuge.

Details: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Photo courtesy Las Lagunas de Anza

This Nogales treasure has been a labor of love in restoration over the past decade. With federal grants and support from the community, this wetland is now a restful habitat for thousands of migrating birds and hosts nature trails and a garden.

Details: Las Lagunas de Anza
Address: 966 West Country Club Drive, Nogales

Martin Ely/Flickr

This riparian preserve sits in the middle of Gilbert, making this suburb a little more enticing for visitors and families. In addition to walking 4.5 miles of trails to spot wildlife, you can also visit the local observatory for astronomical events!

Details: Town of Gilbert
Location: 2757 East Guadalupe Road, Gilbert

Sonny Cohen/Flickr

Located in Tucson’s northern neighborhoods, this park is a water treatment facility but doubles as a wetland for birds migrating through Tucson’s desert environment. Enjoy a morning of wandering the 60 acres or occasional birding adventures with the Tucson Audubon Society.

Details: City of Tucson
Location: 2551 West Sweetwater Drive, Tucson

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Joyce cory/Flickr

The Salt River used to flow freely and the 700 acres of this wetland gives a preview of what this area once looked like before Phoenix began to grow. It’s the perfect place to observe a variety of birds, enjoy a quiet bike ride, or even fishing but you will need to obtain a permit prior to visiting.

Details: City of Phoenix
Location: Google Maps

If you want to see spot wildlife in other river areas of the state, you will enjoy reading about the Salt River horses in The Breathtaking Place In Arizona Where You Can Watch Wild Horses Roam.