Wildlife Watching

Flagstaff is home to many wild characters, but some of the most interesting ones are out in the mountains, forests, and lakes that surround this area.

Northern Arizona’s diverse terrain makes it ideal for a wide variety of wildlife. While you’re out on the hundreds of trails in and around Flagstaff, don’t be surprised if you encounter elk, mule deer or coyotes. When hiking in the backcountry, you might be lucky enough to spot a porcupine, badger, pronghorn, black bear or mountain lion. Those that prefer their wildlife sightings in the air will delight in the birdwatching opportunities, with bald eagles, northern goshawks, Mexican spotted owls, Peregrine falcons, wild turkeys and several species of neotropical migratory birds making their way through Flagstaff. For optimal wildlife watching, remember to stick to the sidelines and let the animals be themselves. For information on the watchable wildlife of northern Arizona, visit the Arizona Fish and Game Department at azgfd.gov.

WILDLIFE WATCHING IN ARIZONA

Did you know wildlife viewing contributes on average more than $1.4 billion annually to Arizona and its communities? Wildlife viewing also helps conservation efforts by heightening public awareness of the value of wildlife and habitat as irreplaceable assets. Thank you for your support of wildlife viewing and its unforgettable impact on both Arizona and its citizens. To access more wildlife viewing activities, including photography tours, events, online lectures and live wildlife cams, click here!

The Arboretum at Flagstaff

Although The Arboretum at Flagstaff specializes in increasing the understanding, appreciation and conservation of plants native to the Colorado Plateau, our beautiful 200-acre property consists of gardens, greenhouses, wetlands, and woodland trails that are home to numerous kinds of wildlife. Our 750 species of plants create habitat for more than 150 species of birds, 23 mammals, reptiles and pollinators including over 20 varieties of native butterflies. While leisurely strolling through our grounds, visitors regularly encounter hummingbirds, Abert’s squirrels, and a herd of antelope in our meadow. You can also learn more about the animals that call this region home, through our interpretive signage, signing up for a guided bird walk or attending our once a month raptor shows put on by the International Raptor & Falconry Center. For visitor information, fees and calendar of events, please see our website at www.thearb.org.

Wildlife Audio Guides

Listen in to the most detailed and comprehensive information on wildlife watching in the Flagstaff area. Over the last 7-8 years Diane Hope and her co-script writer and narrator Rose Houk have made a series of guides with detailed information on wildlife watching. The guides go into detail on over 20 sites in and around town including: Francis Short Pond, Picture Canyon, Mount Elden trails, Mormon Lake loop drive and Raymond Wildlife Area. Learn More

Wildlife Watching Pack Rentals at Peace Surplus

Pack includes: High Sierra day bag, binoculars, first aid kit, Arizona Watchable Wildlife Experience brochure map, Coconino National Forest map, motor vehicle use map, and memo notebook and pen, and books on "Scats & Tracks", "Reptiles and Amphibians", "Guide to Mammals", and "Birds of Arizona". Learn more

Conserve & Protect Flagstaff Wildlife Watching Map

Mother Road Brewing Co. Partnered with Arizona Game and Fish Department on Conserve and Protect Golden Ale

A portion of the proceeds from the sales of Conserve and Protect Golden Ale was donated to AZGFD to support its critical on-the-ground conservation work.

Donations raised from the first round have gone to support two important wildlife conservation projects in Arizona: surveying Sonoran desert tortoises and endangered Mount Graham red squirrels. The project wrapped up in 2023. Read more